English Course Descriptions

ENGL - 190. Survey of British Literature and Methods (4)

Intensive reading and analysis of fiction, poetry, and drama in the British tradition from the medieval period to the present. Introduction to the great themes and movements in British literary history; acquisition of a basic vocabulary for literary analysis in the context of practical criticism. Offered every semester.

ENGL - 191. Survey of American Literature and Methods (4)

Intensive reading and analysis of fiction, poetry, and drama in the American tradition from the colonial period to the present. Introduction to the great themes and movements in American literary history; acquisition of a basic vocabulary for literary analysis in the context of practical criticism. Offered every semester.

ENGL - 192. Introduction to Literary Study (4)

An introduction to literary study, focusing on poetry, drama and fiction. Students will learn basic literary terms and practice textual analysis through writing and discussion. Emphasis will be on the formal features of literary works, as well as on the cultural and historical contexts that inform them. English majors only. Offered every semester.

ENGL - 195. Freshman Seminar (4)

An interesting introduction to a topic in the field of English. Offered Fall to incoming Freshmen.

ENGL - 198. Ignatian Laboratory Course (1-4)

Laboratory course in magazine editing and production that uses the Ignatian Literary Magazine as its vehicle. Offered every year.

ENGL - 202. Great Works of Western Literature (4)

This course is an exploration of literature from the Western tradition. It will help in the development of critical and analytical thinking and writing skills as students peruse the authors of classical or timeless works.

ENGL - 203. African American Literature Survey I (4)

The purpose of this course is to explore the major developments, themes, and works of African American literature from its eighteenth century beginnings to the dawning of the twentieth century. Beginning with an exploration of early eighteenth century African American song, sermon, speech and poetry, the course moves forward through the nineteenth century abolitionist and women's movement to the period of Reconstruction, featuring both major and minor writers.

ENGL - 204. African American Literature Survey II (4)

This course is the second half of the introductory survey of the literature of African Americans. Starting in 1915 at the beginning of the Harlem Renaissance, the course moves forward through the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s to the Women's Movement of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, featuring both major and minor writers.

ENGL - 205. Native American Literature Survey (4)

An introduction to American Indian experiences and cultures from the perspective of oral, written, and visual texts produced by Native North American Indians. The course will focus on various texts representative of emerging Native American literary and cinematic traditions beginning with early oral and ethnographic texts, culminating with a concentration on contemporary American Indian prose, poetry, and film.

ENGL - 206. Tales and Transformations (4)

Stories of transformation and metamorphosis have captivated cultures and writers for centuries. In this course, students read, think about and interpret both kinds of transformations: the changes that happen in stories, and the literary changes that happen to stories. Through reading and discussion, students practice written literary analysis and acquire familiarity with such literary matters as plot and character development, connotative and figural language, and the basic elements of poetry.

ENGL - 207. Major American Novelists (4)

Introductory survey of some landmark fiction written in the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. Likely authors include Hawthorne, Twain, Chopin, Wharton, Faulkner and Fitzgerald. The course will explore and analyze the development and the continuities and discontinuities of the American novel.

ENGL - 208. Survey of Women's Literature I (4)

This course studies the traditions of literature by women to the early nineteenth century. Through readings of poems, short fiction, novels, and non-fiction prose, the courses explores how women from diverse ethnic, racial, religious, and class background articulated the female experience. Special attention is paid to women's understanding and representation of creative authority as well as to the historical, cultural, and literary contexts in which writing by women is produced.

ENGL - 209. Survey of Women's Literature II (4)

This course examines a diverse body of works from the 19th and 20th centuries. We will read novels, poetry, plays, short stories, and essays with a particular focus on how women writers break and restructure traditional genre forms.

ENGL - 210. Shakespeare: An Introduction (4)

This class studies seven of Shakespeare's plays, the Early Modern period, and Shakespeare's relationship to this period. The course examines the literary, historical, social and cultural influences on Shakespeare's plays along with the moral judgments Shakespeare leads his readers to formulate on disparate topics.

ENGL - 211. Asian American Literature Survey (4)

This course introduces students to Asian American experiences through writings and films by Asians in America (including Chinese, Filipino/a, Japanese, Korean, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Islanders--both immigrants and U.S.-born), from the late nineteenth century to the present day. Students analyze the evolution of Asian American consciousness expressed through their writings, raising historical and political issues such as acculturation processes, intergroup relations, media representation, race, culture, gender, sexuality, identity and Third World politics.

ENGL - 212. Introduction to Chicano/a Literature Survey (4)

This course introduces Chicano/a and Latino/a literary and cultural production in its various genres, including poetry, novels, short stories, plays, essay writing, performance and film.

ENGL - 217. Eastern European Literature (4)

This class explores the place of writers and writing in Eastern European culture, concentrating on central Europe from World War II through contemporary post-Communism. We will focus both on analysis of literary texts and on the intersection of literature and politics.

