English 1109 Intensive Writing and Reading
The first course in a two-course sequence that provides intensive
practice in integrating academic reading and writing. Credit may not
count toward graduation in some degree programs.
English 1110.01 First-Year English Composition
In this course, students will practice the fundamentals of expository
and persuasive writing, as illustrated in the student's own writing and
in the essays of professional writers. Students emerge from the course
with knowledge of rhetorical analysis and production in addition to more
sophisticated perspectives on chosen course themes and experience in
writing and editing for publication.
English 1110.03 First-Year English Composition (Intensive)
This course involves intensive practice in fundamentals of expository
writing illustrated in students’ own writing and essays of professional
writers. Offered in a small class setting and linked with English 1193,
an individual tutoring component, 1110.03 is available for EM credit
only through the AP program.
English 1193 Individual Studies
This course involves the intensive practice in the fundamentals of expository writing.
2201 British Literature: Medieval through 1800
Instructor - Dr. Elizabeth Kolkovich
An introductory critical study of the works of major British writers from 800 to 1800.
English 2202 British Lit Survey 1800-present: “Gothic Ghosts”
Instructor - Dr. Victoria Muñoz
The late 18th through mid-nineteenth centuries were a period of
heightened sensibility, where a nostalgic longing to recover the
ghosts of the medieval past produced new harbingers of terror. This
GEC survey course will explore the thematic undercurrent of late
romanticism, which helped to produce the gothic movement and horror
literature of the twentieth century, concluding with the present moment.
Major themes and motifs will include the relationship between literary
realism and readerly habits; psychological erasure and the uncanny;
cultural nostalgia and the motif of haunting; ghosts, demons, butchers,
and goblins galore. Graded assignments will include a journal, appreciation
essay, mid-term and final exam.
2220 Intro to Shakespeare
Instructor - Dr. Elizabeth Kolkovich
Study of selected plays designed to give an understanding of drama as
theatrical art and as an interpretation of fundamental human experience.
English 2220 Shakespeare “Scandalous Shakespeare”
Instructor - Dr. Victoria Muñoz
Love, sex, treason, betrayal, faith, collusion—these are common themes
within the immortal plays of Mr. William Shakespeare. They were also common
elements of the English court as it dealt with a near-constant barrage of
scandals, assassination plots, intrigues, and betrayals. This introductory course
brings out the richness of Shakespeare’s plays—their controversies, philosophical
depths, and complex ideological quandaries—in conversation with contemporary
English history and politics. Students will exercise critical thinking skills, practice
rhetorical argumentation, and engage in historical recovery of early modern past
through close reading of canonical plays. Graded assignments will include close
reading and research paper, discussion prompts, and a creative assignment.
2261 Intro to Fiction
Examination of the elements of fiction -- plot, character, setting,
narrative, perspective, theme, etc. -- and their various interrelations;
comparisons with nonfictional narrative may be included.
2263 Intro to Film
Instructor - Prof. Andrew Kinney
Introduction to methods of reading film texts by analyzing cinema as technique, as
system, and as cultural product.
2268 Writing of Creative Non-Fiction l
Practice in the writing of creative nonfiction; analysis and discussion
of student work, with reference to the general methods and scope of the
genre. Workshop-seminar.
2269 Digital Media Composing
Instructor - Dr. Susan Delagrange
A composition course in which students analyze and compose digital
media texts while studying complex forms and practices of textual
production.
2275 Thematic Approached to Literature
An introduction to literature through the examination of a major theme
as treated in different genres and periods; topic varies by semester.
2279* (3279) Intro to Writing, Rhetoric & Literacy
Instructor - Dr. Carolyn Skinner
An introduction to common methods, concepts, and subjects associated
with rhetoric, composition, and literacy. Course involves analysis and
discussion of texts from a variety of genres, media, and modes.
2280 The English Bible
Instructor - Dr. Norman Jones
The Bible in English translation, with special attention to its literary qualities,
conceptual content, and development within history.
2290 US Lit: Colonial to 1865
Instructor - Prof. Andrew Kinney
Introductory study of significant works of U.S. literature from its Colonial origins to 1865.
2291 US Lit: 1865 to Present
Instructor - Dr. Cynthia Callahan
Introductory study of significant works of U.S. literature from 1865 to
the present with special attention to the expression of American
identity.
3271 Structure of English Language
Instructor - Dr. Barbara McGovern
Students investigate and explore linguistic variation, accents of
American English, and the implications of language evaluation in
educational settings.
3304 Business & Professional Writing
Instructor - Dr. Carolyn Skinner
The study of principles and practices of business and professional writing.
English 3378 Literature & Film: "The Problem of Adaptation"
Instructor - Dr. Cynthia Callahan
Why do we expect film versions of our favorite literature to be exact
copies? And what problems occur when filmmakers attempt to adapt texts
into new forms? This class examines “faithful” adaptations and problem
ones to better understand the relationship between literature and film.
English 3378 fulfills the GE Cultures and Ideas category, in which
“students evaluate significant cultural phenomena and ideas in order to
develop capacities for aesthetic and historical response and judgment;
and interpretation and evaluation.”
3398 Writing for English Majors
Instructor - Dr. Elizabeth Kolkovich
Serves as the "Methods" course for the Literature and Creative Writing
concentrations within the English major. Its purpose is to familiarize
students with literary studies in such a way as to prepare them for
advanced courses in all literary fields and the genres of Creative
Writing. Required of English majors. Open to English majors only or
others by dept permission.
