English and Drama
Women's College
Overview
Major
Secondary Education Certification
Minor in English
Minor in Drama/Drama emphasis
Liberal Arts Major with English Track
Four-Year Plan
Course Descriptions
Margaret Ellen Mahoney, SSND, Ph.D., Chair
Kate Bossert, Ph.D.
William A. Davis Jr., Ph.D.
Jeana DelRosso, Ph.D.
Gene Farrington, Ph.D.
Shelley Puhak, M.F.A.
Marie Michelle Walsh, SSND, Ph.D.
The English department of the School of Arts and Sciences offers a major in English and minors in English and drama to students in the Women's College. Women's College students may also pursue a preparatory program for secondary certification in English. Students learn to respond to literature with critical thought, understanding, inquiry and imagination, sharing the many experiences recorded in literary works of all genres and periods. They also have an opportunity to develop their own literature through a strong writing program. Around the core of required English courses, each student can construct a program with an emphasis on either literature or writing, or a balance of both. Special features of the English department are opportunities in creative writing and drama.
The director of the Academic and Career Enrichment Center places English majors in elective internships in public relations firms, newspaper offices, schools, law firms and businesses requiring writing, editing and other English-related skills. These internships are available during the fall, spring, summer and Winterim terms.
Students regularly publish their creative work in outside publications. The department chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, The International Honor Society in English, plans theatre excursions, lectures, literature readings and service projects.
Graduates of the department have completed advanced degrees at institutions such as the Yale School of Drama, The Johns Hopkins University, the Catholic University of America, the University of Delaware, American University and the University of Pittsburgh. Graduates are employed by a diverse number of organizations such as The Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore County Public Schools, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Johns Hopkins University Press.
Students may fulfill the general education requirement for literature by taking any of the following literature (ENG) courses: 156, 204, 205, 212, 213, 215, 216, 220, 221, 222, 226, 230, 238, 240, 242, 243, 250, 251, 275, 309, 310, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 323, 324, 327, 328, 348, 350, 370, 405, 410, 411 and 412.
English courses that satisfy the general education requirement in cross-cultural studies are ENG-221, 222, 226, 251, 323, 327 and 410. English courses that satisfy the general education requirement in gender studies are ENG-243, 275, 318 and 412. Drama courses that satisfy the general education requirement in fine arts are DRM-240 and 245.
Students must earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in all courses taken to complete the requirements of the English major.
Programs of Study
Required Courses for a Major in English (42 Credits)
Creative Writing (one course) (3)
ENG-201 Techniques in the Writing of Verse
ENG-202 Techniques in the Writing of Short Fiction
ENG-203 Playwriting
ENG-207 Techniques in Writing Creative Nonfiction
American Literature (one course) (3)
ENG-215 American Literature in the 19th Century
ENG-216 American Literature in the 20th Century
ENG-223 Literary Research
ENG-224 Literary Perspectives I (British Literature to
1800)
ENG-244 Literary Perspectives II (British Literature in the 19th and
20th Centuries)
Shakespeare (one course) (3)
ENG-317 Shakespeare: Chronicles and Comedies
ENG-319 Shakespeare: Tragedies and Romances
ENG-327 Contemporary World Literature
ENG-452 Senior Seminar
ENG-453 Literary Interpretation
Five courses in English electives, at least two at the 300- or
400-level (15)
Students may choose DRM-240 and/or DRM-245 as their 200 electives
for either a major or minor in English.
Creative Writing Track (42 Credits)
Nine "core" courses as listed above (27)
Five additional courses in place of the five elective courses:
Second Techniques Course (choose one) (3)
ENG-201 Techniques in the Writing of Verse
ENG-202 Techniques in the Writing of Short Fiction
ENG-203 Playwriting
ENG-207 Techniques in Writing Creative Nonfiction
COM-101 Introduction to Media Writing
One workshop (choose one) (3)
ENG-302 Workshop in Creative Writing
COM-301 Feature Writing
COM-314 Reporting and Writing News
COM-362 Copy Editing
Upper-level genre course (choose one) (3)
ENG-355 Special Topics in Creative Writing
ENG-430 The Literary Essay
ENG-318 Modern and Contemporary Women Dramatists
ENG-320 Influence and Experiment in Modern Drama
ENG-405 Modernism in Fiction
Practicum (choose one) (3)
ENG-401 Writing Tutorial
IDS-361 Career Internship
Elective: One additional course from any of the four options
above (3)
Secondary Education Certification: Approved Program in English
Students who wish to prepare for teaching in secondary schools take the required courses for a major in English, including ENG-342. They also take the professional education courses offered by the education department. The education department requires that students also take English courses in which some adolescent, ethnic and non-Western literatures are taught. The education department recommends that students take courses in drama and film.
