English Language & Literature
Why study English language & literature at CMU?
Students in the English program will hone their English and writing skills, as well as experience a deeper appreciation for literature in preparation for a variety of careers including teaching, writing, and more. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- Writing opportunities with many on-campus student publications such as Central Review
- The CMU Writing Center assists writers in developing writing strategies and skills
- Instructional Materials Center offers contemporary children's literature and teaching materials
- Access to a collection of more than 7,000 old and rare children's books in the Lucile Clarke Memorial Children's Library
- Small classes with respected faculty members, many of whom have published articles and books
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Job opportunities for teachers over the next 10 years will vary from good to excellent, depending on the locality, grade level, and subject taught.
- Jobs for librarians in nontraditional settings will grow the fastest, such as in private corporations, nonprofit organizations, and consulting firms.
- Online publications and services are growing in number and sophistication, spurring the demand for writers and editors, especially those with Web experience.
- Most jobs in the writing and editing field require a college degree in communications, journalism, or English, although a degree in a technical subject may be useful for technical-writing positions.
Career options
Graduates of the English program at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Copywriter
- Editor
- Editorial Researcher
- Journalist
- Librarian
- Literary Scholar
- Manuscript Reviewer
- Public Relations Specialist
- Teacher (K-12 or postsecondary)
- Writer
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
English Major: General Concentration
( Total: 39 semester hours
One of the courses chosen from Literature or the linguistics courses in the Core must cover a literary period prior to 1800. )
(9 hours)
Core Courses I
3
ENG 234 Introduction to Literary Analysis
3
ENG 349 Shakespeare
3
ENG 460 Senior Seminar: Current Issues in English
(3 hours)
Core Courses II
AND one of the following:
3
ENG 175 The Nature of Language
3
ENG 271 Modern Grammar
3
ENG 375 Introduction to Linguistics
3
ENG 379 History and Development of the English Language
3
ENG 545 Chaucer
3
ENG 570 Old English
(3 hours)
Core Courses III
Select one of the following:
3
ENG 251 American Literature: Colonial Through the Romantic Period
3
ENG 252 American Literature: Realistic Period to the Present.
(3 hours)
Core Courses IV
Select one of the following:
3
ENG 235 English Literature: Beginning to Romantic Period
3
ENG 236 English Literature: Romantic Period to Present
(3 hours)
Core Courses V
Select one of the following:
3
ENG 261 Masterpieces of Ancient Literature
3
ENG 262 Masterpieces of European Literature
General Statements
General statements that apply to English majors and minors:
1. The number of hours in special topics electives may not exceed six hours for English majors and three hours for English minors. Correspondence credit and independent study in English are restricted to nine hours for the major and six hours for the minor.
2. The department supports the concept of advanced placement as well as exemption from required courses and credit earned through approved university examination programs.
3. Eng 070 to ENG 100, ENG 101, ELI 198, ELI 199, ENG 103/099 and ENG 201 do not apply on a major or minor.
4. English education majors and minors must present a minimal cumulative GPA 2.7 in all English course work for departmental approval for directed teaching and for teaching certification. All required course work must be completed before directed teaching, and all professional courses must be graded C+ or better.
(3 hours)
Required Courses I
Select one of the following:
3
ENG 321 20th Century British and American Poetry
3
ENG 332 Contemporary Literature and Thought
3
ENG 336 Early Modern English Literature
3
ENG 339 Victorian Literature and Thought
3
ENG 340 Modern British Literature
3
ENG 351 American Literature: Colonial and Early National Periods
3
ENG 352 American Literature: Romantic Period
3
ENG 353 American Literature: Realistic Period
3
ENG 354 American Literature: Modern Period
3
ENG 362 Literature of the Medieval World
3
ENG 439 English Romantic Poetry and Prose
3
ENG 441 Contemporary English Prose
3
ENG 454 Contemporary American Prose
3
ENG 455 The American Novel
3
ENG 561 European Romanticism
(3 hours)
Required Courses II
Select one of the following:
3
ENG 334 Literary and Cultural Theory
3
ENG 345 Studies in Authors
3
ENG 435 Studies in Texts
(12 hours)
Electives
Select 12 hours of ENG courses.