Major in English | Major in English with Certification in English, Language Arts and Reading | English Minor | English Minor (Standard Secondary Certification) | Course Descriptions
Chair: Charles W. (Bill) Bridges (936) 294-1402 bridges@shsu.edu
The Department of English and Foreign Languages is comprised of two programs: one in English, one in Foreign Languages. Each program offers students the opportunity to study language, literature, composition and cultures.
The Department of English strives to provide students with opportunities to grow as learners and as individuals. Students in the English Program may, through study of literature, gain an awareness and knowledge of themselves and their contemporary world. Other English students combine their cultural interests with specific vocational objectives, such as professional writing, teaching, or pre-professional training for law, business, or medicine.
Coordinator: Bill Bridges (936) 294-1402
Faculty: Robert Adams, Lee Bebout, Kim Bell, Tracy Bilsing, Paul Child, Linda Cook, Lee Courtney, Robert Donahoo, Diane Dowdey, Julie Hall, Helena Halmari, Melanie Hanson, Darci Hill, Scott Kaukonen, Douglas Krienke, Andrew Lopenzina, Melissa Morphew, Carroll Nardone, Ralph Pease, Deborah Phelps, Paul Ruffin, April Shemak, Kandi Tayebi, Gene Young
Information: (936)294-1404; Evans Building 458; English@shsu.edu
Website: https://www.shsu.edu/~eng_www/
English forms the cornerstone of the humanities. In a variety of courses in literature, writing, and the English language, students find a source of personal enrichment, and they develop verbal, analytical, and cultural skills readily adaptable to a variety of careers.
English students learn to write with grace and precision, to read and analyze texts with accuracy, to conduct research and organize a welter of materials, to speak and listen well — in short, to sharpen their critical thinking and critical inquiry skills. These skills are highly valued by prospective employers. Most professions, while expecting new employees to be familiar with their specific fields, stress above all else the ability of their employees to read, write, and speak efficiently. Similarly, professional schools are interested in the student who reads, writes, and speaks well. Brochures from medical and law schools, for example, reflect an increasing awareness of the importance of an English background for future physicians and attorneys.
Students in English may choose the Bachelor of Arts in English or the Bachelor of Arts in English and obtain composite teacher certification in English, Language Arts, and Reading. Students may also choose to minor in English (without Secondary Certification, in English (with Secondary Certification), in Creative Writing, and in Professional Writing.
• Students are provided opportunities to publish and present their writing and to enter writing contests. Numerous students have published works in regional and national journals.
• Academy of American Poets Prize — Students compete for a poetry writing prize judged by a nationally recognized poet.
• The English Department focuses on good teaching, featuring a Minnie Stevens Piper Teaching Award winner, a Distinguished Professor, and numerous Sam Houston State University Teaching Excellence Award winners.
• Faculty actively publish in national journals, win national literary awards, and serve as editors of scholarly journals.
• Students have the opportunity to write technical documents for non-profit and other community groups.
• Nationally recognized writers are brought to campus each year to read their works to students and discuss the writing and publishing process. Such writers have included Larry McMurtry, Richard Bausch, George Garrett, X.J. Kennedy, Galway Kinnell, Allison Joseph, Maurice Kilwein, and Marilyn Nelson.
SHSU offers a wide range of courses and areas students may use to structure a minor, and students should choose a minor to fit their individual interests and career goals. Common minors for English majors include Communication Studies, History, Mass Communication, Political Science, and Education. English majors may also minor in Creative Writing or in Professional Writing.
When graduates leave SHSU with a degree in English, they are prepared for career opportunities or advanced study in teaching, technical and professional communication, journalism, government service, editing, scholarly and trade publishing, law, and business.
Students in English may participate in many activities that will enrich their undergraduate experience and support the courses they take. These include:
• Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, invites junior and senior English majors and minors to become members of this prestigious national organization, with membership in the society recorded on the student’s transcript. Each year Sigma Tau Delta is an active student organization, sponsoring an annual food drive and readings throughout the school year. Applications for Sigma Tau Delta are available in the English office.