Minor in English
Students who desire a minor in English take six English courses beyond ENG-101. Three of the six courses must be at the 300- or 400-level.
Drama Emphasis or Minor
English majors who wish to complete a drama emphasis or minor take
the following seven courses:
DRM-240 Acting Techniques
DRM-245 Directing Techniques
DRM-320 Techniques in Theatre Practice
ENG-203 Playwriting
ENG-220 Introduction to Drama
ENG-318 Great Women Dramatists, or
ENG-320 Influence and Experiment in Modern Drama
DRM-320 Techniques in Theatre Practice (focus in stagecraft area)
Students also have the option of a student-designed drama major in conjunction with courses taken at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.
Liberal Arts Majors with English Track
Students who desire to major in liberal arts with a track in English may select any courses from English department offerings.
Four-Year Plan
Sample program of study for the English major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
See course descriptions for a list of required courses and description of course and program options.
Fall | Spring | ||
---|---|---|---|
First year | |||
ENG-101 College Writing | 3 | English elective | 3 |
ENG-215 or 216 | 3 | General Education/Electives | 12 |
General Education/Electives | 6 | [15 credits] | |
IDS-100 Perspectives in Education | 3 | ||
[15 credits] | |||
Second year | |||
ENG-224 Literary Perspectives I | 3 | ENG-223 Literary Research | 3 |
Creative Writing | 3 | ENG-244 Literary Perspectives II | 3 |
General Education/Electives | 9 | General Education/Electives | 9 |
[15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
Third year | |||
ENG-317 or ENG-319 Shakespeare | 3 | ENG-453 Literary Interpretation | 3 |
English Elective | 3 | ENG-327 Contemporary World Literature | 3 |
General Education/Electives | 9 | General Education/Electives | 9 |
[15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
Fourth year | |||
English elective (300/400-level) | 3 | ENG-452 Seminar | 3 |
English elective (300/400-level) | 3 | English elective (300/400-level) | 3 |
General Education/Electives | 9 | General Education/Electives | 9 |
[15 credits] | [15 credits] |
Course Descriptions
English courses
ENG-101 COLLEGE WRITING
Provides students with an understanding that clear thinking is
fundamental to clear writing. It also demonstrates every stage of
the composing process: generating and organizing ideas, prewriting
and drafting, critiquing, revising, final editing and proofreading.
In addition, students work to accomplish clarity, unity, coherence
and emphasis in sentences, in paragraphs, and in the overall
structure of an essay. They develop techniques of style and tone
toward more fluent and appealing prose and strive to sharpen their
analytical, critical and editing skills by interacting with other
students about their own writing and about the writing of
professionals. Students learn to use standard English and develop a
sensitivity to sentence structure and diction and to appreciate
effectively written prose and recognize characteristics that make
such prose effective. To fulfill the general education requirement
in composition a minimum grade of C is required. [3 credits]
ENG-156 AMERICAN LITERATURE IN THE 20TH CENTURY FOR SECOND
LANGUAGE STUDENTS
Examines representative works from the 20th century, including
Frost, Cather, Cummings and Kingston. Students will read these works
as examples of the major 20th century movements, such as Realism and
Modernism. Students will gain foundation experience in reading and
interpreting American literature. Fulfills general education
requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-201 TECHNIQUES IN THE WRITING OF VERSE
Reviews and practices fundamental techniques of writing poetry.
Provides experience with writing in a variety of verse forms and
styles, from traditional to contemporary, from lyrical writing to
free verse, and from metaphorical to fairly direct styles. Explores
the means through which written expression can be made more
emphatic, figurative, memorable and evocative. Course will be a
workshop experience. Students will complete a portfolio of work.
Prerequisite: ENG-101. [3 credits]
ENG-202 TECHNIQUES IN WRITING SHORT FICTION
Introduces a step-by-step approach to writing a short story.
Develops the techniques of writing fiction, including development of
theme, setting, plot and character, through the exploration of the
craft. Course will be a workshop experience. Students will complete
a portfolio of work. Prerequisite: ENG-101. [3 credits]
ENG-203 PLAYWRITING
Explores creative techniques and the craft of writing plays.
