English
Student Organizations/Clubs:
A chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, a national English honor society.
Straylight Literary Magazine, www.straylightmag.com
Career Possibilities:
Typical career opportunities for English majors include editors, reporters, teachers, business persons, lawyers, and writers – fiction and poetry, technical and business, and advertising. The world of digital media and entertainment has also opened up a variety of entirely new careers for English graduates in creating, editing, and merchandising a wide variety of digital and online content: digital videos, computer games, blogs, vlogs, podcasts, and web content.
Department Overview
The English major is designed to suit the needs of UW-Parkside’s heterogeneous population of traditional and nontraditional-aged students and their varied career paths and goals. Often combined with other majors and minors, it can become a valuable tool for students to achieve a traditional liberal arts education, helping them acquire a broad view of human experience, a critical approach to cultural traditions, and more complete understanding of self and others.
Offering a solid grounding in literature and communication skills, the English major not only prepares students for further graduate or professional study or careers in literature or film, but also offers the opportunity to explore the traditions of British and American literature in depth. Certificates in film studies, creative writing, and in professional writing and communication are available for those who envision careers as professional writers, as well as for those interested in bringing their love of language and writing to rewarding careers in business, industry, or public service. The language arts concentration within the English major focuses on the needs of education professionals and fulfills Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction requirements for teacher training; it is also appropriate for students generally interested in linguistics and language study. The film and cultural studies concentration offers students a background in film terminology, theory, and history, as well as fostering critical analysis of film, popular culture, and literature. We also offer a general English minor, and two language arts minors, one for students pursuing an elementary-level teaching certificate, and the other for students seeking secondary certification in another discipline but wanting to make themselves more broadly marketable by adding a minor in English language arts.
Completing the English Major in the Evening
The English Department makes an effort to schedule the courses needed to complete the major in the evening. However, specific courses are offered less frequently in the evening than in the day, so students must plan their course work carefully. Some courses also may be offered in hybrid or online formats.
University Requirements in Reading and Writing
Most students meet the university reading and writing requirements by completing ENGL 101 Composition and Reading with a grade of C-minus or better. Students whose placement scores indicate superior skills in these areas may satisfy the requirements in reading and writing by passing a competence exam without taking ENGL 101 Composition and Reading.
Students whose placement examinations indicate that they need more preparation before taking ENGL 101 Composition and Reading are required to complete ENGL 100 Fundamentals of English first. Students should finish the university writing requirement as soon as possible if they are to complete their degree in a timely manner.
Teacher Education Licensure in English
Students interested in becoming teachers will need to complete an approved program pathway to a Wisconsin initial educator license. The approved pathway to this license is a structured collaboration between English department and the Institute of Professional Educator Development (IPED).
The requirements for teacher licensure are specific and therefore students must meet with the IPED Advisor to coordinate the major and teacher education curriculum. It is very important to contact the IPED advisor at 262-595-2180 or Greenquist 210 as soon as possible. Students are required to seek advising each semester from both the IPED Advisor and the English department liaison to the teacher education program. Complete information about the Teacher Education Program can be found on the IPED website at: http://www.uwp.edu/learn/departments/educatordevelopment/index.cfm.
Courses in English
ENGL 100 | Fundamentals of English | 3 cr
Introduces students to rhetorical, logical, and analytical concepts, including synthesis of rhetorical modes in the context of short essays. Emphasizes vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and the mastery of grammar and mechanics. Implements peer review and assessment. Introduces students to persuasive writing.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall.
ENGL 101 | Composition and Reading | 3 cr
Develops college-level competencies in writing and reading in a variety of subject and thematic contexts, emphasizing argumentation. Satisfies skills requirements in reading and writing.
Prerequisites: Placement score or grade of C- or better in ENGL 100.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Meets: CL Communication & Literacy, CL-L Literacy - Read/Writing Skills, Reading and Writing Skills, UREQ Reading and Writing Skills
ENGL 106 | Introduction to Creative Writing | 3 cr
Examines the techniques and practice of creative writing.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101.
Offered: Occasionally.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: ENGL, CL Communication & Literacy
ENGL 112 | Women In Literature | 3 cr
Examines representations of women from classical to contemporary periods and identifies ways writing illuminates women's experience. Works by and about women from various cultures and backgrounds are considered. Cross-listed with: WGSS 112.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Meets: CP Civics & Perspectives
ENGL 167 | Introduction to Literature | 3 cr
Examines techniques of literary analysis and critical approaches to literature organized around examples of major genres (poetry, prose, and drama) selected chiefly from English and American writers. Four-credit section requires greater writing, research, revision, and a higher level of literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENGL 100 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winterim.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: ENGL, HA Humanities & Arts
ENGL 168 | Introduction to Professional Writing | 3 cr
Introduces principles of professional writing including rhetorical principles and theoretical concepts for the writing professional. May repeat for credit with a different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 100 with a C- or better.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: ENGL, CL Communication & Literacy
ENGL 201 | Advanced Composition | 3 cr
Advanced study and practice in English composition with emphasis on exposition.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a C - or better.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ENGL 202 | Technical Writing | 3 cr
Writing instruction with an emphasis on presenting written and oral reports and interpreting technical writing.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a grade of C- or better.
Offered: Yearly.
