An introductory survey of English literature from the medieval period to the early eighteenth century.

An introduction to the field of literary studies in English. Students will build foundational knowledge of the history of literary studies in English; continue to implement specific skills of writing, research, and citation that are essential to literary study; and evaluate and apply a variety of critical and theoretical approaches to literary texts.

A seminar in the techniques of imaginative writing and in the development of a critical appreciation of the art of writing in its varied forms. This course focuses on formal verse poetry, the longer short story and the novel, plus full-length dramatic works.

A seminar in the techniques of imaginative writing and in the development of a critical appreciation of the art of writing in its varied forms. This course focuses on free verse poetry, flash fiction, the short story, and short dramatic works.

Practical study and guided research in writing tutoring and English language pedagogy. Students will investigate complex academic writing techniques and learn to apply them in professional contexts.

An advanced study of poetry and drama with the purpose of cultivating skills in literary interpretation, scholarly research, textual analysis, and academic writing and documentation. Students will focus on the distinctive conventions of the genres of poetry and drama in order to interpret these works critically while interacting thoughtfully with themes presented therein. Students will continue to develop their academic prose, with attention to advanced grammar, diction, phrasing, organization, and argument-building in the genre of the essay.

An introductory study of fiction with the purpose of cultivating skills in literary interpretation, scholarly research, textual analysis, and academic writing and documentation. Students will focus on the distinctive conventions of fiction in order to interpret these works critically, while interacting thoughtfully with themes presented therein. Students will continue to develop their academic prose, with attention to improving foundational grammar, diction, phrasing, organization, and argument-building in the genre of the essay.

An introductory study of world literature in English, composed in a variety of cultures, to cultivate skills in literary interpretation, scholarly research, textual analysis, and academic writing and documentation. Students will focus on the conventions of poetry and prose in order to interpret these works critically while interacting thoughtfully with themes presented therein. Students will continue to develop their academic prose, with attention to improving foundational grammar, diction, phrasing, organization, and argument-building in the genre of the essay.

This course guides students through the writing and research tasks of the university classroom in order to equip them with confidence and the ability to write in a variety of academic genres, including the research paper. Students expand critical thinking skills through reading and writing cognitively complex arguments while also exploring academic voice, style, and vocabulary.

Students are required to complete a thesis (6 sem. hrs.) that passes an examiner external to the University with expertise in the particular area of the thesis. The thesis must be defended orally before an examination committee. This is the second phase of the thesis project. Students may choose their area of research with help from the program director and other faculty. This choice may occur at any time after their first semester in the program.