Requires students to present and rewrite work which is read, acted
out and discussed for dramaturgical effectiveness. Each student
writes a "10-minute" play and either a one-act play or the
equivalent portion of a full-length play. Staged reading, production
issues and submission of play manuscripts are covered. Extensive
review of work in progress by peers and instructor in workshop
setting. Prerequisite: ENG-101. [3 credits]
ENG-204 THE ESSAY AS LITERATURE
Studies nonfiction prose written as literature, including
nonfiction novels and stories, personal essays, humorous essays,
memoirs, travel and nature writing, and literary essays. Examines
the appeal, impact and style of essays written "to delight and
instruct." Provides opportunities for students to develop critical
and analytical skills as they respond to this literature. Fulfills
general education requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-205 SHORT FICTION
Examines the short story with emphasis on the elements of fiction,
focusing especially on plot, character, setting, point of view and
theme. Introduces students to stories by a variety of authors—traditional and contemporary, ethnic and mainstream, American and
international. Broadens analytical and critical ability through
guided discussion and short papers that respond to the literature.
Fulfills general education requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-207 TECHNIQUES IN WRITING CREATIVE NONFICTION
Combines the study and writing of various sub-genres of creative
nonfiction. Allows writers to explore a wide range of prose types,
from travel writing to memoirs to scientific exposition. Provides
students with the ability to apply the art and craft of writing to
different contexts according to their interests and future goals.
Students produce a portfolio of work. Prerequisite: ENG-101. [3
credits]
ENG-212 INTRODUCTION TO THE NOVEL
Explores the nature of the novel in relationship to movies, culture
and human experience, looking at forms of the novel such as action
and adventure, fantasy and science fiction, suspense, the historical
novel, the psychological novel, horror, romance, fables and realism.
Builds appreciation of the novel as art form as well as the
student's critical response to literature. Fulfills the general
education requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-213 CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN LITERATURE
Examines and interprets representative works from contemporary
authors. Analyzes and compares major movements such as Modernism and
Postmodernism. Assists students in building an informed critical
response to literature. Fulfills general education requirement in
literature. [3 credits]
ENG-215 AMERICAN LITERATURE IN THE 19TH CENTURY
Introduces and assists students in interpreting representative works
from major authors, including Hawthorne, Douglass, Thoreau and
Dickinson. Analyzes and compares major movements such as Romanticism
and Realism. Fulfills general education requirement in literature.
[3 credits]
ENG-216 AMERICAN LITERATURE IN THE 20TH CENTURY
Examines and interprets representative works from major authors
including Chopin, Faulkner, Williams and Morrison. Analyzes and
compares major movements such as Realism, Modernism and
Postmodernism. Provides students with a basic background in
contemporary literature. Fulfills general education requirement in
literature. [3 credits]
ENG-220 INTRODUCTION TO DRAMA
Studies drama as a genre to be read and performed, making much of
the course experiential. Texts span the centuries from the Greek
classical age to the 20th century, represent themes ranging from
intense tragedy to light comedy, and exemplify both traditional and
experimental forms rooted in different cultures. Fulfills general
education requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-221 GROWING UP IN LITERATURE
Examines the coming-of-age theme in literature. Readings include
some full-length novels and/or memoirs by American and international
writers, but most readings are short stories focused on children and
adolescents in international settings. Students relate the
coming-of-age theme to theories of professional psychologists. They
also study variations in the literary treatment of the theme and the
causes of these variations, especially the influence of familial,
social and cultural milieu. This course would be of particular
interest to prospective teachers. Fulfills general education
requirement in literature and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]
ENG-222 AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE
Examines form and style, issues of audience, and historical, social,
economic and racial issues and contexts in African American fiction,
poetry, autobiography and drama. Builds student ability to analyze
literature. Fulfills general education requirements in literature
and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]
ENG-223 LITERARY RESEARCH
