Bachelors of Arts in English

The English Department at Davis & Elkins College encourages students to explore their individual interests in literature and creative writing, while developing skills that will prepare them for a variety of careers. Our faculty is comprised entirely of full-time professors; each holds a Ph.D. and works closely with students in classes of limited size. English course offerings are designed to promote essential writing skills, in addition to literary appreciation and analysis. Consequently, we offer a broad range of writing-intensive classes, and a full spectrum of introductory and advanced courses in literature.

A number of factors make the Davis & Elkins English program unique. We offer training in World literature, for example, in addition to American and British literature; such range is unusual in a college of our size, but ever more important in today's increasingly "global" world. We also teach a number of exciting Special Topics courses, drawn from our own varied interests and areas of specialization. Recent examples include Magic and Fantasy in Literature, Faith in Literature, Crime and Punishment in Literature, the Beat Poets, Literature and The Culture Wars, and Native American Mythology.

We are particularly proud of the outlets available to students interested in creative writing at Davis & Elkins College. Not only do we offer courses in poetry and fiction writing, but the English Department sponsors and supports many other creative outlets, as well. Our literary journal, Aurora, is student-edited, faculty-advised, and awfully impressive (when you visit campus, ask for a copy and see for yourself!). The Senator is our campus newspaper, and English majors and minors contribute to its success, as well. We also sponsor an annual Shakespeare Conference, regular guest writers, speakers, and workshops, and an active "open mic" poetry group (which, these days, is a popular forum for students interested in slam, rap, and other alternative poetry and expressive-art forms).

The list goes on. But the bottom line is this: if you want to explore the far reaches of your own talent while pursuing a degree that will prepare you for a career (or graduate school) in any number of writing- and communication-intensive fields (such as law, education, business, or journalism), then take a good look at the Davis & Elkins College English program. We're proud of what we have to offer, and would welcome the opportunity to show you why. Please stop by and visit us in Albert Hall, or give any of us a call (or an email) to let us know more about yourself, your goals, and your special interests.

Placement

Composition, a cornerstone of the liberal arts, is a common requirement of the undergraduate curriculum. Incoming students are placed in the writing course that matches their ability on the basis of standardized test scores:

• Students with an ACT composite score of 19 or above; an SAT composite score of 910 or above; or an SAT writing score of 450 or above are placed directly in ENGL 101.
• Students with an ACT composite of 17 or 18; an SAT composite score in the range of 830 to 870; or an SAT writing score between 420 and 430 are placed in ENGL 101 with the understanding that they will attend the Writing Center regularly.
• Students with an ACT composite score of 16 or below; and SAT composite score of 790 or below; or an SAT writing score of 400 or below are placed into FND 104.

Students who have scored a 4 or 5 on the ETS AP Composition Exam are exempt from ENGL 101. Students who have scored a 4 or 5 on the ETS AP Literature Exam are exempt from a general education literature course.

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts in English The English major requires 40 semester hours including:

• English 116 - American Literature I

• English 117 - American Literature II

• English 118 - World Literature

• English 119 - British Literature I

• English 120 - British Literature II

• English 314 - Literary Criticism

• English 316 - Shakespeare

• English 397 - Senior Thesis

In addition, 15 hours chosen from 200 and 300 level English courses. An academic minor is optional.

MinorA minor in English requires 19 hours including:

• English 316 - Shakespeare

Six semester hours chosen from:

• English 116 - American Literature I

• English 117 - American Literature II

• English 118 - World Literature

• English 119 - British Literature I

• English 120 - British Literature II

In addition, nine hours of 200 or 300 level English courses.