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 graduates 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, 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, comics studies, 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.

Literature Track Curriculum (Beginning Fall 2020)

Requirements 
ENG 200: Literature Foundations for English Majors 
ENG 311: Shakespeare
ENG 315: Multicultural Studies in Literature 
ENG 374: Professional Writing 
ENG 385: Advanced Composition 
ENG 395 Literary Criticism and Theory
ENG 495: Senior Seminar 

Choose 3 hours from the following: 
ENG 204 British Literature Through the 18th Century 
ENG 214 British Literature After the 18th Century 

Choose 3 hours from the following: 
ENG 205 American Literature Before the Civil War 
ENG 215 American Literature After the Civil War 

Choose 3 hours from the following: 
ENG 490 World Literature I  
ENG 492 World Literature II 

Choose 6 hours from the following:
ENG 312 American Colonial and Revolutionary Literature 
ENG 314 American Romantic Literature 
ENG 316 American Realistic and Naturalistic Literature 
ENG 318 American Modern and Postmodern Literature 
ENG 330 Appalachian Literature 

Choose 6 hours from the following
ENG 305 Renaissance and Early Seventeenth Century 
ENG 309 Chaucer 
ENG 386 Restoration and 18th Century Literature
ENG 390 British Romantic Literature 
ENG 391 Victorian Literature 
ENG 392 Modern British Literature

Choose 12 hours from the following:
Any ENG above 300 

Choose 6 hours from the following:
Any FREN or SPAN

Choose 3 hours from the following:
Any PHIL except PHIL 210 or any REL

TOTAL HOURS: 60hrs 

Students may also want to consider picking up a minor in Literature.