Introduces students to the methods and processes of literary
research, bibliography and scholarly writing. Students identify and
use the latest Internet research tools along with other standard
sources in English and American literature and apply their skills to
selected literary texts. Provides students with instruction and
practice in identifying an original research project, finding and
incorporating literary criticism into their own writing, and
presenting their work to other students. Majors only. [3
credits]
ENG-224 LITERARY PERSPECTIVES I: BRITISH LITERATURE TO 1800
Covers a broad spectrum of literary developments from the Middle
Ages through the 18th century. Emphasizes major periods rather than
major writers. Traces pervasive themes and developments in genres
through British literature. By building a foundation in the
understanding of literary history, establishes a basis for later
in-depth study of individual periods. Please note: no first-semester
students. [3 credits]
ENG-226 AFRICAN LITERATURE
Examines fiction and drama of African writers from two perspectives:
the colonial writing of Conrad and Cary and the post-colonial
variant view of contemporary African writers from diverse cultures,
including Achebe, Soyinka, Gordimer and Okri. Fulfills general
education requirement in literature and cross-cultural studies. [3
credits]
ENG-230 GOTHIC FICTION
Examines the origins and conventions of the Gothic tradition in
literature and studies representative works by Mary Shelley, Charles
Brockden Brown, Emily Bronte, Edgar Allan Poe and others. Students
practice and refine the skills of interpretive reading, discussion
and writing as they address literary elements such as plot,
character, setting, point of view and theme. Fulfills general
education requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-238 DETECTIVE FICTION
Traces the history of the art of detective fiction from more
intellectual short stories of Poe and Doyle through the early
"hard-boiled" private eye fiction and the "cozies" of the 1930s and
1940s to the many varieties of today. Identifies adaptations of the
genre in pre-1950 radio broadcasts and later films and TV shows.
Through charts, short papers and presentations students analyze
artistry in plotting, characterization, formulaic devices, and
literary techniques of effective short stories and novels in
comparison with less well-constructed examples of the genre.
Fulfills general education requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-240 CONTEMPORARY IRISH LITERATURE
Analyzes recent fiction, poetry and drama by Ireland's living
writers, including Seamus Heaney, Brian Friel, William Trevor,
Martin McDonagh, Eavan Boland, Maeve Kelly and Patrick McCabe.
Explores the literature against the background of Irish social and
cultural issues, such as the question of Irish identity; Northern
Ireland's "troubles;" the relationship of South and North; and women
and gender issues. Fulfills general education requirement in
literature. [3 credits]
ENG-242 HUMOR: CELEBRATION AND SATIRE
Explores the social, political and cultural effects of humor,
distinguishing between the comedy of acceptance and judgmental
comedy. Reviews varieties of comedy ranging from jokes, insults and
other forms of popular culture to plays, movies and comic novels.
Fulfills general education requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-243 LITERATURE BY WOMEN
Requires students to analyze, interpret and write critically about a
select number of texts by and about women to investigate how women
represent ourselves. The course contributes to students' critical
skills by teaching them to read and write about literature, and it
introduces diversity into the curriculum by presenting authors who
are often omitted from the literary canon. Students will discuss
texts and question what we read, as well as write about the texts
with critical engagement. Fulfills general education requirement in
literature and gender studies. [3 credits]
ENG-244 LITERARY PERSPECTIVES II: BRITISH LITERATURE IN THE 19TH
AND 20TH CENTURIES
Traces pervasive themes, literary theories, and the development of
genres in English literature during the Romantic and Victorian
periods and in the 20th century. Interprets selected works of these
periods in the context of social, political, and literary history,
analyzing ways in which literature has been shaped by literary
movements and world events. Traces signs of modernism and
postmodernism as they are reflected in 20th century authors. [3
credits]
ENG-250 READING POETRY
Focuses on the basic poetic elements: speaker, theme, diction,
imagery, figures of speech, tone, patterns of sound and rhythm,
meter, rhyme and various poetic forms. Examines poems by a variety
of poets—traditional and contemporary, ethnic and mainstream,
American and international. Teaches students to analyze and scan
poems. Fulfills general education requirement in literature. [3
credits]
ENG-251 HONORS: ETHNIC AMERICAN LITERATURE
