Professional Writing Specialization

An introduction to computer applications including basic computer concepts and terminology. Hands-on experience in using the operating system, word processing, spreadsheets, and telecommunications. All students are required to take this course if they cannot demonstrate proficiency by passing the Computer Skills exam. Course fee may apply.

The application of the modes of discourse to business, technical, and other specialized document contexts, with special emphasis on rhetorical precision, sense of audience and context, and document presentation and appearance.

Development of student skills in non-fiction prose, with special emphasis on practicing the array of "creative" devices currently in use. Workshop format. Offered in alternate years.

This course will expose students to the essentials of desktop publishing through practical experience. This goal will be accomplished through reading, in-class and out-of-class assignments, quizzes, and tests. Students will learn to create a variety of publications ranging from typography to newsletters to brochures. Particular emphasis is placed on the elements of layout and design. Offered every fall.

Advanced study in writing longer works, such as full-length plays and novels. May be taken twice for credit. Offered in alternate years.

Basic theories and procedures in collecting and writing news. Offered as needed.

A course on analyzing and writing about films, plays, and television productions. Students will also read and respond to professional and academic reviews and analysis. Offered in alternate years.

Fundamentals of writing for the stage. Students have the option of writing scripts designed for television or motion pictures. Emphasis on plot, theme, dialogue, and characterization. Offered in alternate years.

Practicing traditional techniques in writing short fiction: plot, characterization, point of view, setting, voice, and style. Workshop format. Offered in alternate years.

Technique in writing poetry: theme, imagery, musical devices, and metrics. Offered in alternate years.

A rotating topics course that focuses on particular topics in professional writing, including Advanced Journalism, Professional Editing, Advanced Playwriting, Advanced Verse Writing, and Advanced Fiction Writing. Offered in alternate years.

In-depth study and application of research techniques. Introduction to scholarly journals in the field, library resources, and methods of critical evaluation. Offered annually.

A survey of British literature and literary history from its beginnings to 1800, excluding Shakespeare and the novel. The course continues to emphasize different critical approaches to texts and to hone research skills learned in ENG 122 and ENG 220

A survey of British literature and literary history of the 19th and 20th centuries, excluding the novel. The course continues to emphasize different critical approaches to texts and to hone research skills learned in ENG 122 and ENG 220.

Focuses on American literary history up to the Modern period. Emphasis on the relationship between literature and culture during certain historical periods. Sample study areas include the Puritan Tradition, American Romanticism, and Realism and Naturalism.

Revolving course offerings focusing on literary communities and texts of diverse cultures such as African American literature, Native American literature, and Latin American literature.

Oral examination covering selected material from the English Foundations Courses: ENG 312, ENG 313, and ENG 320. Students must receive a passing score on the exam in order to enroll in ENG 498: Senior Seminar. Given every spring.

An in-depth focus, as designated by instructor, on select writers (excluding Shakespeare), movements, genres (excluding the novel), or literary periods in British literature from its beginnings to the 20th century. The course continues to emphasize different critical approaches to texts and to hone research skills learned in ENG 122 and ENG 220, while offering a more sophisticated look at some of the works studied in the foundations of British literature courses and an opportunity to study authors potentially excluded from the foundations courses. Offered in alternate years.

In-depth focus, as designated by instructor, on select writers, movements, genres, or literary periods in the study of American literature. The course continues to emphasize different critical approaches to texts and to hone research skills learned in ENG 122 and ENG 220, while offering a more sophisticated look at some of the works studied in the foundations of American literature course and an opportunity to study authors potentially excluded from the foundations course. Offered in alternate years.

Selected sonnets, comedies, histories, and tragedies, with consideration of Shakespeare's dramaturgical development. Offered in alternate years.

Intensive study of significant figures, movements, and works of 20th-century writers representing modern and postmodern literary periods

An in-depth exploration of one or more literary topics, with sessions on graduate schools, career planning, and résumé writing. Required during the fall semester of the senior year for English majors.