Writing and Literature
Dr. Oscar De Los Santos, Chair
delossantoso@wcsu.edu
HI 219E
(203) 837-9044
Krista Brooks, Department Secretary
BrooksK@wcsu.edu
Higgins Hall, 201, Midtown campus
(203) 837-9041
Fax (203) 837-3953
Faculty
| Dr. Brian Clements | Dr. Kelli Custer | Prof. Anthony D’Aries | |
| Dr. Oscar De Los Santos, chair | Prof. Bonnie Denmark | Dr. Edward Hagan | |
| Dr. Heather Levy | Dr. Shouhua Qi | Prof. John Roche | |
Overview
The Department of Writing and Literature offers Bachelor of Arts programs in Writing and English (including Creative Writing, Business and Technical Writing, and Journalism and Public Relations options), a Bachelor of Science program in Secondary English Education, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative and Professional Writing.
Our department is committed to enriching lives through the study of writing and literature; to exploring issues of justice, identity, and equity across our curricula; and to preparing students for writing, editing, publishing, and teaching careers.
Students in Writing and Literature have opportunities to enrich their learning experiences through two Honor Societies (Pi Epsilon Pi and Sigma Tau Delta), three magazines and a student-run newspaper (The Echo), internships and work experiences on and off campus, visiting writers and lecturers, and our innovative Writers’ Studio course sequence.
Mission of the Department
- Engage students in excellent and innovative programs, with emphasis on the writing process; writing as a key to critical thinking; the development of style and voice; attunement to genre, purpose, and audience; and the production of high-quality imaginative, critical, and factual texts.
- Lead WCSU in the development of community through writing and literature.
- Advise and consult with other departments to foster writing across the curriculum in the General Education sequence.
- Play a key role in General Education and thereby prepare students to integrate writing and critical thinking in their chosen fields and to exercise lifelong confidence as writers.
- Deliver one-to-one writing instruction to any student who seeks assistance in the Writing Center.
- Maintain, enhance, and develop innovative new programs and courses in writing, literature, publishing, and related fields.
- Train graduate students to teach writing in the classroom and undergraduate and graduate students to teach writing through service in the Writing Center.
- Create synergies among all levels of the department—from first-year writing through the MFA program—and with other departments and offices across the university.
- Immerse students in a wealth of literary programming, writing events, and learning opportunities in the region.
Learning Outcomes—BA Professional Writing
At the successful completion of the program, Writing Majors will:
- Demonstrate strong critical thinking skills through writing for a variety of audiences, purposes, and situations.
- Demonstrate an extensive ability to identify, assess, and perform in both academic and professional settings the types of writing for the chosen area of focus, such as creative writing, professional writing, and journalism.
- Demonstrate a working ability to identify and perform types of writing outside of the specific area of focus.
- Produce a senior portfolio that demonstrates an increasing level of professionalism in writing in terms of choice of topic, application of style, and ability to produce error-free texts.
Learning Outcomes—BA English and BS in Secondary English Education
At the successful completion of the program, English Majors will:
- Demonstrate familiarity with representative literary texts.
- Read, interpret, and analyze literary texts within their proper historical, cultural, and 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.
Pi Epsilon Pi
The Writing program in the Department of Writing and Literature sponsors the Connecticut Alpha Chapter of Pi Epsilon Pi, a national writing honor society. Students inducted into the chapter are among the university’s most successful and active students and are eligible for Departmental Distinction. All Writing major and minor students with at least Junior standing, at least two Writing courses completed beyond the W2 requirement, at least 24 credits earned at WCSU, GPA of at least 3.33 in Writing courses, and standing in the top 35% of their class are eligible for induction.
Sigma Tau Delta
The English program 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.
Degree Programs in Writing
The Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing in the Department of Writing and Literature prepares students for careers and advanced study in fields that include creative writing, technical writing, public relations, online and print journalism, and publishing, as well as writing-intensive professions such as the law, publishing, business, and education.
Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing with three options:
Business and Technical Writing
Creative Writing
Journalism and Public Relations
Minor Programs
Broadcast Journalism
Creative Writing
Journalism
Professional Writing
Sports Media
Degree Programs in English
Courses in 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.
Bachelor of Arts
English
Bachelor of Science
English: Secondary Certification
Minor Programs
English
American Literature
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PROFESSIONAL WRITING (B.A.)
Students must complete all general education requirements, the required major courses listed below, the courses and credits listed in one of the options below, and additional free electives for a total of 120 semester hours.