Studies works by writers of different ethnic groups in 20th-century
America, with emphasis on African-American, Asian-American, Jewish-American, Native-American and Latino/a writings. The course will
provide interdisciplinary approaches to literature; readings will
come from several literary genres, including novels, short stories
and poetry, but students will also read theory and criticism
relevant to recent work in ethnic studies. The course will teach
students to read and write about literature, and it will introduce
many of the important works of 20th-century American minority
literature. Prerequisite: Morrissy Scholar or permission. Fulfills
general education requirement in literature and cross-cultural
studies. [3 credits]
ENG-275 AMERICAN WOMEN WRITERS
Requires students to read, analyze, interpret and write critically
about a select number of texts by 20th-century American women
writers. Students will learn to enjoy and appreciate the literary
artistry of representative women writers; to identify common
concerns of women writers of the past century; to experience
vicariously the lives of diverse women and evaluate the social,
cultural, economic and political forces that shape those lives; to
recognize different approaches of women's portrayal of women; to
understand how American feminism has developed and how it is
manifested in these writings; and to develop their critical reading
and writing skills. Fulfills general education requirement in
literature and gender studies. [3 credits]
ENG-302 WORKSHOP IN CREATIVE WRITING
Provides advanced practice in the writing of poetry, fiction,
creative nonfiction or plays. Participants choose to work in the
craft of specific genres. Students share in reading and discussing
the submitted artifacts. Revision is emphasized as a significant
function of the creative process as students produce a portfolio of
work. Prerequisite: ENG-201, 202, 203 or 207, or presentation of a
suitable manuscript. [3 credits]
ENG-309 ENGLISH LITERATURE OF THE RENAISSANCE
Focuses on English literature in the 16th and 17th centuries, from
the beginning of the Tudor period in 1485 through the era of the
Commonwealth. Analyzes links between literature and life in Britain
during a time of cultural rebirth and political turmoil. Explores
non-Shakespearean drama, representative essays of the time, and
newly evolving Elizabethan fiction and Utopian fantasy. Compares
varied poetic techniques in epics of Spenser and Milton, in popular
ballads, and in the lyrics of the cavalier and metaphysical poets.
Fulfills general education requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-310 ENGLISH LITERATURE BEFORE 1485
Examines the roots of English literature from the fifth-century
Anglo-Saxon period through the Middle Ages to the beginning of the
Tudor reign in the 15th century. Traces images of the heroic life
from the folk-epic hero Beowulf through the evolution of Arthurian
traditions in the later Middle Ages. Explores other aspects of
medieval life through student-selected research projects on such
topics as illuminated manuscripts, medicine, archeology, history,
drama or whatever else appeals to individual students. Demonstrates
the relationship between modern English and Middle English through
oral reading and analysis of selected passages from Chaucer's
Canterbury Tales. Fulfills general education requirement in
literature. [3 credits]
ENG-313 HONORS: THOMAS HARDY: NOVELIST AND POET
Provides an in-depth study of English writer Thomas Hardy
(1840-1928). Hardy is known as a Victorian novelist and a modern
poet; his work thus crosses literary (generic) and historical
boundaries. Hardy wrote 14 novels, 50 short stories, roughly 1,000
poems, one epic drama, seven volumes of published letters, an
autobiography, and a number of essays on literary and sociological
topics. Students will read selected novels and poems as we trace
Hardy's career and examine literary topics such as serial
publication, the circulating library, and censorship, along with
themes such as the Victorian "Woman Question," the part-real,
part-invented land of Wessex, social class, law, and the "ache of
modernism" in his later novels. Students will engage in primary
(letters, notebooks, etc.) and secondary (critical) research as they
explore these and other topics in two research projects during the
semester. The course emphasizes the process of writing a research
paper. Prerequisite: Morrissy Scholar or permission. Fulfills
general education requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-314 NEOCLASSICAL ENGLISH LITERATURE
Discusses major writers, literary works and theories of the 18th
century in England, including representative works by Pope, Swift
and Johnson. Provides students with opportunities to study such
neoclassical concerns as the hierarchy of genres, public and private
writing, satire, reason and imagination as foundations of
literature, and the rise of the neoclassical as a literary genre.
