The English programs at West Liberty University prepare students for many pathways beyond graduation, especially those that benefit from a graduate’s ability to read, think, and write critically. Many majors prepare students for specific careers, but majoring in English opens countless doors for students who are especially interested in studying the ways in which language and literature shape the world around them. Along the way, English majors grow into the types of graduate’s employers are looking for and, perhaps more importantly, individuals with the skills needed to continue to grow as global citizens and lifelong learners.
With a flexible curriculum that allows students many opportunities to explore a wide variety of interests related to language and literature, English: Literature majors acquire the skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing world where employers expect college graduates to think critically and communicate effectively. Although most of the Required Courses in the English program focus primarily on American and British literature, students with particular interests can focus their electives around diverse topics such as composition, Appalachian literature, young-adult literature, linguistics, and literary theory. In the end, through whichever paths the students ultimate take, they will gain a deeper insight into the human experience while cultivating concrete skills related to research, analysis, and communication.
Requirements
Required Courses
| ENG 200 | Foundations in English Studies | 3 |
| ENG 311 | Shakespeare | 3 |
| ENG 315 | Multicultural Studies in Literature | 3 |
| ENG 374 | Professional Writing | 3 |
| ENG 385 | Advanced Composition | 3 |
| ENG 395 | Literary Criticism & Theory | 3 |
| ENG 495 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
Choose 3 hours from the following:
| ENG 204 | British Literature through the 18th Century | 3 |
| ENG 214 | British Literature after the 18th Century | 3 |
Choose 3 hours from the following:
| ENG 205 | American Literature before the Civil War | 3 |
| ENG 215 | American Literature after the Civil War | 3 |
Choose 3 hours from the following:
| ENG 490 | World Literature I | 3 |
| ENG 492 | World Literature II | 3 |
Choose 6 hours from the following:
| ENG 312 | American Colonial & Revolutionary Literature | 3 |
| ENG 314 | American Romantic Literature | 3 |
| ENG 316 | American Realistic & Naturalist Literature | 3 |
| ENG 318 | American Modern & Postmodern Literature | 3 |
| ENG 330 | Appalachian Literature | 3 |
Choose 6 hours from the following:
| ENG 305 | Renaissance & Early 17th Century Literature | 3 |
| ENG 309 | Chaucer | 3 |
| ENG 386 | Restoration & 18th Century Literature | 3 |
| ENG 390 | British Romantic Literature | 3 |
| ENG 391 | Victorian Literature | 3 |
| ENG 392 | Modern British Literature | 3 |
| Any ENG | 3 |
Choose 3 hours from the following:
| Any PHIL | ||
| Or | ||
| Any REL |
Choose 6 hours from the following:
| Any FREN | 3 | |
| Any SPAN | 3 |
Choose 12 hours from the following:
| Any 300-400 ENG |
Students may also want to consider picking up a minor in Literature.