Bachelor of Science in English
An English major is a good foundation for careers in communications, business, law, social work, the fine arts, and teaching. Course work introduces students to important literary texts and to the development of the English language and the origins of western literature and culture. Students can develop reading and writing skills, rigorous critical thinking skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas persuasively, all while obtaining a broad liberal education.
Requirements for the Major
All University College undergraduate students must satisfy the same general-education requirements; for information on those, click here. Before enrolling in any literature course, you must satisfactorily complete English Composition 101.
Introductory Literature Courses (6 credit units): Two courses chosen from U65-211, 241, or 257.
Advanced Literature Courses (15 credit units): U65-395 (Shakespeare) and four additional upper-level (300-400 level) literature courses. U65-301 (Practical Criticism) is recommended.
Advanced Elective Courses (9 credit units): Three upper-level (300-400) courses in English or comparative literature, composition, or communications and journalism (a maximum of 6 units of communications and journalism may count toward the English major).If you take a third 200-level course from the Introductory Literature Course category noted above, in addition to the two requir3d courses in that category, you may apply that credit to this requirement. You must complete a minimum of 12 upper-level units in literature and related courses at Washington University. No more than 6 units of independent study may be counted toward the major. Click here to see the printable Degree Requirements Worksheet.
SAMPLE ENGLISH LITERATURE COURSES
U65-211 Chief English Writers
U65-215 Introduction to Literary Study
U65-241 Masterpieces of Literature
U65-257 The Art of Poetry
U65-301 Practical Criticism
U65-310 Topics in English and American Literature
U65-319 Topics in Women and Literature
U65-320 Major American Writers
U65-321 Selected English and American Writers
U65-356 The Art of the Novel
U65-360 Topics in Film and Literature
U65-365 The Bible as Literature
U65-395 Shakespeare
For a printable Application for Admission to the degree program, press here.
For more information about the major in English or University College in Arts & Sciences, please call (314) 935-6700 or E-mail ucollege@artsci.wustl.edu.
