English Catalog Information
Programs offered • Major in English Literature (36 credits) • Minor in English Literature (20 credits) • Major in English Writing (40 credits) • Minor in English Writing (20 credits) • Major in English – Journalism (32 credits) • Minor in English – Journalism (20 credits) • English Major with Communication Arts/Literature teaching license, grades 5-12 (see education: interdisciplinary programs for secondary education) (52 plus 36 credits in education) • Communication Arts/Literature Area of Specialization for Elementary Education majors, grades 5-8 (see education) (20 credits in communication arts/literature) Concordia English majors engage the world through words. By participating in an English major or minor, you equip yourself for life by learning to read challenging texts; to communicate complex ideas concisely and precisely; to use reading, research, and writing to render the ordinary extraordinary and the extraordinary ordinary. As an English major, you will be able to 1. Read challenging texts closely and analytically 2. Articulate and discuss informed opinions about literature and literary craft 3. Understand texts/contexts through library, internet, and field research 4. Write in the mode(s) appropriate to your English track 5. Use the discipline of English to examine your beliefs and values 6. Apply your English degree as you learn, work, and live in community with others, now and in the future. The English department also sponsors an honors program for exceptional students. For details, see the department chair. For all major and minor tracks, it is recommended that students complete the required ENG 100- or 200-level course before taking 300- or 400-level courses. Consult with your adviser for a plan that best fits your situation. The following variable topic courses may be counted multiple times when taken with different topics: • ENG 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits • ENG 410 – Individual Author, 4 credits • ENG 421 – Traditions in Literary Genre, 4 credits • ENG 451 – Approaches to Texts and Contexts, 4 credits Major in English – Literature Successful completion of the major in English with a literature track will enable students to identify and explain the techniques used to create meaning in a text, using the vocabulary of the discipline; make connections between literary texts and their historical and cultural contexts; interpret texts using a variety of critical approaches, attentive to ethical implications; develop moral, aesthetic and existential awareness; and express complex ideas with clarity and style. The requirements for a major in English with a literature track are 36 credits: • ENG 220 – Human Values in British and American Literature, 4 credits • ENG 230 – Introduction to Literary Scholarship, 4 credits • 12 credits in cultural contexts: – ENG 315 – English Language: Historical and Analytical, 4 credits – ENG 326 – British Literature: Medieval to Renaissance, 4 credits – ENG 336 – British Literature: The Restoration to Romanticism, 4 credits – ENG 346 – British Literature: Empire to Independence, 4 credits – ENG 353 – American Literature: Beginnings to Realism, 4 credits – ENG 355 – American Literature: Realism to the Present, 4 credits – ENG 358 – Native American Literatures, 4 credits – ENG 365 – Writing of Women, 4 credits – ENG 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits (when designated cultural contexts) • 8 credits in study-in-depth: – ENG 401 – Shakespeare and the English Renaissance, 4 credits – ENG 410 – Individual Author, 4 credits – ENG 421 – Traditions in Literary Genre, 4 credits – ENG 439 – Film and Literature, 4 credits – ENG 441 – Theory and Practice of Criticism, 4 credits – ENG 451 – Approaches to Texts and Contexts, 4 credits • ENG 488 – Senior Capstone in Literature, 4 credits • 4 elective credits from any English course offering in linguistics, literature, or writing except ENG 112 – American English Language and Culture and ENG 491 – Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing for the Secondary School. Minor in English – Literature The requirements for a minor in English with a literature track are 20 credits: • ENG 220 – Human Values in British and American Literature, 4 credits • ENG 230 – Introduction to Literary Scholarship, 4 credits • 4 credits in cultural contexts: – ENG 315 – English Language: Historical and Analytical, 4 credits – ENG 326 – British Literature: Medieval to Renaissance, 4 credits – ENG 336 – British Literature: The Restoration to Romanticism, 4 credits – ENG 346 – British Literature: Empire to Independence, 4 credits – ENG 353 – American Literature: Beginnings to Realism, 4 credits – ENG 355 – American Literature: Realism to the Present, 4 credits – ENG 358 – Native American Literatures, 4 credits – ENG 365 – Writing of Women, 4 credits – ENG 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits (when designated cultural contexts) • 4 credits in study-in-depth: – ENG 401 – Shakespeare and the English Renaissance, 4 credits – ENG 410 – Individual Author, 4 credits – ENG 421 – Traditions in Literary Genre, 4 credits – ENG 439 – Film and Literature, 4 credits – ENG 