B.A. in Professional Writing – Business and Technical Writing Option (51 S.H)
Description: The Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing program prepares students for careers in fields that include creative writing, technical writing, public relations, online and print journalism, as well as writing intensive professions such as the law, publishing, business and education. Students may choose one of three B.A. degree options: 1. Creative Writing, 2. Business and Technical Writing, 3. Journalism and Public Relations.
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: 51 SH.
| Writing Core | |
| WRT 171 Conversations with Predecessors (CP) | 3 SH |
| WRT 172 Conversations with Contemporaries (CP) | 3 SH |
| WRT 274 Form and Inspiration (CP) | 3 SH |
| Writer’s Studio | |
| WRT 190 Writer’s Studio (FY) | 3 SH |
| WRT 290 Writers’ Studio II | 3 SH |
| WRT 390 Writer’s Studio III | 3 SH |
| Required Upper-Level Courses | |
| LNG 320 Modern English Grammar | 3 SH |
| WRT 442 Publication Design & Development | 3 SH |
| WRT 465 Thesis (W3) | 3 SH |
| Required WRT Electives: Two courses (6 SH) in WRT at 200 level or above. |
6 SH |
| Business and Technical Writing Option | |
| WRT 210W Managerial Writing (W2) | 3 SH |
| WRT 245W Technical Writing (W2) | 3 SH |
| Select four courses from the following: WRT 246 Science Writing (W2), WRT 247 Multimedia Writing, WRT 255 Advertising, Copywriting, and Promotion, WRT 270 Newswriting, WRT 321W Legal Writing, Research, and Analysis (W2), WRT 340W Public Relations Writing, Concepts, and Practices (W2), WRT 490 Practicum/Internship | 12 SH |
| Minimum GPA in major 2.5. | |
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 General Education requirements, which are indicated in the parentheses after the course titles. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2021/academic-programs-degrees/
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 Professional Writing: Business & Technical Writing Option
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| MAT 100 or Gen Ed: Quantitative Reasoning (QR) | 3 | WRT 171 Conversations with Predecessors (CP, Rpt. 1) | 3 |
| WRT 101 Composition I (W1) | 3 | WRT 103W Comp. II: Res & Writing (IL, W2) | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Critical Thinking (CT) | 3 | Gen Ed: Oral Communication (OC) | 3 |
| WRT 274 Form and Inspiration (CP) | 3 | LNG 320 Modern English Grammar | 3 |
| WRT 190 Writers’ Studio (FY) | 3 | Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI) | 4 |
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| WRT 172 Conversations with Contemporaries (CP) | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| WRT 210W Managerial Writing (W2) | 3 | WRT 245W Technical Writing (W2) | 3 |
| WRT 290 Writers’ Studio II | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Intercultural Competency (IC) | 3 | Gen Ed: Intercultural Competency (IC, Rpt. 2) | 2 |
| Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW) | 2 | Gen Ed: Repeat Competency | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 | SH |
| Free Elective | 3 | WRT Elective 1 | 3 |
| WRT 390 Writers’ Studio III | 3 | Business and Tech Writing Elective 2 | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | WRT 442 Publication Design & Development | 3 |
| Business and Tech Writing Elective 1 | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Semester 7 | SH | Semester 8 | SH |
| Business and Tech Writing Elective 3 | 3 | WRT 465 Senior Thesis (CE, W3) | 3 |
| WRT Elective 2 | 3 | Business and Tech Elective 4 | 3 |
| Free Electives | 9 | Free Electives | 9 |
| You must earn a 2.5 overall GPA or higher in Writing Major courses. | |||
| Total Credits Required for the BA in Communication = 120; Minimum GPA in major 2.5. | |||
*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, you must still complete at least one Intercultural Competency course.
B.A. in Professional Writing – Creative Writing Option (51 S.H.)
Description: The Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing program prepares students for careers in fields that include creative writing, technical writing, public relations, online and print journalism, as well as writing intensive professions such as the law, publishing, business and education. Students may choose one of three B.A. degree options: 1. Creative Writing, 2. Business and Technical Writing, 3. Journalism and Public Relations.
