Major in English
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The major in English consists of 10 or more courses in English beyond the 100 level. These requirements include:
Eng 290, a section of Eng 401, two other courses at the 300 level or above and two courses that focus on literature written before 1800. The 300- and 400-level courses must be taken at Wheaton.
Major in English with a concentration
The English major with a concentration requires 11 courses. Students fulfill the same requirements as for the basic English major and also choose a five-course concentration, for a total of 11 courses in the major. It is normally desirable that one of the five courses in the concentration be at the 300 level or above. One of the five courses can, with the approval of the department, be taken in a department other than English. In general, if a student wants to count a course that is not specifically listed for a concentration in the catalog, he or she needs to petition the department for approval. Similarly, a student who wants to create a concentration that is not listed below needs to petition the department. Students who want to major in English with a particular concentration should normally apply by the end of the junior year.
The concentration in creative writing
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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 (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
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The five courses can include such courses as Eng 209, Eng 247, Eng 255, Eng 256, Eng 257, Eng 347.
The concentration in colonial and postcolonial literature
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The five courses can include such courses as Eng 235, Eng 244, Eng 245, Eng 246, Eng 247.
The concentration in drama
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The five courses can include such courses as Eng 241, Eng 246, Eng 252, Eng 273, Eng 274, Eng 287, Eng 288, Eng 309, Eng 310, Eng 388.
The concentration in gender
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The five courses can include such courses as Eng 236, Eng 240, Eng 247, Eng 272, Eng 327, Eng 348, Eng 377.
The concentration in medieval/Renaissance literature
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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
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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
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The five courses can include such courses as Eng 249, Eng 250, Eng 256, Eng 257, Eng 258, Eng 272, Eng 286, Eng 341, Eng 343, Eng 348, Eng 376.
Major in dramatic literature and theatre
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The major in dramatic literature and theatre is administered jointly by the Theatre and English departments. See the Theatre and Dance Studies department listing for additional requirements.