• The Writer’s Forum provides opportunities for all SHSU students to publish their writing.
• The Sam Houston State Review is a literary magazine that publishes the writing of SHSU students. The Review staff consists of SHSU students who work closely with a faculty advisor.
• The Texas Review is a nationally-recognized literary magazine that, twice a year, publishes fiction, poetry, nonfiction prose, and reviews by writers from around the world. The Texas Review Press sponsors the publication of five to seven books a year, including works of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction prose. Students have the opportunity to serve as interns while working as a member of the Review and the Press staff.
• The Texas Review Press—Students have the opportunity to serve as interns at the Texas Review Press. Interns are involved in a variety of tasks, ranging from charting the development of a manuscript to evaluating submissions to the literary journal.
• Internships in business and industry may be available for qualified students enrolled in the Writing Option.
Scholarships
Several scholarships are available for outstanding undergraduate students. Please see the Department Chair and/or the department’s website for more information. Information on University scholarships may be obtained from the Office of Academic Scholarships website at www.shsu.edu/scholarships or telephone (936) 294-1672.
Program Specific Requirements
The English major requires a total of 36 hours of English coursework. (Note: ENG 164 and 165 may not be used to meet this requirement.) All general degree requirements including a minor in a non-English area also must be met.
Curriculum
Required courses: ENG 265, 266, 360, 361, 384, and 385 18 hrs. The total must include a minimum of 18 upper division hours (6 hrs. at the 400 level) 18 hrs. Total 36 hrs. Major in English
Bachelor of Arts
First Year Credit Second Year Credit ENG 164, 165 6 ENG 265, 266* 6 HIS 163, 164 6 PHL 261 or PHL 471 3 Component Area 3 (Natural Science) 8 POL 261, POL (200-level) 6 Foreign Language 141 and 142 (Four semesters in one language) 8 MTH 164 or MTH 170 3 KIN 215 1 Foreign Language 263 and 264 (Four semesters in one language) 6 29 ART, DNC, MUS, THR or PHL 366 3 Component Area 4 (Visual and Performing Arts) 3 30 Third Year and Fourth Year Credit ENG 360, 361, 384, and 385 12 ENG Advanced 400 Elective 6 ENG Advanced General Elective 12 Minor (6 hr adv) 18 Component Area 5 3 Elective 4 General electives (Adv) 6 61 * Students with a “B” average or better in the first nine hours of English may take any 300-level
course in lieu of a second 200-level course.English, Language Arts, and Reading
Teaching Certification
Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of Arts with Certification: A student pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree may obtain teaching certification by completing the English certification major below and the required coursework in professional education (SED). Students who choose this major will also complete requirements for a minor in Secondary Education.
First Year Credit Second Year Credit ENG 164, 165 6 ENG 265 or ENG 266 3 HIS 163, 164 6 PHL 262 (Component Area 5) 3 MTH 164 or MTH 170 3 Foreign Language 263, 264 (Four semesters in one language) 6 Component Area 3 (Natural Sciences) 8 ART, DNC, MUS, THR or PHL 366 3 Foreign Language 141 and 142 (Four semesters in one language) 8 SED 383 3 Component Area 4 (Visual and Performing Arts) 3 POL 261, POL (200-level) 6 KIN 215 1 COM 384 or accepted substitute 3 35 27 Third Year Credit Fourth Year Credit ENG 360, 361, 384 , or 385 9 ENG 464 3 ENG 373, 375 or 380, 376 9 ENG Advanced General Electives 7 ENG 400 elective 3 RDG 392, SED 394, 480 9 SED 374, 383 6 SED 464, 496, 497 9 RDG 392 3 28 30 Requirements for English Minor
Students who major in other fields of study may elect one of three minors in English. Each minor requires 18 hours of course work in English, as outlined below.