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: 51 SH.
| Writing Core | |
| WRT 171 Conversations with Predecessors (CP) | 3 SH |
| WRT 172 Conversations with Contemporaries (CP) | 3 SH |
| WRT 274 Form and Inspiration (CP) | 3 SH |
| Writer’s Studio | |
| WRT 190 Writer’s Studio (FY) | 3 SH |
| WRT 290 Writers’ Studio II | 3 SH |
| WRT 390 Writer’s Studio III | 3 SH |
| Required Upper-Level Courses | |
| LNG 320 Modern English Grammar | 3 SH |
| WRT 442 Publication Design & Development | 3 SH |
| WRT 465 Thesis (W3) | 3 SH |
| Required WRT Electives: Two (2) courses in WRT at 200 level or above. | 6 SH |
| Creative Writing Option | |
| Select six courses from the following: WRT 242 Poetry Workshop I, WRT 243 Fiction Workshop I, WRT/THR 244W Playwriting Workshop (CP), WRT 247 Multimedia Writing, WRT 261 Forms of Poetry, WRT 262 Forms of Fiction, WRT 271 Human Interest Writing, WRT 339 Creative Essay, WRT 342 Poetry Workshop II, WRT 343 Fiction Workshop II, WRT 346 Playwriting Workshop II, WRT 345 Writing Prose Poetry and Flash Fiction, WRT 373 Editing & Copyediting.
Note the following course prerequisites: Prerequisites for WRT 342 Poetry Workshop II are WRT 242 Poetry Workshop I and WRT 261 Forms of Poetry. Prerequisites for WRT 343 Fiction Workshop II are WRT 243 Fiction Workshop I and WRT 262 Forms of Fiction. |
18 SH |
| Minimum GPA in major 2.5. | |
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 General Education requirements, which are indicated in the parentheses after the course titles. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2021/academic-programs-degrees/
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 Professional Writing: Creative Writing Option
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| MAT 100 or Gen Ed: Quantitative Reasoning (QR) | 3 | WRT 171 Conversations with Predecessors (CP, Rpt. 1) | 3 |
| WRT 101 Composition I (W1) | 3 | WRT 103W Comp. II: Res & Writing (IL, W2) | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Critical Thinking (CT) | 3 | Gen Ed: Oral Communication (OC) | 3 |
| WRT 274 Form and Inspiration (CP) | 3 | LNG 320 Modern English Grammar | 3 |
| WRT 190 Writers’ Studio (FY) | 3 | Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI) | 4 |
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| WRT 172 Conversations with Contemporaries (CP) | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | Creative Writing Elective 2 | 3 |
| Creative Writing Elective 1 | 3 | Gen Ed: Intercultural Competency (IC, Rpt. 2) | 3 |
| WRT 290 Writers’ Studio II | 3 | Gen Ed: Health & Wellness (HW) | 2 |
| Gen Ed: Intercultural Competency (IC) | 3 | Gen Ed: Repeat Competency | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 | SH |
| Gen Ed: Breadth | 3 | WRT 442 Publication Design & Development | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | Creative Writing Elective 4 | 3 |
| WRT 390 Writers’ Studio III | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| WRT Elective 1 | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Creative Writing Elective 3 | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Semester 7 | SH | Semester 8 | SH |
| Creative Writing Elective 5 | 3 | WRT 465 Senior Thesis (CE, W3) | 3 |
| WRT Elective 2 | 3 | Creative Writing Course | 3 |
| Free Electives | 9 | Free Electives | 9 |
| Total Credits Required for the BA in Professional Writing = 120 Minimum GPA in major 2.5. |
|||
*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, you must still complete at least one Intercultural Competency course.
B.A. in Professional Writing – Journalism & Public Relations Option (51 S.H.)
Description: The Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing program prepares students for careers in fields that include creative writing, technical writing, public relations, online and print journalism, as well as writing intensive professions such as the law, publishing, business and education. Students may choose one of three B.A. degree options: 1. Creative Writing, 2. Business and Technical Writing, 3. Journalism and Public Relations.
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: 51 SH.