ENGL - 220. Creative Writing for Non-English Majors (4)

In Creative Writing, students will be required to read and respond to (in writing and discussion) various short stories and poems, by both published and student writers, and to produce a portfolio of new and original fiction and poetry, including some revision.

ENGL - 230. Literature, Gender & Sexualities (4)

Through an exploration of ways that authors have written about gender and sexualities and have gendered and sexualized their writing, students will learn that gender and sexuality operate as analytic categories which inform not only the representation of characters and behaviors, but also textuality itself: the construction of plots, the mobility of syntax, tropes, and schemas, and the designs of language on the reader.

ENGL - 235. Literature and the Environment (4)

A survey of poetry, fiction and nonfiction across centuries and cultures. We will examine the philosophies that underpin ideas of nature, culture and "the wild"; and examine the nature and place of creative literature in addressing environmental issues. Cross Listed With: ENVA - 235

ENGL - 250. Introduction to Creative Writing (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191. An introduction to the Writing Emphasis, this course explores the art of writing poetry and short fiction. Students will be required to read and respond to various assigned writings in order to further develop their critical skills; to become familiar with a diverse selection of writing styles, techniques, and forms; and to prepare for the student workshop. At the end of the semester, each student will hand in a portfolio of original and revised writings. Offered every semester.

ENGL - 260. Writing Seminar I (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191. An introduction to the Writing Emphasis, this course introduces students to the various genres of writing required in the major. It also lays the groundwork and prepares students for future academic and professional expectations by means of the close study and practice of writing. Students will read and write essays, literary criticism, cultural criticism, fiction and poetry. Topic focus changes annually. Offered every Spring.

ENGL - 310. Literature Period Courses: 1100-1700 (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191. Reading and discussion of major literary works from the Medieval period through the Renaissance, including those in the popular tradition. Topic changes regularly. Offered every semester.

ENGL - 311. Writing Faith: Exploring Poetics and the Politics of Spirituality in Medieval Literature (4)

This course will explore the social, spiritual, and aesthetic elements in Medieval writings that speak to the intellectual, moral, and spiritual responses of individual faith and society at large. Our readings will allow us to discuss how Medieval writers, especially women writers, express spirituality, hope, compassion, self-sacrifice, and justice. We will examine the elements of spirituality in the following general themes: mysticism, history, gender, and literary conventions. The course will end with explorations into the ways writers and filmmakers represent and appropriate Medieval faith in our contemporary world.

ENGL - 317. Eastern European Literature for Majors (4)

This class explores the place of writers and writing in Eastern European culture, concentrating on central Europe from World War II through contemporary post-Communism. We will focus both on analysis of literary texts and on the intersection of literature and politics.

ENGL - 320. Literature Period Courses: 1700-1900 (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191. Reading and discussion of major literary works of the eighteenth and nineteenth century, including those in the popular tradition. Topic changes regularly. Offered every semester.

ENGL - 330. Literature Period Courses: 1900-Present (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191. Reading and discussion of major literary works of the twentieth century, including those in the popular tradition. Topic changes regularly. Offered every semester.

ENGL - 335. Feminist Thought (4)

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. An introduction to a variety of feminist theories and approaches with emphasis on the arts, philosophy, politics, and media. Offered every Spring. Cross Listed With: MS - 335

ENGL - 340. Shakespeare (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191. Examination of principal plays in the light of recent and contemporary criticism. Offered every semester.

ENGL - 350. Rhetoric and Culture (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191 ; and either ENGL - 250 or ENGL - 260. An examination of the craft of writing as an artistic activity that links writers and readers with social issues and civic goals. Focusing on the confluence of rhetoric and semiotics, this class examines traditional notions of rhetoric and persuasion within a contemporary context. An advanced writing course, students research and write on issues of social and personal import in which they offer arguments into topics such as gender, law, race, environmental issues, popular culture, and other aspects of contemporary culture. Offered every Fall.

ENGL - 360. Studies in Non-Fiction (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191 ; and either ENGL - 250 or ENGL - 260. An in-depth study of literary prose from the dual perspectives of writer and critic. Students write essays, fiction, and literary criticism and analyze each of these forms in traditional classroom and workshop settings. The class looks at issues of prose from the inside out, focusing on issues of style, structure, usage, and revision. Typical writing assignments include fairy tales, short stories, personal essays, new journalism and cultural criticism. Students also work as editors, pouring over their own and others' manuscript with an eye on style and revision.

ENGL - 361. Studies in Fiction (4)

What makes literary fiction "fiction"? What makes it "literary"? Why do we read and write it? What are our expectations of it? In this course, we will focus on an exploration of the various technical, stylistic, aesthetic, ethical, and formal aspects of literary short fiction, novellas, and novels. Students wil read a diverse range of short and long fiction, which may include writings by Woolf, Duras, Doctorow, Wideman, Chekhov, Wharton, and Carver, and will respond to the writings both critically and creatively.

