English faculty are dedicated to providing a well-rounded undergraduate education. The professors believe students should receive a strong foundation in literature, language, and writing. Class sizes are small, allowing faculty to work closely with students. The major concludes with a senior capstone project requiring independent study guided by a faculty mentor.

The English major offers a wide range of courses in literature, English education, linguistics, rhetoric, and writing. All of our courses focus on the delights and difficulties of reading, writing, and interpreting texts of various types. Among our courses, students will find the English program’s commitment to diversity. The English major is flexible to match student needs. Professors in the program partner with you to create a plan that will best meet your goals whether you intend to teach, attend graduate school, edit or write for nonprofits, or pursue a career in any field that requires strong critical thinking and communication skills.

Declaring a Major in English

Students interested in pursuing a major in English should visit the Humanities and Culture program office, Central Hall 261, to fill out paperwork and have an advisor assigned.  Students may do this at any time.

To take 300-level courses in the major, students must complete program prerequisites (as described below), complete USEM 103 , complete 48 credits, and maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA in English coursework. Students are required to meet with their faculty advisor prior to turning in the major application, which requires an advisor’s signature.

Minors

Students interested in pursuing a minor in English should visit the Humanities and Culture program office, Central Hall 261 to fill out paperwork and have an advisor assigned. Students should be aware of any course prerequisites. Students must maintain a 2.75 GPA in minor coursework.

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 before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the program 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

• English, BA

• English Minor

Courses

Upper Division Courses

Before enrolling in 300-level English courses, English majors must complete two lower division ENG courses as described in the prerequisites section of the Requirements for the Major section of the catalog.  Students must complete USEM 103. ENG 301 is a prerequisite for most 400-level courses. Any exceptions require instructor consent. Graduate students registering for 500-level courses require the stated prerequisites, their equivalents, or instructor permission.

* A combined maximum of 8 credit hours of ENG 405, 407 and 409 may be applied to the major.

• ENG 596 - The Language of Food
• ENG 598 - Topics in Women’s Writing
• ENG 599 - Special Studies