English: Course Listing 

Chair: Professor Ian Munro
Professors Cecelia Robinson, Mark Walters
Assistant Professor Sara Morrison

The Department of English offers majors in English and English Education, both leading to the B.A. Students wishing to pursue the English Education major must double major in secondary teacher education. A student may take English as a primary major only in the B.A. program. The English major as a second major combined with a B.S. primary major does not require the additional B.A. degree courses.

The Department seeks to develop a love of literature by introducing students -- majors and non-majors alike – to the pleasures of discussing and becoming familiar with great literary works in English, American, and world literature. The William Jewell College English major uniquely links the study and appreciation of great literature to the development of student writing skills for the changing American workplace. The Jewell English faculty believes that the strong writing skills which can sustain individual success in today’s career environment are best founded in the vital understandings of language fostered by the close reading, intensive discussion and careful writing that comprise the core of traditional literary study.

The Department has four goals for its curriculum:

1. To promote wide reading in major works in the English, American and world literary traditions;
2. To develop familiarity with contemporary critical theories and reading strategies;
3. To become proficient in methods of independent reading and literary research;
4. To become proficient and fluent in writing in academic as well as workplace-related contexts.

Revised English curriculum

A revised English curriculum comes into effect in Fall 2008. Students who have declared an English major or English Education major before that time will graduate under previous rules. Students who have taken a 200-level literature course at Jewell, or an equivalent course at another college prior to Fall 2008, and who wish to declare an English major during or after Fall semester 2008 may count that course toward minimum requirements for the revised major. 200-level literature courses do not count toward the English Education major.
Students who have declared an English major prior to Fall semester 2008 will be able to satisfy graduation requirements by substituting new or renumbered courses for courses listed in the previous curriculum, as follows:

Admission to the major
Students wishing to declare an English or English Education major should consult with their advisors. Formal admission to either major requires completion of a minimum of two college-level literature courses, or one college-level literature course and one college level writing course, at least one of which must be ENG 330. Introduction to Textual Study. Minimum G.P.A. of courses presented for admission to the major is 2.75. The Education Department has additional requirements for admission to the Education major.

The English curriculum

Introductory courses: 200-level courses
200-numbered literature courses (225, 245, 255) are suitable for any student with an interest in literature. They cover a wide range of readings and provide instruction in methods of critical analysis and interpretation of written and other texts. They are divided into three categories: Types, Topics, and Periods. At least one of these courses is offered each semester, open to English majors and non-majors. Students may take more than one of the courses within each category if the content differs.
With two exceptions, English majors are not required to take any 200-level course, and may count no more than one of the 200-level literature courses (225, 245, 255) toward completion of the major. The exceptions are ENG 220. Business Writing, a required course for English majors, and ENG 235. Introduction to Study of Language, a required course for English Education majors.

The literature core: 300-level courses
300-level literature courses, with the exception of ENG 330. Introduction to Textual Study, emphasize extensive reading within a broad historical span. Their common purpose is to develop the ability to analyze and contextualize literary works within characteristics of historical periods and literary movements, informed by an understanding of critical methodologies.
ENG 330 is open to all students and is required for all English majors. In addition to 330, English majors must complete three courses at the 300 level, one each in English, American, and World literatures.

Non-majors wishing to take any 300-level literature course apart from ENG 330 should have successfully completed at least one 200-level literature course at Jewell or equivalent at another college before enrolling.

300-level writing courses are open to all students. Those wishing to take ENG 320 or 336 must have completed ENG 220 or similar writing course, or have the instructor’s permission, before enrolling in these courses.

Advanced literary studies: 400-level courses
400-level courses offer seminar-type intensive study of a specific topic, writer or theme, founded in the practice and methods of literary theory and primary research. Intended primarily for English majors, these courses provide opportunities for students to complete an independent research project in collaboration with a member of the English Department faculty.
English majors must have been formally admitted to the major and have completed ENG 330. Introduction to Textual Study and at least two other 300-level courses before enrolling in any advanced studies course. Non-majors may occasionally be admitted to 400-level courses under special circumstances, with consent of the instructor.

