Writing and Literature: English
Brian Clements, Chair
ClementsB@wcsu.edu
Higgins Hall 219B, Midtown campus
(203) 887-8876
Krista Brooks, Department Secretary
BrooksK@wcsu.edu
Higgins Hall, 201, Midtown campus
(203) 837-9041
Fax (203) 837-3953
Faculty
| H. Levy | S. Qi | |
Overview
Courses in the Department of English prepare students for success in a wide variety of careers. In literature, authors examine the challenges of human existence, and readers participate by discussing and writing about what makes texts and their ideas important and pertinent to new generations. We consider the English degree to be the “degree for life” because English courses develop three skills needed in any field:
- The ability to read analytically
- The ability to think critically
- The ability to write clearly
These skills are developed by close reading of literary texts and by exploring their personal and historical contexts. The English degree prepares students to enter fields where knowledge of texts, critical thinking, and written and oral communication are vital.
Mission
The English department at Western Connecticut State University seeks to promote the university’s mission by providing students with a high-quality education in English language and literature. We are committed to developing students’ powers of critical thinking, analysis, and writing as well as knowledge of important texts, contexts, traditions, and modern developments. We believe students who complete any of the department’s programs will be prepared to compete vigorously in the global marketplace and to pursue a variety of career paths or to seek further education.
As a department, our goals are to:
- develop and maintain a solid curriculum in language and literature that stimulates student curiosity, rewards critical engagement, and is central to a valuable liberal arts education;
- emphasize critical reading and writing as an integral component of success in our program, our university, and beyond;
- build a community of scholars, professionals, and life-long learners and help initiate students in the profession(s) through regular events, faculty-student collaborative projects, and opportunities to tutor and to assist in the teaching of language and literature courses in the department;
- encourage and support research, scholarship, and professional achievement that advance the field of study and enhance the programs and visibility of the university at large;
- encourage interdisciplinary and interdepartmental initiatives to augment the intellectual vitality of the department and of the university and to help students develop an integrated approach to learning; and
- serve the community through event programming and collaborative projects and to serve as a resource to local schools and other public institutions.
Alpha Lambda Epsilon
The department sponsors Alpha Lambda Epsilon, a local chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society. Sigma Tau Delta’s central purpose is to confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate and professional studies. Candidates for undergraduate membership must have completed at least three semesters of college work and a minimum of two college courses in English language or literature beyond the usual requirements in freshman English. Members must also have a minimum 3.0 grade point average in English and rank at least in the highest 35 percent of their class in general scholarship. Students may contact the department chair for more information on becoming a member of Alpha Lambda Epsilon.
Learning Outcomes:
At the successful completion of this program, student will be able to:
- Demonstrate familiarity with representative literary texts;
- Read, interpret, and analyze literary texts with in their proper historical, cultural as well as literary contexts;
- Conduct research into both primary and secondary sources on topics concerning authors, texts, and issues;
- Develop original positions/theses on authors, texts, and issues using both primary and secondary sources;
- Pursue and present their original positions/theses cogently in effective, polished prose with proper documentation using the MLA Style of citation.
Degree Programs in English
Bachelor of Arts
English
Bachelor of Science
English: Secondary Certification
Minors
English
American Literature
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH (B.A.)
Description: The study of English prepares students for success in a wide variety of careers. In literature, authors examine the challenges of human existence, and readers participate by discussing and writing about what makes texts and their ideas important and pertinent to new generations. We consider the English degree to be the “degree for life” because English courses develop three skills needed in any field:
- The ability to read analytically
- The ability to think critically
- The ability to write clearly
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 48 SH.
| ENG 130W English Seminar (IL, W2) | 3 SH |
| ENG 209 American Literature to 1865 (CT) | 3 SH |
| ENG 210 American Literature from 1865 (CT) | 3 SH |
| ENG 211 English Literature to 1798 (CT) | 3 SH |
| ENG 212 English Literature from 1798 (CT) | 3 SH |
| ENG 213 Classics of Western Literature (CT) | 3 SH |
| ENG 307W Shakespeare I OR ENG 308W Shakespeare II (W2) | 3 SH |
| ENG 315 Critical Theory | 3 SH |
| ENG 470 Senior Seminar (CE, W3) | 3 SH |
| Required Major Electives as follows: | |
| One 200-level literature course | 3 SH |
| Three 300-level literature courses | 9 SH |
| Three 400-level literature courses (not ENG 402 Teaching Literature in Schools) | 9 SH |
| Minimum GPA for the BA in English = 2.0 overall. | |
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2021/academic-programs-degrees/
Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the general education breadth requirement. If cognate courses are required, they are included in the list of courses required in the major.