Curriculum: Minor in English (Without Secondary Certification)
ENG 265; 266 or 267 (choose 1) ENG 360, 361, 384, or 385 (choose 3) 300- or 400-level English electives (choose 1) 400-level English elective (choose 1) 18 Curriculum: Minor in Creative Writing
ENG 380 ENG 382 ENG 383 ENG 481or 482 3 18 Curriculum: Minor in Professional Writing
ENG 330 ENG 380, 381, or 382 ENG 430 ENG 435 3 ENG 300/400-level elective 3 18 Curriculum: Minor in English
(Standard Secondary Certification)
ENG 373, 375 or 380,376, 464 Advanced English electives 24 English Course Descriptions
ENG 031D Developmental English.
An intense study of grammar and mechanics, effective sentence construction, and basic essay organization and development. Credit in this course will not be allowed to count toward graduation or computation of grade point average or classification of students by hours completed.
ENG 164 Composition I. [ENGL 1301]
Basic studies in English diction, syntax, and rhetoric with emphasis on the development of a single thesis. Credit 3.
ENG 164H (Honors Class) Composition I.
Students with high marks in English on the SAT/ACT exams may qualify to enroll in ENG 164H, an accelerated class for students with superior skills in English. Students earning an A or B in ENG 164H will receive advanced credit for ENG 165 and automatically become eligible for sophomore English. Credit 3-6.
ENG 165 Composition II. [ENGL 1302]
A continued study of basic writing skills in English, begun in ENG 164, with emphasis on more complex modes or patterns of composition. In addition to writing expository essays, the student will write a research paper. Prerequisite: ENG 164. Credit 3.
ENG 265 Readings in Literature of The Western World. [ENGL 2331 or ENGL 2332]
Readings in the classical, medieval, and modern masterpieces of the western world. Written assignments are based on themes and concepts found in the works studied. Open to all students. Required of English majors and minors. Suggested for all majorsin the College of Arts and Sciences. Prerequisite: ENG 164 and 165. Credit 3.
ENG 266 Introduction to Literary Genres and Ideas. [ENG 2342 Intro to Literature I]
A study of the various kinds of literature on the basis of their content, form, or technique, with emphasis on the conventions or usages which govern each type. The
major genres of poetry, fiction, and drama will be covered, but each instructor will be free to choose his/her own emphasis. Prerequisites: ENG 164 and 165. Credit 3.
ENG 330 Introduction to Technical Writing.
A course in the special problems of technical literature and technical report writing. Prerequisite: ENG 164 and 165. Credit 3.
ENG 334 Literature and Film.
A study of the structure, imagery, characterization, and themes of novels, short stories, essays and poems with those of selected motion picture films. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 336 Studies in Women’s Literature.
A study of works by women writers encompassing a variety of genres, nationalities, and literary periods. Prerequisite: 9 hours of English. Credit 3.
ENG 337 African-American Literature.
Explores historical, political, and literary problems particular to African-American writers; also explores the development of African-American identity through cultural expression in a variety of media and genres. Prerequisites: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 338 Studies in Multicultural Literature.
Study of themes, techniques, and literary movements from different cultures. Focus will typically be on more than one ethnic or national culture. Prerequisite: ENG 164,
165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 360 Survey of American Literature, Beginning to 1865.
A survey of themes, genres, and authors in American literary history from the period of exploration and settlement through the American Renaissance and the Civil War. Required of all English majors; also required of all English minors not seeking certification. Prerequisites: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 361 Survey of American Literature, 1865 to the Present.
A survey of authors, genres, and movements in American literature from 1865 to the present, including representative works of Realism, Naturalism, Modernism, and Post-Modernism. Required of all English majors. Also required of all English minors not seeking certification. Prerequisites: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 363 Mythology.
