English

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Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a major in English

(120 credit hours) Requirements are subject to change.

The English major is designed to increase students’ abilities in oral and written expression, to develop their proficiency in reading and analyzing literature, and to stimulate their appreciation, awareness, and understanding of the fundamental human problems and situations revealed in great literature. It also seeks to further develop their skills and techniques in the communicative arts. English majors select from one of two concentrations: Creative Writing or Professional Writing. English majors may also opt to seek licensure as a teacher of English at the secondary level or licensure as an elementary teacher. English majors, in consultation with their academic advisors, will be expected to work on campus publications and/or contribute writing to these publications. English majors must successfully complete the department’s writing portfolio requirement.

For more information about the English major, contact Dr. Alice Knox Eaton, chairperson of the Humanities Department, at (413) 748-3669 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Download an English Program Sequencing Guide

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

General Education Program (40 - 46 credits)

The General Education program at Springfield College is informed by its century-old Humanics tradition of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity. These requirements have the goal of developing literate, thoughtful, socially responsible students, and instilling in them a spirit of inquiry into the nature of humankind and the universe. Towards those ends, the requirements emphasize and encourage: the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and competency essential for the improvement of the human condition in a diverse society; a search for personal and spiritual values; and the development of an understanding and appreciation of physical well-being. For specific requirements, see the General Education Program section or the Sequencing Guide for this major.

II. Major Requirements

A. Core Requirements (39 credits)

Additional courses (18 credits):

Six ENGL courses at the 200 level or above, at least two of which must be at the 300 level.
English majors must also successfully complete the department’s writing portfolio requirement.

B. Concentration Requirements (Optional)

Select one of the following concentrations (optional):

Creative Writing (15 credits)

The concentration in Creative Writing is designed for those students who wish to express themselves in writing. Students who elect this concentration within the English major will have the opportunity to write in a variety of genres, including poetry, fiction, drama, and creative non-fiction. Students will draft, workshop, and revise a range of writing projects, all of which will help them see the world in new ways and help others to do so too.

Required courses (6 credits):

ENGL 226 - Creative Writing Credits: 3
ENGL 306 - Reading and Writing Poetry Credits: 3

Choose 9 credits from the following:

ENGL 235 - English Internship Credits: 1-6
No more than 3 credits of internship(s) may count toward the creative writing concentration.
ENGL 301 - Advanced Composition Credits: 3
ENGL 305 - Writing for the Professions Credits: 3
Genre courses, such as:
ENGL 225 - American Drama Credits: 3
ENGL 246 - American Short Story Credits: 3
ENGL 270 - Nature and Environmental Writers Credits: 3
ENGL 349 - Modern American Poetry Credits: 3
ENGL 350 - Modern American Novel Credits: 3

Professional Writing (15 credits)

The concentration in Professional Writing within the English major is designed for those students who wish to pursue an emphasis in professional writing to complement their degree in English. Students who pursue this course of study will have the opportunity to develop their writing abilities across a range of genres, including business writing, journalism, broadcast writing, sports writing, and creative writing. Students will draft a range of different writing projects for professional situations, all designed to help them adapt to the writing needs of various communities they encounter upon graduation, and help them to be better leaders in service to humanity.

Required courses (6 credits):

ENGL 301 - Advanced Composition Credits: 3
ENGL 305 - Writing for the Professions Credits: 3

Choose three courses from the following (9 credits):

COMM 120 - Introduction to Journalism Credits: 3
COMM 130 - Broadcast Writing Credits: 3
COMM 212 - Sports Writing Credits: 3
ENGL 234 - Student Newspaper Practicum Credits: 1
(must be taken for a minimum of three credits to meet program requirements)
ENGL 235 - English Internship Credits: 1-6
(must be taken for a minimum of three credits to meet program requirements)

(note: COMM courses do not fulfill requirements for the English major)

No more than 6 credits of practicum/internship(s) may count toward the professional writing concentration.

Academic Catalog

English

Download an English Program Sequencing Guide

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

General Education Program (40 - 46 credits)

II. Major Requirements

A. Core Requirements (39 credits)

Required courses (12 credits):

Choose one course from the following (3 credits):

Choose one course from the following (3 credits):

Choose one course from the following (3 credits):

Additional courses (18 credits):

Six ENGL courses at the 200 level or above, at least two of which must be at the 300 level.

B. Concentration Requirements (Optional)

Creative Writing (15 credits)

Required courses (6 credits):

Choose 9 credits from the following:

Professional Writing (15 credits)

Required courses (6 credits):

Choose three courses from the following (9 credits):

III. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)