3467S Issue & Methods in Tutoring Writing
Instructor - Dr. Carolyn Skinner
Theories and practices in tutoring and writing; explores
writing-learning connections and prepares students to work as writing
consultants/tutors for individuals and small writing groups.
3597.03 Environmental Citizenship
Instructor - Dr. Joan Richmond
Provides tools for environmental citizenship by teaching
interdisciplinary perspectives on biophysical/sociocultural forces that
shape environments. Addresses general processes through local case
studies.
4150 Cultures of Professional Writing
Instructor - Dr. Susan Delagrange
Examine writing in various workplaces. Analyze writing discourse that
shapes professional organizations. Explore ongoing technological and
cultural shifts required of workplace writers and the role of digital media.
4520.01 Shakespeare
Instructor - Dr. Elizabeth Kolkovich
Critical examination of the works, life, theater, and contexts of Shakespeare.
4531 Restoration & 18th Century Literature
Instructor - Dr. Barbara McGovern
A selective survey of drama, poetry, novels, or other contemporary genres,
such as the moral essay or autobiography.
4542 19th Century British Novel
Instructor - Dr. Barbara McGovern
Examines formal and thematic concerns in the novels of the nineteenth
century in relation to the historical and cultural issues of the time.
4569 digital Media & English Studies
Instructor - Dr. Susan Delagrange
Critical examination of the intersections between specific areas or
problems in English studies and the emergent technologies used to
acquire and create knowledge in the discipline.
4572 Traditional Grammar & Usage
Instructor - Dr. Carolyn Skinner
An examination of terminology and structures traditionally associated
with the study of English grammar and usage rules, especially
problematic ones, governing edited written American English. In addition
to learning the “rules” of edited American English, students also
explore the effects that grammatical choices can have: When might
structuring a sentence one way rather than another be more persuasive?
What are the ethical implications of particular grammatical and/or
stylistic choices?
4573.01 Rhetorical Theory & Criticism
Instructor - Dr. Carolyn Skinner
Examination of persuasive strategies in a representative selection of
genres, such as oratory, news articles, editorials, essays,
advertisements, fiction, digital media, and film.
4573.02 Rhetoric & Social Action
Instructor - Dr. Carolyn Skinner
Examination of persuasive strategies in social interaction, such as
social movements, political protests, cultural trends, rituals and
ceremonies, and everyday practices. This course usually focuses on the
nineteenth-century American women’s rights movement. Students read
speeches and essays that addressed women’s political, educational,
occupational, and legal rights.
4574 History & Theories of Writing
Instructor - Dr. Carolyn Skinner
Study of the origins, definitions, and development of writing,
including historical, cultural, technological, theoretical, and/or
ideological issues.
4578 Topics in Film
Examination of particular topics, themes, genres, or movements in
cinema; topics may include particular directors (Orson Welles), periods
(The Sixties), genres (horror).
4581 Topics in US Ethnic Lit
Instructor - Dr. Cynthia Callahan
“Race, Ethnicity, and Adoption in American Literature.” Examines the
representation of adoption across racial and ethnic boundaries in
American literature.
4582 Topics in African-American Literature
Instructor - Dr. Cynthia Callahan
“The Harlem Renaissance”—focuses on poetry, fiction, and drama of the
brief but vibrant period from 1915-1930s. “The Twentieth Century African
American Novel”—studies African American long fiction during the
twentieth century.
4592 Topics in Women in Literature & Culture
Instructor - Dr. Elizabeth Kolkovich
Using feminist perspectives, students will learn to analyze literature
and other cultural works (film, television, digital media) written by or
about women. Time period and topic vary. The current topic taught by
Dr. Kolkovich concerns women writers in Renaissance England.
English 4575 Special Topics in Literary Forms and Themes: “Romance Literature: The Fantasy and the Fandom”
Instructor - Dr. Victoria Muñoz
The fantasy novel developed as a response to the popular fiction that
preceded it: the medieval and early modern romances which helped to
define the contours of secular literature. This course will offer a selection
of major romance works from the medieval era through the 20th century
with careful consideration of the thematic, ideological, and aesthetic
concerns that led to the modern fiction genres of fantasy, horror, and science
fiction. Graded assignments will include discussion prompts, a research paper,
and a comparative essay featuring any modern fantasy work of the student’s
choosing.
English 4150: Cultures of Professional Writing
Instructor - Dr. Cassandra Parente
Current research into job preparation affirms that writing is a key threshold skill
for the contemporary workplace. Cultures of Professional Writing is designed to
introduce you to the principles of writing in a range of workplaces—corporate,
government, creative, academic, nonprofit, etc.—and provide you with opportunities
to practice working in multiple genres and gain confidence in your professional writing
skills. This will culminate in the production of a professional portfolio including a resume,
cover letter, and writing samples that you will use to gain an internship and, perhaps,
begin a career. (Plus, there will be food and celebrations). Don’t miss this opportunity
to apply what you’ve gained inside the classroom outside of it.
English 4573.0: "Popular Rhetoric, Inside and Out"
Instructor - Dr. Carolyn Skinner
In this class, we’ll study how pop culture persuades. We’ll look both at appeals “inside”
the text (what the writer/composer/rhetor chose to do within the text) and at what
happens “outside” the text (how it is circulated, remixed, etc.) that affects its
persuasiveness.
*English 4573.01 fulfills the Rhetorical Studies requirement for the Writing, Rhetoric,
& Literacy concentration in the English Major, and it can be used to fulfill an elective
in the Minor in Professional Writing.