The study of myths and their application to literary studies. Recommended for certification program in Language Arts composite (see Secondary Education Requirements). Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266 . Credit 3.
ENG 364 Folklore.
The study of folk motifs of various cultures throughout the world. Recommended for certification program in Language Arts (see Secondary Education Requirements).
Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 370 Modern Drama.
The major figures in modern British, American and Continental drama. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 372 The English Language.
Study of area of language to which elementary education majors would need to be exposed, such as acquisition of English, language and education, the play and history of the English languages among the languages of the world, the basics of the sound system of English, and dialect variation. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 373 English Grammar.
Introduction to descriptive linguistics. Survey of such current grammatical descriptions of English as traditional prescriptive grammar, structural grammar, and generative-transformational grammar. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 377* Argument and Persuasion.
An advanced writing class that focuses on successful argumentative and persuasive writing. Study will include a survey of the history of argument, structuring a sound
argument, and stylistics. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266 Credit 3.
ENG 380 Advanced Composition.
A study of rhetorical forms and approaches to problems of composition. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 381 Introductory Creative Writing: Fiction.
Directed writing in fiction. Prerequisites: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266 . Credit 3.
ENG 382 Introductory Creative Writing: Poetry.
Directed writings in poetry. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 383 Practicum in Publishing.
The study of topics and issues related to editing and publishing. Students will be placed with internal or external organizations for semester-long internships. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 384 Early English Masterworks.
A study of the major figures in English literature from the beginning to 1798. Required for all English majors. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 385 Later English Masterworks.
A study of the major figures in English literature from 1798 to the present. Required for all English majors . Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 390 The Bible as Literature.
Narrative, structural, and thematic study of selected books of the Old and New Testament. Course of study includes an examination of Hebrew and Christian scriptures in translation and an analysis of various genres. Consideration will also be given to the cultural and mythological context of selected portions and to some of the literary influences exerted by these passages. Prerequisites: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 391 Shakespeare: Tragedies & Histories.
A study of Shakespeare’s tragedies and histories, from the earliest experiments of his career to the great history plays of the 1590’s through the major tragedies of the early 1600’s. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 392 Shakespeare: Comedies & Romance.
A study of Shakespeare’s comedies and romances from his early years through the great festive comedies of the late 1590’s through the “Dark Comedies” of the 1600’s to the romances of the last years of his career. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266. Credit 3.
ENG 430 Writing in the Professions.
Additional training in technical writing, including instruction in the preparation and editing of specialized documents in various subject areas, such as Computer Science, Conservation, Marketing, etc. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, and 265 or 266, and ENG 330. Credit 3.
ENG 431 Composition Theory and the Teaching of Writing.
An introduction to pedagogical technique for composition appropriate for elementary and secondary students. Major theories of composition will be studied. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. . Credit 3.
ENG 435 Studies in Rhetoric.
Selected topics may include rhetorical theory, style and stylistics, rhetorical criticism, ethical issues in rhetoric, and rhetoric literature. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265,
266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level.. Credit 3.
ENG 439 Literature of Diversity.
A study of literature by women and by persons of color appropriate for the secondary English classroom. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-
level. Credit 3.
ENG 460 The English Romantic Movement.
A survey of the Romantic movement in England, with major emphasis upon the works of Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Keats, and Shelley. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level.. Credit 3.
ENG 463 Studies in the English Renaissance.
A study of non-dramatic literature of England written between 1500 and 1660. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265 , 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. Credit 3.
ENG 464 Methods of Teaching English in Secondary Schools.
Directed studies and practice in the selection, organization, and presentation of English subject matter and skills to students. Required for English majors and minors
who are working for a secondary teaching certificate. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level.. Credit 3.
ENG 465 Victorian Literature.
A survey of major writers of the Victorian period, supplemented by lectures on the political, social and economic background of the age. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. Credit 3.
ENG 467 History of the English Language.