Requirements for the English major

A minimum of 37 semester hours is required to major in English. English hours completed in excess of 40 do not count toward the minimum of 124 required for graduation.

Required Courses
ENG 220	Business Writing (4)
ENG 316	Creative Writing: Fiction or ENG 317 Creative Writing: Poetry  (4)
ENG 318	Creative Nonfiction or ENG 235. Introduction to the Study of Language (4)
ENG 330	Introduction to Textual Study (4)
Three literature courses at the 300 level, one in each of English, American, and World literature (12)
Two 400-level Advanced Studies courses (8)
ENG 351	Career Paths for English majors, preferably in sophomore year (1)
	37 hours

Students are expected to complete ENG 330.Introduction to Textual Study before enrolling in any other 300-level course, and must have completed at least two 300-level courses in addition to ENG 330 before enrolling in any 400-level course, though course instructors may waive one or more of these prerequisites under some circumstances.
One introductory (200-level) literature course taken at Jewell or at another college or university may be substituted for a 300 level literature course. Courses presented for transfer credit should have goals, course work and content similar to specific literature courses listed in the Jewell course catalog. The English department chairperson must approve requests for transfer credit. Normally, no transfer equivalent will be accepted for ENG 330, and no more than one course will be accepted for transfer at the 300-level.

Because the English faculty believe that the skills of critical reading and thinking make the English major one of the most effective means of preparation for the changing demands of the global workplace, English majors with the exception of English Education majors are required to take ENG 351: Career Paths (1 cr. hr.), preferably in their sophomore year. The course guides students toward effective choices of pre-employment options before graduation.

Requirements for the English Education major

A minimum of 37 credit hours is required for students wishing to major in English Education and receive Missouri certification to teach English in grades 9-12: 25 hours in literature and 12 hours in composition and rhetoric. Students pursuing the English Education major must be simultaneously enrolled in the Education major. English hours completed in excess of 40 do not count toward the minimum of 124 required for graduation.
 

Required Courses
ENG 330	Introduction to Textual Study (4)
ENG 235	Introduction to the Study of Language  (5)
ENG 350, 355	Studies in U.S. Literature I & II (8)
One additional literature course at the 300 level (4)
One literature course at the 400 level (4)
Three courses in composition and rhetoric (12)
	37 hours

Procedures to be followed to obtain teacher certification are included in the Student Handbook for Teacher Certification. Specific course requirements for all certification programs may be obtained from the Education Department office.

Twelve credit hours in Composition and Rhetoric, including a course in the teaching of writing, are required for Missouri English teaching certification in addition to the minimum 25 hours for the English major.

Advisors in the English and Education Departments can provide information on courses meeting the Composition and Rhetoric requirement, including several regularly offered by the English Department. CTI 102: Written Communication, CTI 120. Advanced Composition, or equivalent college composition course taken elsewhere count toward this requirement. 

ENG 220 Business Writing (4 cr. hrs.)
A study of theory and ENG 220. Business Writing . (4 cr. hrs.)
Study of theory and practice in written communication within the business organization. Develops a basis for effective, professional writing of letters, memos, reports, proposals and presentations.
Offered fall semester. Prerequisite: CTI 102.

ENG 222, 322, 422. Individual Writing Project. (1-4 cr. hrs. )
Individual writing courses for qualified students only, undertaken with the close sponsorship of an English teacher and beginning with a project proposal in specific terms. The numbers 322 and 422 are for the second and third such projects undertaken.
Prerequisites: CTI 102. An advanced writing course and one completed literature course are also preferred. Enrollment is with instructor permission only.

225. Literary types. (4 cr. hrs.)
Introduction to one or more significant genres of literature such as prose fiction, poetry, drama, nonfiction, including new genres such as screenwriting, the graphic novel, and science fiction. Includes an examination of the history and development of the genre.
Prerequisite: CTI 102.