Fulfills the general education requirement in literature. [3
credits]
ENG-315 ENGLISH LITERATURE: 19TH CENTURY
Examines selected works of major Romantic and Victorian authors in
the context of these two literary periods. Students will read
selections by Coleridge, Wordsworth, Keats, Browning, the Bronte
sisters and many others, and will examine 19th-century literary
theories and pervasive themes as these inform the poetry, nonfiction
prose and fiction of the period. Fulfills general education
requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-316 ENGLISH LITERATURE: 20TH CENTURY
Studies major writers and literary techniques and themes
characteristic of 20th-century Britain. The course examines
modernism and postmodernism and the way in which the literature has
been shaped by literary movements and world events. Students will
have the opportunity to read selected poems, novels, essays and
short plays by authors ranging from Hardy and Yeats to A. S. Byatt
and Iris Murdoch. Fulfills general education requirement in
literature. [3 credits]
ENG-317 SHAKESPEARE: CHRONICLES AND COMEDIES
Examines selected Shakespearean chronicles and comedies in light of
earlier drama which set patterns for Shakespeare and his
contemporaries. Explores ways in which Shakespeare's chronicle plays
portray British history and political theory during the Hundred
Years War and the Wars of the Roses. Demonstrates the range of
character development, comic techniques and vivid language in his
comedies. Provides opportunities for students to view major film
versions of the plays and to practice their own dramatic skills in
group presentations of selected scenes from the comedies. Fulfills
general education requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-318 GREAT WOMEN DRAMATISTS
Explores the development of the role of women on stage from Ibsen
and Shaw up through contemporary work by important women playwrights
such as Glaspell, Churchill, Duras, Fornes and others who have
impacted contemporary drama. As part of the course experience,
students attend local area productions. Fulfills general education
requirement in literature and gender studies. [3 credits]
ENG-319 SHAKESPEARE: TRAGEDIES AND ROMANCES
Examines selected Shakespearean plays. This study is preceded by an
overview of earlier drama that set patterns of tragedy and romance
that Shakespeare used and adapted. Provides opportunities for
students to view major film versions of the plays and to practice
their own dramatic skills in group presentations of selected scenes.
Fulfills general education requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-320 INFLUENCE AND EXPERIMENT IN MODERN DRAMA
Studies important theatre movements and innovative voices of 20th
century drama in the Western world. The development of contemporary
theatre is traced in the experimental work of Strindberg, Kaiser,
Apollinaire, Pirandello, Pinter, Brecht and Beckett, among others.
Students attend local area productions. Fulfills general education
requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-321 VOICES OF DISSENT AND AFFIRMATION IN 19TH CENTURY
AMERICAN LITERATURE
Examines and interprets representative works from major authors,
including Irving, Hawthorne, Emerson, Douglass and Twain. Analyzes
and compares major movements such as Romanticism, Realism and
Naturalism. Identifies, describes, compares and contrasts genres of
fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Fulfills general education
requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-323 MODERN IRISH LITERATURE
Examines the literature of the Irish Renaissance: the works of W. B.
Yeats, Lady Gregory, J. M. Synge, James Joyce, Sean O'Casey and
others. Explores the literature in the context of Irish myth and
legend, religious and political influences, nationalism and
revolution. Fulfills general education requirement in literature and
cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]
ENG-324 HONORS: THE IRISH "TROUBLES": LITERATURE, HISTORY &
FILM
Examines from a variety of perspectives the Irish "Troubles," that
is, the violent political conflicts between Irish and English in the
early 20th century and between Catholics and Protestants in Northern
Ireland in the late 20th century. Explores literary and cinematic
treatments of the conflict and compares them with historical
accounts in order to arrive at a better understanding of the
"Troubles." Students will discuss the treatment of the "Troubles" in
the plays of Sean O'Casey and Brian Friel, the poetry of W.B. Yeats
and Seamus Heaney, the fiction of Frank O'Connor, Liam O'Flaherty,
Eugene McCabe and others, and the memoir, Guerilla Days in Ireland
by Tom Barry. Students will also view several films, including
Michael Collins and Bloody Sunday. Prerequisite: Morrissy Scholar or
permission. Fulfills general education requirement in literature. [3
credits]
ENG-327 CONTEMPORARY WORLD LITERATURE
Introduces an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of
contemporary literatures from different cultures by presenting
authors who are often omitted from the literary canon. Students will
attain a global view of basic social issues as they are represented
in literature and will focus on the common elements of humanity as
well as on the differences across diverse cultures. The class will
examine the themes of hope and despair, peace and war, joy and
anguish, and the distances between these through fiction,
autobiography and essay. We will also examine the different cultural
perceptions of literature and its purposes. Fulfills general
education requirement in literature and cross-cultural studies. [3
credits]