441 – Theory and Practice of Criticism, 4 credits – ENG 451 – Approaches to Texts and Contexts, 4 credits – ENG 488 – Senior Capstone in Literature, 4 credits • 4 elective credits from any English course offering in linguistics, literature or writing except ENG 112 – American English Language and Culture and ENG 491 – Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing for the Secondary School. Major in English – Writing Successful completion of the major in English writing track will enable students to write skillfully in a variety of genres; demonstrate advanced skill in a particular genre; show familiarity with a range of contemporary styles; use ethical, effective language; and understand research methods and responsibilities. Requirements for a major in English with a writing track are 40 credits: • ENG 227 – Foundations of Creative Writing, 4 credits • 8 credits from one set of the following pairs: – ENG 316 – Business Writing, 4 credits AND ENG 324 – Technical Writing, 4 credits OR – ENG 317 – News Writing, 4 credits AND ENG 318 – Feature Writing, 4 credits OR – ENG 377 – Nonfiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits AND ENG 477 – Advanced Nonfiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits OR – ENG 378 – Poetry Writing Seminar, 4 credits AND ENG 478 – Advanced Poetry Writing Seminar, 4 credits OR – ENG 379 – Fiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits AND ENG 479 – Advanced Fiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits • 8 credits from writing courses (beyond the required pair): – ENG 316 – Business Writing, 4 credits – ENG 317 – News Writing, 4 credits – ENG 318 – Feature Writing, 4 credits – ENG 324 – Technical Writing, 4 credits – ENG 377 – Nonfiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits – ENG 378 – Poetry Writing Seminar, 4 credits – ENG 379 – Fiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits – ENG 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits (when designated for writing) – ENG 390 – Cooperative Education, 2 to 4 credits (when designated for writing) – ENG 477 – Advanced Nonfiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits – ENG 478 – Advanced Poetry Writing Seminar, 4 credits – ENG 479 – Advanced Fiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits • ENG 489 – Senior Capstone in Writing, 4 credits • 16 elective credits from any English course offering in linguistics or literature except ENG 112 – American English Language and Culture and ENG 491 – Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing for the Secondary School. Only ENG 150 or 160 may be included. Minor in English Writing Requirements for the minor in English writing track are 20 credits: • ENG 227 – Foundations of Creative Writing, 4 credits • 8 credits from one set of the following pairs: – ENG 316 – Business Writing, 4 credits AND ENG 324 – Technical Writing, 4 credits OR – ENG 317 – News Writing, 4 credits AND ENG 318 – Feature Writing, 4 credits OR – ENG 377 – Nonfiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits AND ENG 477 – Advanced Nonfiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits OR – ENG 378 – Poetry Writing Seminar, 4 credits AND ENG 478 – Advanced Poetry Writing Seminar, 4 credits OR – ENG 379 – Fiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits AND ENG 479 – Advanced Fiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits • 4 credits from writing courses (beyond the required pair): – ENG 316 – Business Writing, 4 credits – ENG 317 – News Writing, 4 credits – ENG 318 – Feature Writing, 4 credits – ENG 324 – Technical Writing, 4 credits – ENG 377 – Nonfiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits – ENG 378 – Poetry Writing Seminar, 4 credits – ENG 379 – Fiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits – ENG 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits (when designated for writing) – ENG 390 – Cooperative Education, 2 to 4 credits (when designated for writing) – ENG 477 – Advanced Nonfiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits – ENG 478 – Advanced Poetry Writing Seminar, 4 credits – ENG 479 – Advanced Fiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits – ENG 489 – Senior Capstone in Writing, 4 credits • 4 credits from any English course offering in linguistics or literature except ENG 112 – American English Language and Culture and ENG 491 – Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing for the Secondary School. Only ENG 150 or 160 may be counted. Major in English – Journalism Successful completion of the major in English journalism track will enable students to understand the changing role and importance of journalism in modern society; use rich, precise and illuminating language; construct skillful narratives; find and assess relevant facts, interpret them and present them in a context that is concise, fair and accurate; and show familiarity with the major ethical and legal issues in journalism. The requirements for a major in the English journalism track are 32 credits: • 4 credits in literary studies from: – ENG 150 – Literature, Self, and Society, 4 credits – ENG 160 – Global Literature and Human Experience, 4 credits • ENG 317 – News Writing, 4 credits • ENG 318 – Feature Writing, 4 credits • ENG 371 – Editing Process, 4 credits • ENG 403 – Advanced Reporting, 4 credits • ENG 419, COM 419 – Mass Communication Law, 2 credits (ENG 317 – News Writing and ENG 318 – Feature Writing are prerequisites.) • ENG 420, COM 420 – Mass Communication Ethics, 2 credits (ENG 317 – News Writing and ENG 318 – Feature Writing are prerequisites.) • 8 credits from the following courses, 4 credits of which must be in art or communication studies: – ART 111 – Two-Dimensional Foundations, 4 credits – ART 236, COM 236 – Introduction to the Photographic Process, 4 credits – ART 370 – Graphic Design, 4 credits – ENG 227 – Foundations of Creative Writing, 4 credits – ENG 315 – English Language, Historical and Analytical, 4 credits – ENG 316 – Business Writing, 4 credits – ENG 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits (when designated for writing) – ENG 390 – Cooperative Education in Journalism, 4 credits – COM 313 – Persuasion: Influencing Human Behavior, 4 credits – COM 315 – Interviewing, 4 credits – COM 431 – Broadcast Newswriting and Reporting, 4 credits • Proposed list of Liberal Arts Core courses: Print journalism majors are asked to submit to their adviser a proposed list of courses they plan to take to fulfill core requirements, including rationales for why each course has been proposed. This plan should become a contract to be approved by the Journalism Committee. The intent of this requirement is to ask majors to articulate how their Liberal Arts Core and elective courses will inform them as journalists. Minor in English – Journalism The requirements for the minor in English – journalism track are 20 credits: • ENG 317 – News Writing, 4 credits • ENG 318 – Feature Writing, 4 credits • ENG 371 – Editing Process, 4 credits • ENG 403 – Advanced Reporting, 4 credits • 4 credits from: – ART 370 – Graphic Design, 4 credits – ENG 390 – Cooperative Education in Print Journalism, 4 credits – ART 236, COM 236 – Introduction to the Photographic Process, 4 credits – COM 313 – Persuasion: Influencing Human Behavior, 4 credits – COM 331 – Mass Media, 4 credits – ENG 419, COM 419 – Mass Communication Law, 2 credits (ENG 317 – News Writing and ENG 318 – Feature Writing are prerequisites.) – ENG 420, COM 420 – Mass Communication Ethics, 2 credits (ENG 317 – News Writing and ENG 318 – Feature Writing are prerequisites.) English Major with Communication Arts/Literature Education Teaching License, Grades 5-12 The requirements for an English major with communication arts/literature teaching license, grades 5-12, are 52 credits plus 36 credits in education: • 20 credits in literature foundations: – ENG 220 – Human Values in British and American Literature, 4 credits – ENG 230 – Introduction to Literary Scholarship, 4 credits – 4 credits from these American literature courses: ENG 353 – American Literature: Beginnings to Realism, 4 credits OR ENG 355 – American Literature: Realism to the Present, 4 credits – 4 credits from these British literature courses: ENG 326 – British Literature: Medieval to Renaissance, 4 credits OR ENG 336 – British Literature: The Restoration to Romanticism, 4 credits OR ENG 346 – British Literature: Empire to Independence, 4 credits – 4 credits 400-level literature elective from: ENG 401 – English Shakespeare and the English Renaissance, 4 credits OR ENG 410 – Individual Author, 4 credits OR ENG 421 – Traditions in Literary Genre, 4 credits OR ENG 439 – Film and Literature, 4 credits OR ENG 441 – Theory and Practice of Criticism, 4 credits OR ENG 451 – Approaches to Texts and Contexts, 4 credits OR ENG 488 – Senior Capstone in Literature, 4 credits • 8 credits in language and writing: – ENG 315 – English Language, Historical and Analytical, 4 credits – 4 credits from these courses: ENG 227 – Foundations of Creative Writing, 4 credits OR ENG 316 – Business Writing, 4 credits OR ENG 317 – News Writing, 4 credits • 4 credits in diversity from: – ENG 160 – Global Literature and Human Experience, 4 credits – ENG 358 – Native American Literatures, 4 credits – ENG 365 – Writing of Women, 4 credits – ENG 380 – Special Topics, 4 credits (when designated diversity) • 4 credits in education theory and methods: – EDUC 374 – Young Adult Literature, 2 credits – ENG 491 – Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing for the Secondary School, 2 credits • 16 credits in communication studies: – COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies, 4 credits – COM 205 – Advanced Public Speaking, 4 credits – COM 331 – Mass Media, 4 credits – 4 credits from the following: COM 312 – Interpersonal Communication, 4 credits OR COM 314 – Small-Group Interaction, 4 credits • Successful completion of the secondary/K-12 curriculum requirements • Required methods of teaching courses are: – EDUC 376 – Methods of Teaching English, 4 credits – EDUC 394 – Methods of Teaching in Communication Studies, 4 credits • Cocurricular activity participation. Must be approved by the English department and the communication studies and theatre art department (see Cocurricular Activities for Communication Arts/Literature on the education pages of the catalog).
