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English
E390 Women’s Narrative 3 credits
This course focuses on narrative strategies that are distinctive in literature by and/or about women
and examine themes and issues that are common to women from a variety of social, historical, and/or
political situations. In particular, the course examines how literature by and/or about women differs
from literature by and/or about men, and how women writers inscribe their perspectives, politics, and
lived experiences in literature. Prerequisite: E250.
E391 African American Perspectives 3 credits
African American Perspectives studies the literary works of major authors of African American heritage.
Students examine poetry, fiction, and autobiographical narrative, in the spirit of Nobel laureate Toni
Morrison’s call to “talk about race in a manner which is not diminishing, demeaning, reductive, or ad
hominem.” This course studies African American literature as a tradition in its own right, as well as a
means of better understanding African American culture and American culture as a whole. The reading
allows students to see the ways in which African American writers have contributed to, have been
influenced by, and have transformed America. Prerequisite: E250.
E410-419 Special Topics 1-3 credits
Selected topics in English may be offered depending on student and faculty interest.
E452 Critical Approaches to Literature 3 credits
This course explores relationships and dialogues among literary works, literary criticism, and cultural
theory. In a seminar setting, students wrestle with key theoretical concepts, such as identity, gender,
power, language, and representation, and learn to situate their own readings of literary works in a
theoretically informed critical conversation. The course investigates the contributions, methodologies,
and assumptions associated with key figures in literary and cultural studies. Offered spring semester.
Prerequisite: E250.
E470-479 Seminars in English 3 credits
These courses, reserved for upper division English majors and minors, explore special topics in depth
through careful reading and research in a seminar setting. Topics vary by semester (see specific
descriptions on the course schedule). Prerequisite: junior or senior majors or minors only.
E490 Senior Thesis 2 credits
Designed to be a capstone experience for senior English majors, this course provides advanced
instruction in the research methods, drafting and revision, and bibliography work involved in writing a
major research project. Students complete a major research paper in an area of their interest in literary
studies and make an oral defense of their project at the end of the course. Prerequisite: junior or senior
majors only.
E4907 Internship 3 credits
An opportunity for qualified juniors or seniors to participate in a field experience under the guidance
and supervision of competent professionals.
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