ENG 235. Introduction to the Study of Language. (4-5 cr. hrs.)
A study of the development of human language, language acquisition, structure and change, and language in human life. It is intended for any student interested in the subject. Students receive an additional hour of class credit for completion of a major research or fieldwork project. With the additional hour, the course fulfills Missouri teacher certification requirements.
Offered fall semester, odd-numbered years. Prerequisite: CTI 102.

242, 342, 442. Individual Practicum Project. (1-4 cr. hrs.)
Individual practicum projects for qualified students only, undertaken with the close sponsorship of an English teacher, beginning with a project proposal in specific terms. Examples of practice are field work in dialect study, tutoring students of English as a Second Language, service in the Writing Center. In each instance the practical work is combined with reflective study and with process analysis. The numbers 342 and 442 are for the second and third such projects undertaken.
Prerequisite: CTI 102. Enrollment is with instructor permission only.

245. Literary periods. (4 cr. hrs)
Introductory study of literary works associated with a significant historical period, literary movement, or intellectual current. Different literary genres will be studied in relation to the characteristic features of the period or movement, sometimes in the context of other genres of expression, such as painting or cinema. Examples include the Romantics, the Irish Renaissance, Transcendentalism.
Prerequisite: CTI 102.

252, 352, 452. Individual Reading Project. (1-4 cr. hrs.)
Individual reading projects for qualified students only, undertaken with the close sponsorship of an English teacher, and beginning with a project proposal in specific terms. They are sometimes available for students who desire to undertake substantial reading programs of worthy literary works. The numbers 352 and 452 are for the second and third reading projects undertaken.
Prerequisites: CTI 102 and one completed literature course. Enrollment is with permission only.

255. Literary topics. (4 cr. hrs)
Introductory study in comparative themes and topics found in significant literary works from more than one literary or cultural tradition. Examples include revenge literature, sexuality in literature, literature and religion, literary utopias and dystopias.
Prerequisite: CTI 102.

316. Creative Writing: Fiction. (4 cr. hrs)
An introduction to the writing of short stories through the study of the conceptual and mechanical elements of fiction and the workshop-formatted discussion of student manuscripts. Limited enrollment. At least one completed literature course is recommended prior to enrollment.
Prerequisites: CTI 102 and sophomore standing. Offered fall semester.

317. Creative Writing: Poetry. (4 cr. hrs)
An introduction to the writing of poetry through the study of its elements and conventions and the workshop-formatted discussion of student poems. Limited enrollment. At least one completed literature course is recommended prior to enrollment. Prerequisites: CTI 102 and sophomore standing. Offered spring semester.

ENG 318 Creative Nonfiction. (4 cr. hrs.)
Introduces the wide variety of styles and sub-genres associated with the term “creative nonfiction,” including autobiography, profile, biography, history, literary journalism, and the personal essay. Students will read critically and discuss examples by contemporary writers. On topics of their choosing, they will research and write forms of the genre that make up creative nonfiction, discussing their writing in workshop format.
Prerequisite: CTI 102. Offered spring semester.

320. Writing in the Real World. (4 cr. hrs.)
Study in principles and strategies of argumentation and persuasion in public writing, including business and non-profit contexts. The course includes analysis of ethical principles in argument. Students will complete a business or grant proposal and at least two other extensive writing projects. The course will contribute to the development of a personal writing portfolio. Prerequisite: ENG 220 or consent of the instructor.

330. Introduction to Textual Study. (4 cr. hrs)
Introduces students to close study of texts, informed by contemporary literary theory. Intended for English majors, the course is required for continued study in the English Major. Non-majors may be admitted to the course with the instructor’s consent.
Prerequisite: CTI 102. Offered spring semester.

336. Topics in Advanced Writing. (4 cr. hrs.)
A workshop on writing for the professional marketplace. Topics will vary but may include screenplays, humor, or sports writing, civic or advocacy writing, writing in digital environments. The class is designed to allow students to work in genres not emphasized in Business Writing , Creative Nonfiction, or Creative Writing, under the guidance of professionals in the field. Prerequisite: ENG 220 or any 300 level writing course, or instructor consent. May be repeated for credit on different topics.

