2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

English, BA


Banner Code: LA-BA-ENGL

Web: english.gmu.edu

This program of study is offered by the Department of English .

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Degree Requirements


Students pursuing a BA in English must satisfy university general education requirements and the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as well as the requirements for all bachelor’s degrees as stated in the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. Students pursuing this degree must complete 30 credits (nine courses) in English beyond ENGH 302 with a minimum GPA of 2.00.  Student majoring in English are required to complete at least 6 credits at the 400 level.

300-level courses teach the foundational principles for a field of study, include courses of broad scope, and provide an introduction to a genre, literary period, or methodology.

400-level courses provide an in-depth approach to a field of study, a single genre, literary period, or methodology.  They include special topics classes and English honors classes.  Some 400 level courses require ENGH 325 as a prerequisite.

Students choose one of 13 concentrations or an emphasis in comparative literature.

Students should consult with an English Department advisor to learn ways in which the university-wide general education requirements can also satisfy college-level requirements or the English major.

BA in English with a concentration


One required course (6 credits)


Four core courses (12 credits)


Courses taken to fulfill this requirement may simultaneously satisfy a concentration.  Special topics courses, when relevant, may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the department.

One elective course (3 credits) above ENGH 302

Four courses (12 credits) in one concentration


Special topics courses may be used to fulfill the requirements for a concentration when so designated by department.

▲ Concentration in American Literature (ALIT)

▲ Concentration in Creative Writing (CW)

▲ Concentration in Cultural Studies (CULT)

▲ Concentration in Drama (DRA)

A maximum of one course (3 credits) may be from courses on Shakespeare.

▲ Concentration in Fiction (FIC)

▲ Concentration in Film and Media Studies (FILM)

▲ Concentration in Folklore, Mythology, and Literature (FML)

May include one course from outside the English Department chosen from:

▲ Concentration in Linguistics (LING)

▲ Concentration in Medieval and Renaissance Literature (MRL)

▲ Concentration in Modern British Literature (MBL)

▲ Concentration in Writing and Rhetoric (WRTR)

▲ Concentration in Poetry (POE)

▲ Concentration in World Literature (WLIT)

At least two courses (6 credits) chosen from:

Special topics courses, when relevant, may be applied to this concentration when designated by the department.

2 additional courses (6 credits)

Courses may be chosen from the list above or the lists below, but no more than one course can be chosen from each of the lists below.

One course chosen from designated concentrations

Students can choose up to one course (3 credits) from courses listed under the concentrations above in Medieval and Renaissance literature, American literature, or Modern British literature.

BA in English with a Comparative Literature Emphasis


The English Department and the Modern and Classical Languages Department offer a BA in English with an emphasis in comparative literature. This program combines the study of literature in English with the study of one or more foreign literatures and with cross-cultural literary study. It requires 10 courses above ENGH 302.  Students should consult with their advisor to design a program of study that best suits their particular interests and goals.

One course (3 credits) in literary criticism chosen from:


Students choose a course appropriate for their focus.

Two courses (6 credits) in English or American literature


Two courses (6 credits) in literature other than English or American


Students meet this requirement with courses in a literature other than English or American, either in translation or, for those pursuing foreign language study, with selected readings in the original language.

Three courses (9 credits) in comparative or world literature


Comparative or world literature courses are designated by the comparative literature committee and generally selected in consultation with the advisor every semester. Examples are:

  • various 300-level CLAS courses
  • FRLN 330 courses
  • Special topics courses, when relevant, in ENGH, FREN, GERM, RUSS, SPAN, or other language

Total: 30 credits


Writing Intensive Requirement


The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in English fulfill this requirement by successfully completing ENGH 325. Students doing the comparative literature emphasis who do not take ENGH 325 will have to meet the synthesis requirement with another non-English course.