| Writing Core | |
| WRT 171 Conversations with Predecessors (CP) | 3 SH |
| WRT 172 Conversations with Contemporaries (CP) | 3 SH |
| WRT 274 Form and Inspiration (CP) | 3 SH |
| Writer’s Studio | |
| WRT 190 Writer’s Studio (FY) | 3 SH |
| WRT 290 Writers’ Studio II | 3 SH |
| WRT 390 Writer’s Studio III | 3 SH |
| Required Upper-Level Courses | |
| LNG 320 Modern English Grammar | 3 SH |
| WRT 442 Publication Design & Development | 3 SH |
| WRT 465 Thesis (W3) | 3 SH |
| Required WRT Electives:
Two (2) courses in WRT at 200 level or above. |
6 SH |
| Journalism and Public Relations Option | |
| WRT 270 News Writing | 3 SH |
| WRT 340W Public Relations Writing, Concepts and Practice | 3 SH |
| WRT 373 Editing and Copyediting | 3 SH |
| Select three (3) courses from the following: WRT 247 Multimedia Writing, WRT 255 Advertising, Copywriting, and Promotion, WRT 271 Human Interest Writing, WRT 279 Sports Writing, JLA/WRT 321W Legal Writing, Research, and Analysis (W2), WRT 335W Fact-Based Opinion Writing (W2), WRT 338 Writing about Specialized Subjects, WRT 375 Book, Performance, and Restaurant Reviewing, WRT 490 Practicum/Internship, COM 230 History of Mass Media, COM 243 Broadcast Writing | 9 SH |
| Minimum GPA in major 2.5. | |
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 General Education requirements, which are indicated in the parentheses after the course titles. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2021/academic-programs-degrees/
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 Professional Writing: Journalism & Public Relations Option
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| MAT 100 or Gen Ed: Quantitative Reasoning (QR) | 3 | WRT 171 Conversations with Predecessors (CP, Rpt. 1) | 3 |
| WRT 101 Composition I (W1) | 3 | Gen Ed: Oral Communication (OC) | 3 |
| WRT 274 Form and Inspiration (CP) | 3 | WRT 103W Comp II: Res & Writing (IL, W2) | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Critical Thinking (CT) | 3 | LNG 320 Modern English Grammar | 3 |
| WRT 190 Writers’ Studio (FY) | 3 | Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI) | 4 |
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| WRT 172 Conversations with Contemporaries (CP) | 3 | Journalism/PR Elective 1 | 3 |
| WRT 270 News Writing | 3 | WRT Elective 1 | 3 |
| WRT 290 Writers’ Studio II | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Intercultural Competency (IC) | 3 | Gen Ed: Intercultural Competency (IC, Rpt. 2) | 2 |
| Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW) | 2 | Gen Ed: Repeat Competency | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 | SH |
| Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 3 | 3 | WRT 340W Public Relations Writing, Concepts, and Practice (W2) | 3 |
| WRT 373 Editing and Copyediting | 3 | Journalism/PR Elective 2 | 3 |
| WRT 390 Writers’ Studio III | 3 | WRT 442 Publications Design & Development | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Semester 7 | SH | Semester 8 | SH |
| Journalism/PR Elective 3 | 3 | WRT 465 Senior Thesis (CE, W3) | 3 |
| WRT Elective 2 | 3 | Free Electives | 12 |
| Free Electives | 9 | ||
| Total Credits Required for the BA in Professional Writing = 120 Minimum GPA in major 2.5. |
|||
*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, you must still complete at least one Intercultural Competency course.
Minors in Professional Writing
Minor in Broadcast Journalism (18 S.H.)
Required Communication course (3 SH):
COM 146: Basic Video Production
Two (2) classes selected from the following list (6 SH):
COM 243: Broadcast Writing
COM 246: Intermediate Video Production
COM 247: Live News & Election Coverage
COM 252: Media Performance Techniques (prereq. THR 181)
COM 270: Fundamentals of Radio Broadcasting
COM 442: Communication Law
Required Writing course (3 SH):
WRT 270: News Writing
Plus two (2) classes selected from the following list (6 SH):
WRT 279: Sports Writing
WRT 335W: Fact-Based Opinion Writing
WRT 338: Writing about Specialized Subjects
WRT 375: Book, Performance, and Restaurant Reviewing
WRT 490: Internship/Practicum in Writing
Minor in Creative Writing (18 S.H.)
Required Course (3 SH):
WRT 242: Poetry Workshop I (CP) OR WRT 243: Fiction Workshop I (CP)
Plus any five (5) courses from among the following (15 SH):
WRT 242 Poetry Workshop I
WRT 243 Fiction Workshop I
WRT/THR 244 Playwriting Workshop
WRT 274 Form and Inspiration
WRT 275 Topics in Professional Writing
WRT 339 The Creative Essay
WRT 342 Poetry Workshop II
WRT 343 Fiction Workshop II
WRT/THR 346 Advanced Playwriting Workshop
WRT 371W Writing the Weird: Conspiracy Theories
WRT 377W The Writing Life
COM 242 Scriptwriting
Note: In order to take WRT 342 Poetry Workshop II, the student must first take WRT 242 Poetry Workshop I and WRT 261 Forms of Poetry. In order to take WRT 343 Fiction Workshop II, the student must first take WRT 243 Fiction Workshop I and WRT 262 Forms of Fiction.
Required course (3 SH):
WRT 270: News Writing
Plus any five (5) courses from among the following (15 SH):
WRT 255: Advertising, Copywriting, and Promotion
WRT 271: Human Interest Writing
JLA/WRT 321W: Legal Writing, Research, and Analysis (W2)
WRT 335W: Fact-Based Opinion Writing
WRT 338: Writing about Specialized Subjects
WRT 340W: Public Relations Writing
COM 230: History of Mass Media
COM 243: Broadcast Writing
Minor in Professional Writing (18 S.H.)
