Central 261
541-552-6181
Diana Maltz, Chair

The English and Writing major is part of the Department of Language, Literature, and Philosophy. Its faculty is dedicated to providing a well-rounded undergraduate education. The professors, while maintaining a commitment to multicultural and international study, believe students should receive a strong foundation in literature, language, and writing. Students select one of the five programs of study, outlined below, and conclude with a senior capstone project. Class sizes are small, allowing faculty to work closely with students. English and writing faculty also continue their own research and writing projects, always mindful of ways to enrich the classroom experience.

Internships, practica, and professional student-run publications such as West Wind Review and Cognito offer our majors the opportunity to apply the literary and writing skills they learn in class to real-world settings. Students participate in practica at local schools and businesses, write and edit at local presses, and write grants for institutional and community organizations. The program also provides excellent preparation for students wishing to apply for graduate programs in writing, literature, education, and other related professional fields. English and writing participates in the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies program as major and minor areas of concentration. See the Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies  section for more information.

Declaring a Major in English and Writing

Declaring a major in English and writing is a two-step process. The first step is to apply for premajor status. Students may do this at any time, although is it advisable to wait until the end of the freshman year. The premajor application is available in the department office. Upon admission, students will be assigned a department faculty advisor.

The second step is to apply for major status. Before applying, students must complete departmental prerequisites (as described below), complete 75 credits, and maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA in English and writing coursework. Students are required to meet with their faculty advisor prior to turning in the major application, which requires an advisor’s signature. At this time, students also select one of the program options.

Minors

Students interested in pursuing a minor in English and writing should consult an advisor in the department and be aware of any course prerequisites. English and writing majors also pursuing a minor in the department may not use any of the same courses, excluding prerequisites and core courses, for both programs.

Teacher Licensing

Students who would like to teach English at the middle school or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor’s degree in English and writing before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the department chair for an appropriate advisor and the School of Education regarding admission requirements for the MAT program.

Students must prepare in advance to increase their chances of acceptance into this competitive program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with children in the public schools prior to application to the MAT program are required.

Program Requirements

Programs

Major

• •  English and Writing, BA or BS

Concentration

• •  English and Writing, Creative Writing, BA
• •  English and Writing, English Education, BA
• •  English and Writing, Literary Studies, BA
• •  English and Writing, Professional Writing, BA (or BS if approved by advisor)*
• •  English and Writing, Special Studies in English and Writing, BA

Minor

• •  Creative Writing Minor
• •  English Education Minor
• •  Literary Studies Minor
• •  Professional Writing Minor