Academic Bulletin 2023-2024 
    
    Nov 19, 2024  
Academic Bulletin 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

English Major–Emphasis in Literature


Faculty: Bakken, Buckner, Caballero, Christmas, Ferrence, Hart, Holmes, J. Miller, Votava

The English Major–Emphasis in Literature is a program in the Languages, Literature, and Culture Area of Study. English majors may not minor in Writing.

English Major–Emphasis in Literature Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete an English Major–Emphasis on Literature will:

  • Utilize close reading as a primary skill of literary analysis
  • Encounter and deploy interpretive methods that build upon the principle of close reading
  • Recognize and use the conventions of different genres
  • Develop analytical arguments and creative expression both in writing and discussion
  • Understand the significance of historically underrepresented perspectives and traditions and practice cultural competence

The English Major–Emphasis in Literature

The English Major–Emphasis in Literature, consisting of 44 credits, leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. At graduation, English majors are required to have a GPA of at least 2.0 in the major. The calculation is based on all English courses taken at Allegheny on a letter-grade basis. Only the most recent grade is considered for courses that have been repeated. At least 10 courses, including the Junior Seminar and Senior Project, must be taken on the letter-grade basis; additional courses may be taken Credit/No Credit, though the department recommends that the number of such courses be kept to a minimum.  A maximum of 8 transfer credits may be counted toward the major; exceptions must be approved by the department chair.

Core (12 Credits)


  • One course (4 credit hours) from courses ENGL 110 through ENGL 118.

Emphasis in Literature (32 Credits)


Take one of the following courses at the 200-level (4 Credits):


Take one course at the 400-level (4 Credits):


Electives (8 Credits):


Take any two additional courses in English at any level. FSENG 201  does not count.