English Major & Minors
The study of literature is more than just the critical analysis of written works throughout the centuries—it is the study of human cultural production and aesthetic experience. Students approaching graduation, in particular, ask ‘Why English?’ when confronted with the prospect of finding a career. Many students feel they must choose between personal interest and career preparation, between the kind of intellectual interests they would like to pursue and the realities of a tight job market. However, employers recruiting at Richmond say they want graduates who can think and express themselves effectively, who have experience with a variety of intellectual methods and perspectives and who enjoy work that genuinely engages the mind.
Most English majors have an avid appreciation of literature as well as a love of language and of writing. As a result, the curriculum not only strengthens their writing skills and stimulates critical thinking but also engages their passions.
The English Major
Note: A grade of C (2.0) or better is required in all coursework comprising the English major.
10 units, including:
One unit of “Foundations of Literary and Textual Inquiry”
One elective at the 200 or 300 level (can be fulfilled with AP English Literature Exam score of 4 or 5)
Six courses at the 300 level (two must be pre-1900, two may be CRWR)*
One course at the 300 level or ENGL-400
One unit of ENGL-400
Any student seeking two degrees in the English department (major or minor) may have no more than two overlapping courses between their respective curricula.
The English Minor
Note: A grade of C (2.0) or better is required in all coursework comprising the English minor.
Six units, including:
Two “Foundations of Literary and Textual Inquiry” courses (one must be completed before enrolling in advanced courses in the minor, but the second may be taken concurrently with advanced courses)
Two 300-level courses (one must be pre-1900)
One additional literature course (not writing) at the 300 or 400 level
One seminar taken in the junior or senior year
The Creative Writing Minor
Note: A grade of C (2.0) or better is required in all coursework comprising the creative writing minor. Each writing course beyond CRWR 300 may be taken up to three times for credit.
Six units, including:
CRWR 300 Introduction to Creative Writing
Four courses, chosen from the following:
CRWR 311 Fiction Writing
CRWR 312 Poetry Writing
CRWR 313 Creative Nonfiction Writing
CRWR 314 Literary Translation
CRWR 320 Selected Topics in Writing
CRWR 401 Creative Writing Portfolio
(CRWR 311, 312, 313, and 320 may be taken up to three times for credit.)One additional 200- or 300-level ENGL or CRWR course.
CRWR 300 is the required prerequisite for all other CRWR courses (or permission of instructor).