ENG-328 THE LYRICAL AND GROTESQUE IN CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE
Explores the trend in contemporary literature to portray human
nature and the human condition as simultaneously lyrical and
grotesque, discussing novels, films, plays and stories that depict
people and events in both romanticized and monstrous terms. Provides
an intensive look at literary consciousness in the culture since the
1960s. Fulfills general education requirement in literature. [3
credits]
ENG-342 GENERAL LINGUISTICS
Introduces principles and terminology of language study. Examines
the three major branches of linguistics (phonology, grammar and
semantics) within a broad spectrum of comparative linguistics and
also with closer attention to developments within the English
language. Traces major historical developments in English. Analyzes
stages of language acquisition in children and provides students
preparing for teaching certification with practice in applying
theories of language structure to teaching writing skills within a
classroom setting. [3 credits]
ENG-348 GREAT ADVENTURES
Analyzes the nature of adventure and heroic ideals as portrayed in
literature and nonfiction. Compares the compelling, dangerous and
exciting world of adventure in history and everyday life, and
explores its emotional appeal, its implicit values and its role in
culture. The course will address such issues as the validity of the
heroic ideal, the place of ritual contest in culture, the
historicity of romance structure, its aristocratic dimensions, its
relevance to courtship rituals and gender roles and the positive
values it reflects. Fulfills general education requirement in
literature. [3 credits]
ENG-350 HONORS: THE LITERATURE AND PSYCHOLOGY OF TRAVEL
Explores the effects and implications of travel as portrayed
in contemporary nonfiction and autobiographical fiction. Examines
how travel affects our sense of identity, culture, and community,
how it affects us emotionally, what needs and fears in human nature
it reflects, what socio-political issues are involved in travel, and
how it changes our understanding of the world around us. We live in
an age of journeys, not all of them physical. Reading in the course
will include books about journeys abroad, journeys within one's own
country and culture, intellectual quests, explorations of cultural
history, and journeys of faith, renewal and rediscovery. Fulfills
general education requirement in literature. Prerequisite: Morrissy
scholar or permission. [3 credits]
ENG-370 HONORS: DICKENS
Explores the fiction of Charles Dickens, the great Victorian
novelist. Focuses on both the fictional elements—character,
narrative, style, etc.—and Victorian issues, such as poverty, work,
reform and the law, that Dickens addressed in his works. In
addition, the class will examine the life of Dickens and his role in
Victorian society. Students will read several complete novels and
excerpts from others and will view videos of selected scenes from
the novels. Prerequisite: Morrissy Scholar or permission. Fulfills
general education requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-401 WRITING TUTORIAL
Provides student the opportunity for intense work on a single
extended work or collection of shorter works under the direction of
one English faculty member. Allows student to recognize the
importance of revision in the writing process. Before enrolling in
this course, the student is expected to have demonstrated
proficiency in one of the creative writing genres and to have
obtained the consent of her prospective tutorial director. The
minimum prerequisite for this course is the successful completion of
the relevant writing workshop, depending on the writing genre that
the student wishes to pursue. With the consent of the instructor,
the writing tutorial may be continued for two semesters, with three
credits applicable to degree requirements each term. Prerequisite:
ENG-302 or ENG-307 and permission of instructor. [3 credits]
ENG-405 HONORS: MODERNISM IN FICTION: LEGEND AND LEGACY
Engages students in an intensive study of the modern novel. In the
evolution of the novel, between traditional and postmodern forms,
modern forms of the novel span the 20th century. Now, modernism can
be seen in historical perspective. This course studies modernism in
fiction and poetry, situating it between the traditional and
postmodern novel. Prerequisite: Morrissy Scholar or permission.
Fulfills general education requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-410 TOPICS IN LITERATURE: CROSS-CULTURAL STUDIES
Investigates the social and cultural dimensions of literature
written by and about peoples of other countries or of regional or
minority cultures within the United States. Topics may focus on
literature from English-speaking countries or on literature in
translation by writers from non-western countries. Topics will
reflect cultural diversity as represented in selected works of
literature. The topic will be announced before registration each
semester when the course is offered, and the course itself can be
taken more than once on different subjects. Fulfills general
education requirement in literature and cross-cultural studies. [3
credits]
ENG-411 TOPICS IN LITERATURE
Provides students with the opportunity of in-depth study of such
literary topics as the following: a significant writer or group of
writers, a literary period or movement, a particular genre or themes
related to a geographic region. The topic will be announced before
registration each semester when the course is offered, and the
course itself can be taken more than once on different subjects.