Required courses (6 SH):
WRT 210W Managerial Writing (W2)
WRT 245W Technical Writing (W2)
Plus any two (2) of the following Creative Writing courses (6 SH):
WRT 242: Poetry Workshop I (CP)
WRT 243: Fiction Workshop I (CP)
WRT/THR 244: Playwriting Workshop (CP)
WRT 342: Poetry Workshop II
WRT 343: Fiction Workshop II
Plus any two (2) of the following Journalism/Public Relations courses (6 SH):
WRT 255: Advertising, Copywriting, and Promotion
WRT 270: News Writing
JLA/WRT 321W: Legal Writing, Research, and Analysis (W2)
WRT 338: Writing about Specialized Subjects
WRT 340W: Public Relations Writing, Concepts and Practices
Note: In order to take WRT 342 Poetry Workshop II, the student must first take WRT 242 Poetry Workshop I and WRT 261 Forms of Poetry. In order to take WRT 343 Fiction Workshop II, the student must first take WRT 243 Fiction Workshop I and WRT 262 Forms of Fiction.
Minor in Sports Media (18 S.H.)
Required Courses (9 SH):
COM 146 Basic Video
WRT 270 News Writing
WRT 279 Sports Writing
Plus three (3) courses selected from the following (9 SH):
CS 110 Website Production
DIMA 100 Introduction to Digital Interactive Media
COM 243 Broadcast Writing
WRT 247 Multimedia Writing
COM 252 Media Performance Techniques
COM 270 Fundamentals of Radio Broadcasting
Sports Writing Internship
Other courses by advisement
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH (B.A.)
Description: The study of literature 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, to think critically, and to write clearly.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH), including 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 |
| Students must earn a C (2.0) or better in all communication courses in the major. | |
| 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 General Education requirements, which are indicated in the parentheses after the course titles. 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(P) 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 |
| Free Elective (Only if FY is 1 SH) | 3 | ||
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| ENG 211 English Lit to 1798 (CT) | 3 | ENG 211 Eng. List from 1798 (CT) | 3 |
| ENG 213 Classics of Western Lit (CT) | 3 | ENG 200 Level Lit Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Breadth Elective | 4 | Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI) | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Rpt. Competency 3 | 2 | Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW) | 3 |
| 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) | 3 | ENG 300 Level Lit Elective | 3 |
| ENG 300 Level Elective | 3 | Gen Ed: Breadth Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Breadth (RPT 3) | 3 | Gen Ed: Breadth | |
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Semester 7 | SH | Semester 8 | SH |
| 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), including 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 courses | 3 SH |
| One 400-level literature courses (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 | Fine Arts (CP) | 3 |
| MAT 100(P) 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) | 3 |
| HIS 148/149 American History (CT) | 3 | ||
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| ENG 211 English Lit to 1798 (CT) | 3 | ENG 211 Eng. List 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) | 3 | EPY 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 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 | SH |
| ENG 315 Critical Theory | 3 | ENG 400 Elective | 3 |
| ENG 307W Shakespeare I (W2) | 3 | ENG 470 Senior Seminar (CE, W3) | 3 |
| WRT 347 Teaching Writ in Schools | 3 | Gen Ed: Health & Wellness | 2 |
| ENG 402 Teaching Lit in Schools | 3 | Free Electives | 9 |
| Free electives | 3 | ||
| Semester 7 | SH | Semester 8 | SH |
| EPY 405 Intro to Special Education | 3 | ED 340 Assessment of Teaching Strategies (W3) | 1 |
| ED 440 Integrating Language | 3 | ED 342 Student Teaching Secondary Education (Grade 7-12) (CE) | 12 |
| 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.
Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.
Required Courses:
ENG 130W English Seminar
Two (2) 200-level English courses
Two (2) 300-level English courses
One (1) 400-level literature course
Minor in American Literature (18 SH)
Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.
Required Courses:
ENG 130W English Seminar
Two (2) 200-level Courses in American Literature (ENG 209 American Literature to 1865, ENG 210 American Literature from 1865, and/or ENG 214 African American Literature)
Two (2) 300-level Courses in American Literature (ENG 348 Early American Literature, ENG 349 American Literature of Identity 1820-1920)
One (1) 400-level Courses in American Literature (ENG 413 Genre Study, ENG 450 Studies in Major Authors, ENG 453 Special Topics in Literature)