English Courses
IWC 100 – Inquiry: Written Communication, 4 credits. E. The Written Communication course establishes the college writing expectations by emphasizing generative and polished writing as modes of inquiry. Students will also develop transferable skills such as argument development, analysis and response, personal style and writing from sources. This course is designed to reinforce the critical thinking and information literacy skills introduced in the Inquiry Seminars.
ENG 112 W – American English Language and Culture, 4 credits. E1. Develops student proficiency in higher-level reading comprehension, writing, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar usage, while providing an introduction to the culture and social/political issues of the United States and of the college. Designed to meet the needs of new students for whom American English is not the primary language. ENG 112 does not count toward an English major or minor.
ENG 150 R, E – Literature, Self, and Society, 4 credits. E. Literature mainly from American and European cultures. Selections chosen from fiction, drama, poetry and nonfiction addressing important issues in our lives. Classroom emphasis on ways to read and respond to literature. This course is open to first-year students.
ENG 160 R, E, G – Global Literature and Human Experience, 4 credits. E. Literature from diverse cultures throughout the world. Selections chosen from fiction, drama, poetry and nonfiction addressing important issues in our lives. Classroom emphasis on ways to read and respond to literature. This course is open to first-year students.
ENG 220 – Human Values in British and American Literature, 4 credits. E1. A broad overview of the historical and cultural contexts and concepts of periods of British and American literature. Readings range from the medieval period to the contemporary era. This course is open to first-year students.
ENG 227 R – Foundations in Creative Writing, 4 credits. E. An introduction to the foundational skills common to the genres of nonfiction, fiction and poetry. Students will read and analyze examples to use as models for their own writing assignments. (Prerequisite for the nonfiction, fiction and poetry writing workshops.)
ENG 230 – Introduction to Literary Scholarship, 4 credits. E2. An introduction to the theoretical approaches to interpreting literary texts. Students will develop a repertoire of methods of critical analysis as well as literary research skills. They will complete several formal writing projects. The course is open to first-year students.
ENG 250 – Pre-May Seminar, 2 credits. D.
ENG 300 – May Seminar, 4 credits. MS.
ENG 315 H, E – English Language, Historical and Analytical, 4 credits. E1. A study of the history of the English language and of modern methods of phonological, morphological and syntactic analysis.
ENG 316 – Business Writing, 4 credits. E1. An introduction to workplace communication including memos, business letters, brochures, job search materials, grants, reports, and oral presentations. No prerequisites. This course is open to all majors.
ENG 317 – News Writing, 4 credits. E. A study and practice of reporting and writing news stories.
ENG 318 – Feature Writing, 4 credits. E2. A study and practice of reporting and writing feature stories for newspapers and magazines, with emphasis on narrative forms.
ENG 324 – Technical Writing, 4 credits. E2. Practice in writing a variety of technical documents that might include: business reports, users manuals, scientific reports, grant proposals, and Web site text. No prerequisites. This course is open to all majors.
ENG 326 – British Literature: Medieval to Renaissance, 4 credits. E3 (Fall 2009). Offered every third semester in rotation with ENG 336 and ENG 346. A study of texts, themes, and literary developments in British literature from its Anglo-Saxon origins through the British Renaissance. Emphasis on such texts and authors as Beowulf, Chaucer, Spenser and Milton.
ENG 336 – British Literature: The Restoration to Romanticism, 4 credits. E3 (Spring 2010). Offered every third semester in rotation with ENG 326 and ENG 346. A study of the texts, themes, and literary developments in British literature from the Restoration in 1660 through the flourishing of Romanticism around 1830. Emphasis on such authors as Pope, Swift, Wordsworth and Keats.
ENG 346 – British Literature: Empire to Independence, 4 credits. E3 (Fall 2010). Offered every third semester in rotation with ENG 326 and ENG 336. A study of the texts, themes, and literary developments in British literature from the Victorian period of empire building to the present day. Emphasis on such authors as Tennyson, Yeats, Woolf and Joyce.
ENG 353 – American Literature: Beginnings to Realism, 4 credits. E1. A study of the texts, themes and literary developments in American literature from the early 17th century to 1900.
ENG 355 – American Literature: Realism to Present, 4 credits. E2. A study of the texts, themes and literary developments in 20th and 21st-century American literature.
ENG 358 U – Native American Literatures, 4 credits. A2 (2010-2011). Comparative study of storytelling, ceremonies, and written texts of selected Native American peoples. Emphases on traditional cultural patterns, the effects of European contact, and contemporary voices.