A survey of the English language, including its relationship to other Indo-European languages, followed by a study of the changes in English sounds, spelling, and syntax from Anglo-Saxon times to the present. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. Credit 3.
ENG 469 Studies of Selected Genres in American Literature.
Readings in major writers, themes, and/or historical movements within a selected genre in American literature. The approach may vary from semester to semester, and will include such subjects as modern poetry, the short story, the Naturalists, folklore, regional literature, nonfiction prose, or others. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. Credit 3.
ENG 470 American Regional Literature.
Selected representative South/Southwestern writers. Readings will emphasize works of artistic merit, but they may include ancillary material such as folklore, “local color,” and historical documents for background study. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. Credit 3.
ENG 472 American Literature: 1820’s to 1860’s.
A study of the emergence of a distinctive American literary art, including such writers as Poe, Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne, Melville, and Whitman. Prerequisite: ENG
164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. Credit 3.
ENG 474 Studies in the English Novel.
The study of a variety of topics and figures in the English novel. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. Credit 3.
ENG 475 Special Problems in English.
Directed study on individual topics or problems for advanced students. Admission by permission of the department chair. This course may be taken for Academic Distinction credit. See Academic Distinction Program in this catalog. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. Credit 1-4.
ENG 476 Tudor and Stuart Drama.
The development of the drama in England, the predecessors and contemporaries of Shakespeare. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level.
Credit 3.
ENG 477 English Literature of the Restoration and Eighteenth Century: 1660-1800.
Varying topics, including Restoration drama, Augustan poetry and prose, and later writings through the age of Goldsmith, Boswell, and Johnson. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. Credit 3.
ENG 478 Studies in World Fiction.
The study of a variety of topics and figures in world fiction. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. Credit 3.
ENG 481 Advanced Creative Writing: Fiction
An advanced undergraduate writing workshop that emphasizes the theory of modern and contemporary fiction, with special attention to peer review of student writing in
the areas of the novel and short fiction. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 381 or permission of instructor. Credit 3.
ENG 482 Advanced Creative Writing: Poetry
An advanced writing class which emphasizes the writing of poetry, with related outside readings in poetic theory and form. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265 , 266, and
ENG 382 or permission of instructor. Credit 3.
ENG 483 The Development of Drama in America.
A study of major movements and significant figures in American dramatic literature from Royall Tyler to the present. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and ENG
360. Credit 3.
ENG 484 Studies in the American Novel.
The study of a variety of topics and figures in the American novel. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level.. Credit 3.
ENG 485 Studies in Chaucer.
A close study of the works of Chaucer, with primary emphasis on The Canterbury Tales as they reflect the man and his times. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266,
and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. Credit 3.
ENG 486 Literature of the Middle Ages.
A study of selected works of Old and Middle English literature with some continental works. The course will include, at various times, works as early as Beowulf (ca. 8th-9th c.) to ones as late as Malory’s Morte D’Arthur (late 15th c.). Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. Credit 3.
ENG 487 Twentieth-Century Literature of England, Ireland, and the Commonwealth.
A study of a variety of 20th-century literature by writers associated with England, Ireland, or English-speaking groups (not American) formerly colonized by the British.
Though the course varies from term to term, it generally aims to have students read literary works by major figures, learn of the cultural and historical forces influencing these works and writers, and develop an understanding of the main concepts and movements that distinguish this body of literature. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. Credit 3.
ENG 488 Texas Crossroads.
An interdisciplinary study of intersections between literature, history science, culture and politics of the “Crossroads” area of Texas. Prerequisites: ENG 164, 165, 265,
266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. Credit 3.
ENG 490 Literary Criticism and Theory.
A survey of the major modes of literary criticism. Study of the basic concepts underlying specific theories of literary criticism and their application and impact within a
literary field selected by the instructor. Prerequisite: ENG 164, 165, 265, 266, and 3 hrs. of ENG 300-level. Credit 3.