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BA English
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| First Year Navigation (FY) | 1-3 | ENG 130W English Seminar (IL, W2) | 3 |
| ENG 209 American Lit to 1865 (CT) | 3 | ENG 210 American Lit from 1865 (CT RPT 1) | 3 |
| WRT 101 Composition I (W1) | 3 | Gen Ed: Breadth Elective | 3 |
| MAT 100 Intermediate Math OR Gen Ed: Quantitative Reasoning (QR) | 3-4 | Gen Ed: Quantitative Reasoning (QR) OR Gen Ed: Breadth Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Intercultural Competency (IC)* | 3 | Gen Ed: Intercultural Competency (IC, RPT 2)* | 3 |
| Free Elective (Only if FY is 1 SH) | 3 | ||
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| ENG 211 English Lit to 1798 (CT) | 3 | ENG 212 Eng. Lit from 1798 (CT) | 3 |
| ENG 213 Classics of Western Lit (CT) | 3 | ENG 200 Level Lit Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Breadth Elective | 3 | Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI) | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Breadth Elective | 3 | Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW) | 2 |
| Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP) OR Oral Communication (OC) | 3 | Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP) OR Oral Communication (OC) | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 | SH |
| ENG 315 Critical Theory | 3 | ENG 300 Level Lit Elective | 3 |
| ENG 307W Shakespeare I (W2) OR ENG 308W Shakespeare II |
3 | ENG 300 Level Lit Elective | 3 |
| ENG 300 Level Lit Elective | 3 | Gen Ed: Breadth Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Breadth (RPT 3) | 3 | Gen Ed: Breadth Elective | |
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 | ||
| 400 Level Major Elective | 3 | ENG 470 Senior Seminar (CE, W3) | 3 |
| 400 Level Major Elective | 3 | 400 Level Lit Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Total Credits Required for the BA in English = 120; Minimum GPA in 2.0 | |||
*All Bachelor of Arts degrees at WCSU require that students complete a language at or above the elementary II level. Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a minimum of a C average in high school have met this requirement. However, they must still complete at least one Intercultural Competency course.
Course Restrictions
For a complete list of prerequisites, corequisites and other restrictions for all courses, please consult the Course Description section of this catalog.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SECONDARY EDUCATION – ENGLISH (B.S.)
Description: This degree provides students with the breadth of knowledge of literature, writing, and modes of inquiry in the humanities, so that students have the foundational knowledge they need to educate others.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 42 SH, Certification 35 SH
| ENG 130W English Seminar (IL, W2) | 3 SH |
| ENG 209 American Literature to 1865 (CT) | 3 SH |
| ENG 210 American Literature from 1865 (CT) | 3 SH |
| ENG 211 English Literature to 1798 (CT) | 3 SH |
| ENG 212 English Literature from 1798 (CT) | 3 SH |
| ENG 213 Classics of Western Literature (CT) | 3 SH |
| ENG 276 English Language Skills | 3 SH |
| ENG 307W Shakespeare I OR ENG 308W Shakespeare II (W2) | 3 SH |
| ENG 315 Critical Theory | 3 SH |
| WRT 347 Teaching Writing in the Schools | 3 SH |
| ENG 402 Teaching Literature in the Schools | 3 SH |
| ENG 470 Senior Seminar (CE, W3) | 3 SH |
| Required Major Electives as follows: | |
| One 300-level literature course | 3 SH |
| One 400-level literature course (not ENG 402 Teaching Literature in Schools) | 3 SH |
| Cognates | |
| Gen Ed: Creative Process must be taken in the fine arts | 3 SH |
| Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry must be a lab science | 4 SH |
| Gen Ed: Quantitative Reasoning must be in Math | 3 SH |
| HIS 148 or 149 American History | 3 SH |
| Certification Requirements | |
| ED 206 Introduction to Education (IL, OC) | 3 SH |
| ED 212 Educational Psychology: Childhood & Adolescence II (W2) | 3 SH |
| HPX 215 Health Issues in Schools | 3 SH |
| EPY 405 Intro to Special Education | 3 SH |
| ED 385 Methods of Teaching in Secondary Schools co-req ED 386 | 3 SH |
| ED 386 Secondary Education Professional Dev. Experience co-req ED 385 | 1 SH |
| ED 440 Integrating Language | 3 SH |
| ED 447 Teaching in Secondary Schools | 3 SH |
| ED 340 Assessment of Teaching Strategies (W3) | 1 SH |
| ED 342 Student Teaching Secondary Education (Grade 7-12) (CE) | 12 SH |
| Minimum GPA for the BS in Education: English = 3.0 overall. | |
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2021/academic-programs-degrees/
Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the general education breadth requirement. If cognate courses are required, they are included in the list of courses required in the major.
