The English Department

Taught by practicing authors, editors, and scholars, Allegheny English majors are exposed to an extraordinary range of literature -- and approaches to literature. Our students harness critical and creative thinking skills; they quickly become informed writers and readers.

 

Major and Minor Programs

Major in English

A progression of courses designed to foster critical thinking, speaking and writing skills. 40-48 semester hours, including: Reading Literature; Studies in Early British Literature; any two from among Studies in Later British Literature, Studies in American Literature and Alternative Traditions in American Literature; at least one 300- and one 400- level course; at least two courses in pre-1800 and two in post-1800 literature; a Junior Seminar; and a Senior Project.

Major in English/Writing Tracks

Technical/Professional Writing Track: All standard requirements plus Technical and Professional Writing; two from among Writing Fiction, News Writing, Writing about the Environment, Forms of Nonfiction; and a Senior Project in technical/professional writing.

Journalism Writing Track: All standard requirements plus News Writing; either Writing Fiction or Forms of Non-Fiction; Topics in Journalism; Technical/Professional Writing or Advanced Non-fiction writing workshop, a selection of Communication Arts courses; and a Senior Project in journalism.

Environmental Writing Track: All standard requirements plus Literature about the Environment, Writing about the Environment, the Advanced Nonfiction Writing Workshop, two courses from among Writing Fiction, Technical/Professional Writing, News Writing, Forms of Nonfiction; three courses in Environmental Science or their equivalent; and a Senior Project in environmental writing.

Creative Writing Track: All standard requirements for an English major, plus the following: Writing Fiction and Writing Poetry; one among News Writing, Technical/Professional Writing, and Writing about the Environment; two among Forms of Fiction, Forms of Poetry, Forms of Drama and Forms of Nonfiction; the appropriate Advanced Writing Workshop (Fiction, Poetry or Nonfiction); a Senior Project in creative writing.

Minor in English

Reading Literature; two Studies courses; a Junior Seminar; at least two English department electives.

Minor in Writing

Reading Literature; two from among Writing Fiction, Writing Poetry and News Writing, Technical and Professional Writing, and Writing about the Environment; one of the advanced writing courses; at least two English department electives.