English Department
The English major at Wheaton reflects the dynamic nature of English studies today. The traditional canon of British and American literature is being challenged and expanded, popular culture is vying for attention with classic literature, and new theoretical perspectives are changing the ways we read. The English curriculum at Wheaton has changed with the discipline, featuring literary theory and cultural studies and widening course offerings to include film; romance; African, Caribbean, and Irish literature; and fantasy, among other exciting new topics. Wheaton faculty research, often undertaken with student collaboration, is in the forefront of the changes in the field of English studies.
The English department allows students to take a 10-course major, with minimal distribution requirements, or to pursue an 11-course concentration. The concentrations currently being offered include:
- Drama
- Poetry
- Creative Writing
- Modern and Contemporary Culture and Media
- Colonial/Postcolonial Literature
- Medieval/Renaissance Studies
- Literature, Film and Race
- Gender
The concentration in creative writing
With permission of the department, a student interested in creative writing may enroll in a program that emphasizes writing and literature equally. Students wishing admission to the creative writing concentration should submit a portfolio of work to the department early in the first semester of the junior year. Detailed guidelines are available from the department. Students hoping to apply for admission to the concentration are strongly advised to discuss their course plans with the director of the creative writing program, preferably by the end of their first year or during the first semester of sophomore year.
The English major with a concentration in creative writing consists of 11 or more courses beyond the 100 level, including:
At least six courses in literature, including Eng 290, one literature course at the 300 level and Eng 401. At least one course must be in literature from before 1800 and at least one course must be in contemporary literature.
At least five writing courses above the 100 level, normally including three courses at the 200 level and two courses at the 300 level or above. The concentration must include at least one 200-or 300-level sequence (e.g., poetry writing/advanced poetry writing or fiction writing/advanced fiction writing). Students who successfully complete an advanced writing course may be invited to undertake an Eng 499 independent study in writing or a 500-level honors project, with the permission of the department.
Other concentrations
The following are examples of other potential concentrations within the English major. A student wishing to create a concentration not listed or to modify a listed concentration, needs to petition the department for approval.
The concentration in literature, film and race
The five courses can include such courses as Eng 247, Eng 255, Eng 256, Eng 257, Eng 347.
The concentration in colonial and postcolonial literature
The five courses can include such courses as Eng 235, Eng 244, Eng 245, Eng 246.
The concentration in drama
The five courses can include such courses as Eng 241, Eng 246, Eng 273, Eng 274, Eng 309, Eng 310.
The concentration in gender
The five courses can include such courses as Eng 236, Eng 240, Eng 247, Eng 272, Eng 327, Eng 348, and Eng 377.
The concentration in medieval/Renaissance literature
The five courses can include such courses as Eng 207, Eng 208, Eng 273, Eng 306, Eng 309, Eng 310, Eng 313.
The concentration in poetry
The five courses can include such courses as Eng 208, Eng 232, Eng 240, Eng 260, Eng 283, Eng 313, Eng 326, Eng 341, Eng 383.
The concentration in modern and contemporary culture and media
The five courses can include such courses as Eng 249, Eng 256, Eng 257, Eng 341, Eng 343, Eng 348, Eng 357, Eng 376.