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS Secondary Education: English
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| ED 102 FY for Secondary Ed (FY) | 1 | ENG 130W English Seminar (IL, W2) | 3 |
| ENG 209 American Lit to 1865 (CT) | 3 | ENG 210 American Lit from 1865 (CT RPT 1) | 3 |
| WRT 101 Composition I (W1) | 3 | Creative Process-Fine Arts (CP) | 3 |
| MAT 100 Intermediate Math OR Gen Ed: Quantitative Reasoning | 3-4 | Gen Ed: Quantitative Reasoning (QR) OR Gen Ed: Breadth Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Intercultural Competency* (IC) | 3 | Gen Ed: Intercultural Competency (IC RPT 2) | 3 |
| HIS 148/149 American History (CT) | 3 | ||
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| ENG 211 English Lit to 1798 (CT) | 3 | ENG 212 Eng. Lit from 1798 (CT) | 3 |
| ENG 213 Classics of Western Lit (CT) | 3 | ENG 300 Level Lit Elective | 3 |
| ED 206 Intro to Education (IL, OC RPT 3) | 3 | ED 212 Ed PSY: Child & Adol. II (W2) | 3 |
| HPX 215 Health Issues in Schools | 3 | Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI) | 4 |
| Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP) OR Oral Communication (OC) | 3 | ENG 276 English Language Skills | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 | SH |
| ENG 315 Critical Theory | 3 | ENG 400 Elective | 3 |
| ENG 307W Shakespeare I (W2) OR ENG 308W Shakespeare II |
3 | ENG 470 Senior Seminar (CE, W3) | 3 |
| WRT 347W Teaching Writ in Schools | 3 | Gen Ed: Health & Wellness (HW) | 2 |
| ENG 402 Teaching Lit in Schools | 3 | Free Electives | 9 |
| Free electives | 3 | ||
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 | ||
| EPY 405 Intro to Special Education | 3 | ED 340 Assessment of Teaching Strategies (W3) | 1 SH |
| ED 440 Integrating Language | 3 | ED 342 Student Teaching Secondary Education (Grade 7-12) (CE) | 12 SH |
| ED 447 Teaching in Secondary Schools | 3 | ||
| ED 385 Methods of Teaching (7-12) | 3 | ||
| ED 386 Sec. Ed. Prof. Dev. Exp. | 1 | ||
| Total Credits Required for the BA in English = 120; Minimum GPA in 2.0 | |||
*The BS Secondary Ed: requires that students complete a language at or above the elementary II level. Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a minimum of a C average in high school have met this requirement. However, they must still complete at least one Intercultural Competency course.
Minor in English (18 Semester Hours)
Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.
Required Courses:
ENG 130W English Seminar
Two 200-level English courses
Two 300-level English courses
One 400-level literature course
Minor in American Literature (18 Semester Hours)
Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.
Required Courses (3 SH):
ENG 130W English Seminar
Select Five (5) courses from the following list (15 SH):
ENG 209 American Literature to 1865
ENG 210 American Literature from 1865
ENG 214 African American Literature
ENG 217 American Dream: Visions & Revisions
ENG 348 Early American Literature
ENG 349 American Literature of Identity 1820-1920
Students may petition the Chair to apply the following courses to the minor when, in the Chair’s judgment, the topic is appropriate:
ENG 227 Topics in Ethnic and Minority Literature
ENG 414 Road Scholar
ENG 450 Studies in Major Authors
ENG 453 Special Topics in Literature