340. Studies in English Literature I. (4 cr. hrs)
Introduces students to the English literary tradition of the Middle Ages to the Eighteenth Century. Fictional works of various genres, including poetry, prose, and drama, will be studied within their historical and cultural contexts, in dialogue with critical methodologies, and sometimes in the context of other genres, including painting or film.
Prerequisite: ENG 330 or instructor permission.

345. Studies in English Literature II. (4 cr. hrs)
Introduces students to the English literary tradition of the Romantic Period to the Twenty-First Century. Fictional works of various genres, including poetry, prose, and drama, will be studied within their historical and cultural contexts, in dialogue with critical methodologies, and sometimes in the context of other genres, including painting or film.
Prerequisite: ENG 330 or instructor permission.

350. Studies in U.S. Literature I. (4 cr. hrs)
A study of selected major texts within United States literary history.
Prerequisite: ENG 330 or instructor permission.
351. Career Paths for the English Major. (1 cr. hr)
Examines the variety of career opportunities for English majors outside of teaching and helps students prepare for successful careers after graduation.
Offered fall semester.

353. Internship. (1-4 cr. hrs)
A program offering majors hands-on experience in job situations. The internship experience is carefully designed to augment the skills in effective thinking, reading and writing that English majors develop in the classroom.
Prerequisites: Minimum 3.0 GPA and consent of the instructor.

355. Studies in U.S. Literature II: African-American Literature. (4 cr. hrs)
Introduces students to the African American literary tradition and provides continued practice in analyzing and writing about fictional works. Readings in, discussion of and/or an essay or annotated bibliography about literature for adolescents are provided for students seeking to meet teacher certification requirements for adolescent literature.
Prerequisite: ENG 330 or instructor permission.

360. Great Works of World Literature. (4 cr. hrs)
A study of representative works of world literature from Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance in translation. The course emphasizes the study and understanding of the literary, cultural, and human significance of selected great works of the Western and non-Western literary traditions in their cultural/historical contexts and of the enduring human values which unite literary traditions across history and cultures.
Prerequisite: ENG 330 or instructor permission.

365. Studies in Postcolonial literature. (4 cr. hrs)
The course introduces students to contemporary postcolonial literature.
Prerequisite: ENG 330 or instructor permission

440: Advanced studies: English literature. (4 cr. hrs)
Intensive study of a specific topic, writer, or theme in English literature, grounded in the practice and methods of literary theory and research. Intended primarily for senior English majors, the course provides opportunities for students to complete an independent research project in collaboration with a member of the English Department faculty.
Prerequisites: ENG 330 and at least two additional 300-level English courses. May be repeated for credit on different topics.

450: Advanced studies: American literature. (4 cr. hrs)
Intensive study of a specific topic, writer, or theme in American literature, grounded in the practice and methods of literary theory and research. Intended primarily for senior English majors, the course provides opportunities for students to complete an independent research project in collaboration with a member of the English Department faculty.
Prerequisites: ENG 330 and at least two additional 300-level English courses. May be repeated for credit on different topics.

460: Advanced studies: World literature. (4 cr. hrs.)
Intensive study of a specific topic, writer, or theme in world literature founded in practice and methods of literary theory and primary research. Intended primarily for English majors, the course provide opportunities for students to complete an independent research project in collaboration with a member of the English Department faculty.
Prerequisites: ENG 330 and at least two additional 300-level English courses. May be repeated for credit on different topics.

Honors English
To graduate with honors, a student must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 at the time of graduation, and have completed a research thesis over a period of two or more semesters. The English Honors Program provides the Department's most accomplished majors with the chance to write a substantial critical thesis or creative work and engage in advanced research supervised by a faculty advisor chosen by the student.
Information on application procedures is available from the chair of the College Honors Committee or an English faculty member.
Admission to the English Honors program is highly selective, and does not guarantee the student will receive Honors. To merit this distinction, the work must be of superior quality in the opinion of the defense committee.