ENG 365 U – Writing of Women, 4 credits. A2 (2010-2011). A critical exploration of the role of literature, language and culture in establishing and maintaining gender differences.
ENG 371 – Editing Process, 4 credits. E1. A study and practice of the editing process in journalism, with emphasis on copy editing.
ENG 377 – Nonfiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits. E2. A workshop in reading and writing contemporary nonfiction. Prerequisite: ENG 227 or consent of instructor
ENG 378 – Poetry Writing Seminar, 4 credits. E1. A workshop in reading and writing contemporary poetry. Prerequisite: ENG 227 or consent of instructor
ENG 379 – Fiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits. E1. A workshop in reading and writing contemporary fiction. Prerequisite: ENG 227 or consent of instructor
ENG 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.
ENG 390 – Cooperative Education, 2 to 4 credits. E.
ENG 395 – Cooperative Education at the Concordia Language Villages, 2 to 4 credits. D. This course is intended to provide students of modern languages with opportunities to teach and study the language of their choice at the Concordia Language Villages. Prerequisite for acceptance: at least two years of coursework or the equivalent in the language. The final decision on acceptance into this course is based on mutual agreement of both Concordia language program faculty and Concordia Language Villages faculty concerning both the student and the project. A total maximum equivalent of two full courses from 390 and 395 may be counted toward graduation.
ENG 401 H, X – Shakespeare and the English Renaissance, 4 credits. E. A study of Shakespeare’s major plays and the historical and intellectual conditions that produced the dramatist and his work. Emphasis on films, videos, and live performances.
ENG 403 – Advanced Reporting, 4 credits. E2. This study and practice of sophisticated reporting techniques includes covering a beat, studying and practicing investigative and interpretive reporting skills, and using public documents in public affairs reporting. Prerequisite: ENG 317 – News Writing
ENG 410 X – Individual Author, 4 credits. E2. Intensive study of works by one author, applying a variety of critical approaches. Variable topics.
ENG 419 – Mass Communications Law, 2 credits. A2 (2010-2011). A study of legal issues vital to print and broadcast journalists as well as other communication professionals. Topics include, among others, prior restraint, defamation, privacy and copyright.
ENG 420 – Mass Communications Ethics, 2 credits. A2 (2010-2011). A study of ethical issues vital to print and broadcast journalists as well as other communication professionals. Topics include, among others, the role of the mass communication professional in society, relevant ethical theories, and ethical decision-making processes.
ENG 421 – Traditions in Literary Genre, 4 credits. A1 (2009-2010). Genre varies. Texts may be organized by development of a genre, by theme, and/or by nation or culture of origin. Variable topic.
ENG 439 – Film and Literature, 4 credits. A2 (2009-2010). A study of the intersection between literature and film. Explores such topics as adapting myth, fiction, drama, and nonfiction works to film.
ENG 441 X – Theory and Practice of Criticism, 4 credits. A1 (2010-2011). Historical examination of the development of theories of art and interpretation from ancient times to the present, including relationships between literature and other art forms.
ENG 451 X, G – Approaches to Texts and Contexts, 4 credits. A2 (2009-2010). An examination of a specific literary theme or question that illustrates relationships between literature and cultural contexts. Variable topic.
ENG 477 – Advanced Nonfiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits. E2. An advanced workshop in reading and writing contemporary nonfiction. Prerequisite: ENG 377 and ENG 227 or consent of instructor
ENG 478 – Advanced Poetry Writing Seminar, 4 credits. E1. An advanced workshop in reading and writing contemporary poetry. Prerequisite: ENG 378 and ENG 227 or consent of instructor
ENG 479 – Advanced Fiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits. E1. An advanced workshop in reading and writing contemporary fiction. Prerequisite: ENG 379 and ENG 227 or consent of instructor
ENG 480 – Independent Study, 1 to 4 credits. D. An opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.
ENG 488 – Senior Capstone in Literature, 4 credits. E2. A seminar in which senior English majors integrate their learning and skills through a series of common readings and significant individual research and writing. Prerequisite: senior standing
ENG 489 – Senior Capstone in Writing, 4 credits. E2. A seminar that integrates academic and creative writing. Students will author a substantial scholarly project that analyzes literary texts and use this analysis to inform subsequent creative work: fiction, nonfiction or poetry. Prerequisite: senior standing
ENG 491 – Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing for the Secondary School, 2 credits. E1. An examination of reading and writing in the secondary school with emphases on the characteristics, needs and tasks of adolescent readers and writers; the nature and scope of reading and writing in the curriculum; current theory and practice; and methods and materials of instruction. For prospective secondary and elementary teachers in their junior or senior year.
Course Catalog