ENGL - 362. Studies in Poetry (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 or ENGL - 191 , and ENGL - 192. An introduction to Poetry as a Genre. Students will be required to read classic examples of narrative, dramatic and lyric poetry, as well as poems from the Romantic period to present day. This course examines the development of poetry and explores issues of rhetorical structures, closed and open forms, prosody, diction and audience. requirements will include writing assignments of both the creative and analytical varieties, as well as exams.

ENGL - 363. Studies in Drama (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 or ENGL - 191 , and ENGL - 192. A history of the development of Drama as a Genre, from antiquity to present day. Students will be required to read examples from a range of dramatic periods and styles, which might include Greek Tragedy, Elizabethan Comedy, French Farce, Restoration Comedy, Realistic Dramas, Social Dramas, Absurdist Theatre and Experimental Theatre. Requirements will include writing assignments of both the creative and analytical varieties, as well as exams.

ENGL - 370. Ethics, Writing, and Culture (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191 ; and either ENGL - 250 or ENGL - 260. This course focuses on the political and social questions surrounding writing and publishing. Students study issues of censorship, racism, sexism, and social responsibility both within the publishing world and recent literatures. The course looks at how novels, poems, essays, and columns have altered and influenced contemporary culture, exploring the responsibility of the writer to his or her audience.

ENGL - 390. Critical Analysis (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191. This course builds on the analytical and critical skills developed in English 190 and 191 through examination of the major methodologies of Twentieth Century literary theories. Offered every Fall.

ENGL - 398. Directed Reading and Research (1-4)

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and the dean. Offered every semester.

ENGL - 400. Special Topics in Writing (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191. Advanced seminar in writing that requires students to produce writing suitable for publication. A close attention will be paid to issues of style, rhetorical strategies and audience. Recent topics include Writing and Popular Culture, Gender and Sexuality and Writing and Social Change. Course may be taken more than once with a different topic.

ENGL - 401. African American Women Novelists (4)

This course explores the way in which African American women novelists have captured center stage of the American literary scene. Such writers as Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Gayl Jones, Toni Cade Bambara, Paule Marshall, Ntozake Shange, and Xam Cartier have given new life to the novel form by extending the limits of the English language, enriching it with black folk idioms, black myths, black history, and the rhythms of black music. With Zora Neale Hurston as their formother, they have shown, directly or indirectly, through their varied depictions of the inextricable relationship beween the black woman and her community that the black community's survival and growth rest largely on its acceptance, understanding, and appreciation of black female self-definition and empowerment.

ENGL - 405. Capstone Seminar; Asian American Studies (4)

Prerequisites: SOC - 228 and PHIL - 275. As the culmination of the certificate program in Asian American studies, this course requires students to integrate the content and models of core and elective courses into a coherent grid of analysis and agenda for social action. A primary component of this course will be service-learning activities in collaboration with local and regional Asian Pacific American community agencies. Students will be required to submit a capstone portfolio, including a thesis paper, at the end of the semester that integrates their service-learning experiences with their academic foundation. Offered Spring 2003.

ENGL - 410. Special Topics in Literature and Film (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191. A varying series of topics examined by means of critical theory and research methods. Offered every year.

ENGL - 450. Advanced Workshop in Creative Writing: Fiction (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191 ; and either ENGL - 250 or ENGL - 260. A workshop designed to give students a stronger understanding of fiction writing and revision processes. Exit requirement is a portfolio of new, original, and revised work.

ENGL - 460. Advanced Workshop in Creative Writing: Poetry (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191 ; and either ENGL - 250 or ENGL - 260. A workshop designed to give students a stronger understanding of poetry writing and revision processes. Exit requirement is a portfolio of new, original, and revised work.

ENGL - 470. Advanced Workshop in Creative Writing: Nonfiction (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191 ; and either ENGL - 250 or ENGL - 260. A workshop designed to give students a stronger understanding of nonfiction writing and revision processes. Exit requirement is a portfolio of new, original, and revised work. Offered once every three semesters.

ENGL - 480. Writing Internships (1-4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 and ENGL - 191 ; and either ENGL - 250 or ENGL - 260. Internships introduce and acclimate students to professional opportunities in writing. May be directed toward professional work or service. Offered every Spring.

ENGL - 490. Senior Seminar in Literature (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 , ENGL - 191 , ENGL - 340 , ENGL - 390 , and two period courses. A course which integrates the knowledge and skills derived from previous work in a significant research project. Work is submitted to both the instructor and an outside reader. Offered every Spring.

ENGL - 491. Senior Seminar in Writing (4)

Prerequisites: ENGL - 190 , ENGL - 191 , ENGL - 250 or ENGL - 260 , and two writing courses. A course which integrates the knowledge and skills derived from previous work in a significant creative writing portfolio or research project. Work is submitted to both the instructor of record and an outside reader. Offered every Spring.