Fulfills general education requirement in literature. [3 credits]
ENG-412 TOPICS IN LITERATURE: GENDER STUDIES
Investigates gender as it is represented and constructed in
literature by examining such literary topics as the following: a
significant writer or group of writers; a literary period or
movement; a particular genre or geographic region. The topic will be
announced before registration each semester when the course is
offered, and the course itself can be taken more than once on
different subjects. Fulfills general education requirement in
literature and gender studies. [3 credits]
ENG-430 THE LITERARY ESSAY
Investigates the nature and appeal of exploratory and contemplative
essays, those in which the authors seek, in an engaging manner, to
explain events, situations, behavior, feelings, concepts and their
experiences. Analyzes the forms and elements of such writing, and
provides students with experience in writing in a reflective style.
Emphasis will be on applying theory to practice and on analyzing
this literature in terms of the theories and philosophies of writing
addressed in the course. [3 credits]
ENG-452 SENIOR SEMINAR
Requires students to examine, in a seminar format, a major literary
topic or author(s). Students will employ the skills learned in
Literary Research and Literary Interpretation: using library
resources and databases, demonstrating an understanding of the
variety of theories and approaches to literary criticism, and
synthesizing critical research with their own original argument and
interpretation regarding a text. Students will demonstrate their
ability to present their research both orally and in clear, coherent
prose. Majors only. [3 credits]
ENG-453 LITERARY INTERPRETATION
Studies the nature and practice of literary interpretation and
evaluation. Examines both traditional methods, such as textual,
genre and historical criticism, and contemporary approaches,
including "new" criticism, psychological, Marxist, feminist and
reader-response criticism. Students learn to analyze literary works
from the perspective of these specific approaches. [3 credits]
ENG-463 INDEPENDENT STUDY
Offers the student a unique opportunity to engage in reading,
creative research and writing about an author, theme or literary
period of interest under the direction of a faculty member. The
student plans her own approach to the subject and identifies
objectives and reading lists in consultation with the professor. [3
credits]
ENG-496 ASSISTANTSHIP IN WRITING
Assists the instructor in class preparation and instruction,
including research, classroom administration, assessment, guiding
other students' writing, editing and revision, and moderating
student discussions. Students create and design lesson plans and
class writing activities. Experience is designed for those desiring
to teach English, particularly on the college level. Prerequisite:
Prior successful completion of the course for which the student is
the assistant and permission of the instructor. [3 credits]
Drama Courses
DRM-240 ACTING TECHNIQUESHelps students develop their acting potential and sharpen their skills in interpreting scripts through individual and group exercises, improvisations, monologues and scene studies. Central to the conduct of the course will be relaxation and breathing exercises, oral projection, movement and gesture. Fulfills general education requirement in fine arts. [3 credits]
DRM-245 DIRECTING TECHNIQUES
Explores fundamentals of script analysis, conceptualization,
visualization, composition, blocking and the role of theatre
director. Practical application of learned techniques and completed
playbook are required. Students are encouraged to direct productions
of original student work and actively participate in campus
productions. Fulfills general education requirement in fine arts. [3
credits]
DRM-320 TECHNIQUES IN THEATRE PRACTICE
Focuses on particular aspects of theatre: voice, movement, stage
combat, improvisation, period acting, makeup techniques, costume
design, lighting design, set design or other elements. Practical
application of the selected element or elements leads students to
develop expertise in the area on which they are focusing. Design
courses entail both design technique and practical application. A
course focused on acting practices requires reading, research and
application techniques in a theatre environment. This is an
upper-division course in theatre practice, allowing students to
achieve competence in a particular area of theatre. For classes in
various acting techniques, DRM-240 is recommended. [3 credits]
DRM-427 LONDON THEATRE TOUR
Provides students with an opportunity to experience English life in
the city and country; see professional plays; visit museums,
cathedrals, and other places of interest in and around London; visit
beautiful English towns such as Bath, Stratford, Salisbury and
Windsor. Organized and directed by English department faculty.
Offered during Winterim. [3 credits]
DRM-463 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN DRAMA
Requires students to create a production project in acting,
directing or stagecraft. A student could direct a full-scale stage
production, design either lighting or set for a show, perform as a
lead actor in a production, or serve as dramaturg for a major
production. These projects would be under the direction of a faculty
member. For directing, a completed playbook would be required. For
design projects, completed sketches and/or models would be required.
For acting, an intense written examination of the role would be
required. For dramaturgy, a paper outlining the extent of the
research and the conclusions would be presented to the director.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. [1, 2 or 3 credits]