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.
The English: Rhetoric and Writing major is specifically designed for students who want to experience the traditional benefits of an English degree while taking more courses specifically designed to cultivate their skills as writers. While all English majors at WLU take the same core classes, Writing majors focus much of their upper-level coursework around topics related to composition theory, grammar, creative writing, professional writing, linguistics, and logic. This major is ideal for any student interested in pursuing a career that necessitates strong writing skills, be it in publishing, journalism, academia, or a legal field. Ultimately, like all English majors, students majoring in Writing 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 260 | Introduction to Creative Writing | 3 |
| ENG 275 | Structure of English | 3 |
| ENG 277 | Editing & Proofreading | 3 |
| ENG 315 | Multicultural Studies in Literature | 3 |
| ENG 374 | Professional Writing | 3 |
| ENG 385 | Advanced Composition | 3 |
| ENG 400 | Composition Theory | 3 |
| ENG 495 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| LING 315 | Sociolinguistics | 3 |
| PHIL 210 | Logic & Critical Thinking | 3 |
Choose 9 hours from the following:
| ENG 305 | Renaissance & Early 17th Century Literature | 3 |
| ENG 309 | Chaucer | 3 |
| ENG 311 | Shakespeare | 3 |
| 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 |
| ENG 386 | Restoration & 18th Century Literature | 3 |
| ENG 390 | British Romantic Literature | 3 |
| ENG 391 | Victorian Literature | 3 |
| ENG 392 | Modern British Literature | 3 |
| ENG 490 | World Literature I | 3 |
| ENG 492 | World Literature II | 3 |
Choose 3 hours from the following:
| BIO 301 | Writing in Biological Sciences | 3 |
| COM 231 | News Writing & Reporting | 3 |
| COM 322 | Writing for Media | 3 |
| COM 359 | Writing for Web/Social Media | 3 |
| COM 362 | Podcasting: Story, Production, & Publication | 3 |
| COM 415 | Public Relations Writing | 3 |
| CEP 443 | Fundraising & Grant Writing | 3 |
| GBUS 220 | Business Communications | 3 |
Choose 6 Hours from the following:
| Any 300-400 ENG |
Choose 6 hours from the following:
| Any FREN | 3 | |
| Any SPAN | 3 |
Choose 3 hours from the following:
| Any PHIL | ||
| Any REL |
Any PHIL except PHIL 210: Logic and Critical Thinking
Choose 3 hours from the following:
| ENG 360 | Creative Writing: Poetry | 3 |
| ENG 361 | Creative Writing: Fiction | 3 |
| ENG 362 | Creative Writing: Nonfiction | 3 |
The Department of English and Modern Languages also offers a minor in Writing and one in Creative Writing.