The English writing major requires the completion of 33 credits: 21 credits in English writing courses, and 12 credits in English literature courses. Students are encouraged to take additional writing and literature courses beyond the required minimum. Courses in film studies; gender, sexuality, and women's studies; business and technical writing are particularly useful for English writing majors.
The 'Seminar in Composition' requirement must be completed prior to enrollment in any ENGWRT course. Any of the following Seminar in Composition courses fulfill the requirement:
- Prerequisite 'Seminar in Composition' Options
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- ENGCMP 0200 Seminar in Composition
- ENGCMP 0203 Seminar in Composition: Women’s Studies
- ENGCMP 0205 Seminar in Composition: Film
- ENGCMP 0207 Seminar in Composition: Education
- ENGCMP 0208 Seminar in Composition: Service Learning
- FP 0003 / FP 0006 Freshman Seminar
Tracks
Majors must choose a concentration in at least one of the three tracks – Fiction, Poetry, or Nonfiction. In most cases, the student will take other writing courses as well.
Each track consists of three levels of courses. The introductory courses (0500s) offer a broad introduction to the skills required of writers in that area and generally should be taken no later than the second terms of the sophomore year. The intermediate courses (1000s for Fiction, 1200s for Poetry, 1300s for Nonfiction) refine and develop those skills. The senior seminars (1700s) provide a capstone experience for the student writer.
View the major requirements for each track – Fiction, Poetry, or Nonfiction– here.
A minimum grade of C or better (not C-) is required in any 0500-level ENGWRT course to advance to the first 1000-level course in that track. Students who earn less than a C in their first 1000-level course may not advance to the other courses in that track. Moreover, students must earn a minimum grade of C or better (not C-) in their Senior Seminar or Internship course.
Satisfactory/No Credit Option
There is no limit on the number of courses in the major that can be taken on an S/NC basis.
Writing (W) Requirement
English writing majors automatically fulfill both the Arts and Sciences W-course requirements. Students pursuing a second major would be required to complete an additional W course for that major.
Related Area
A minimum of 12 credits is required in any one Dietrich School department chosen in consultation with the major advisor. The completion of an official Arts and Sciences minor or an Arts and Sciences or UCIS certificate also satisfies this requirement.