ENGL 204 | Writing for Business and Industry | 3 cr
Examines the structure, style, and format of composition as related to professional settings. Includes the writing of short forms (memorandum, correspondence) and reports that solve problems and require research and analysis.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a C- or better.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
ENGL 206 | Creative Writing: Poetry | 3 cr
Examines the techniques and practice of poetry writing.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with C- or better.
Offered: Fall.
ENGL 207 | Creative Writing: Fiction | 3 cr
Examines the techniques and practice of fiction writing.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a grade of C- or better.
Offered: Fall.
ENGL 208 | Creative Writing: Screenplay | 3 cr
Examines the techniques and practice of writing a screenplay.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101.
Offered: Yearly.
ENGL 252 | Introduction to Film | 3 cr
Investigates the distinctive elements and techniques of film as art and the relationship of film to society.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Yearly.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: ENGL, HA Humanities & Arts
ENGL 253 | Literature Into Film | 3 cr
Examines film adaptions of literary texts alongside the literature itself. Emphasizes the formal characteristics of the works, their aesthetic and ethical importance, and the interpretive questions raised by the act of adaptations. May be repeated for credit with different topic.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: ENGL, HA Humanities & Arts
ENGL 258 | History of Film to 1950 | 3 cr
Examines the development of film techniques, visual qualities, genre, theory, and cinematic art from the silent era to around 1950.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall.
ENGL 259 | History of Film from 1950 | 3 cr
Examines the development of film techniques, visual qualities, genre, theory and cinematic art from around 1950 to the present.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Spring.
ENGL 266 | Literary Analysis | 3 cr
Introduces literary theory and literary research practices, requiring close interaction with primary literary sources. Emphasizes original critical analysis and advanced writing skills.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a C or better.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Meets: CL Communication & Literacy
ENGL 267 | Literature of Diversity | 3 cr
Surveys of literature produced by the major historically under-represented ethnic/racial groups in the U.S., that is, Native Americans, Latino/as, African Americans or Asian Americans. May be repeated for credit with different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a grade of C- or better.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: ENGL, CP Civics & Perspectives, Ethnic Diversity
ENGL 268 | Introduction to Holocaust Studies | 3 cr
Examines historical, philosophical and other issues surrounding the Holocaust, using texts by those who experienced the Holocaust. Cross-listed with: HIST 268.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a grade of C- or better or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
Meets: CP Civics & Perspectives
ENGL 287 | Grammar For Teachers and Writers | 3 cr
Covers English grammar, emphasizing concepts and terms used in teaching and writing.
Prerequisites: ENGL 167 or declared psychology major.
Offered: Yearly.
ENGL 290 | Special Topics In English | 3 cr
Examines special topics in English. May be repeated for credit with different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a C- or better or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 306 | Advanced Poetry Writing | 3 cr
Advanced workshop in the techniques and practice of poetry writing.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a grade of C- or better.
Offered: Yearly.
ENGL 307 | Advanced Fiction Writing | 3 cr
Advanced workshop in techniques and practice of fiction writing.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a grade of C- or better.
Offered: Yearly.
ENGL 310 | Advanced Expository Writing | 3 cr
Provides advanced study and practice in English composition emphasizing complex projects in expository writing.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a grade of C- or better.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ENGL 315 | Topics in Literature and Culture: | 3 cr
Focuses on special topics such as "The Graphic Novel," "Literature and Trauma," or "Animals in Literature and Folktale". May repeat with different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 167 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ENGL 316 | British Literature to 1500 | 3 cr
Surveys nonfiction prose, poetry, drama, and fiction circulating in England from the sixth to the fifteenth centuries. Includes a diversity of authorial voices, both men and women, as the limitations of the period allow.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall (odd years).
ENGL 317 | British Literature, 1500-1700 | 3 cr
Examines a diversity of authorial voices, both men and women, in poetry, prose, and drama written between 1500-1700 in early modern Britain.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring (even years).
ENGL 318 | British Literature, 1700-1900 | 3 cr
Examines diversity of authorial voices, both men and women, in literary trends from the 18th and 19th centuries. Includes fiction, drama, poetry, and nonfiction prose.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall (even years).
ENGL 319 | Modern and Contemporary British Literature | 3 cr
Examines fiction, poetry, nonfiction prose, and drama, written by a diversity of authorial voices, both men and women, and trends in the 20th and 21st Centuries.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring (odd years).
ENGL 320 | Shakespeare | 3 cr
Investigates the formal conventions of Shakespeare's work, stagecraft, the location of these works within their historical contexts, and the critical and reception histories of each play. Cross-listed with: THEA 320.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ENGL 326 | Pre-Columbian Literature | 3 cr
Addresses narratives arising from the pre-Columbian cultures of the Americas. Focuses on First Nation peoples. Includes a diversity of authorial voices, both men and women, and a diversity of genres, such as fiction, drama, poetry, and non-fiction prose, as the limitations of the period allow.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall (odd years).
ENGL 327 | Puritan and Colonial American Literature | 3 cr
Studies Puritan and Colonial literatures in North America that includes a diversity of authorial voices, both men and women, and a diversity of genres, such as fiction, drama, poetry, and nonfiction prose.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring (even years).
ENGL 328 | 19th Century American Literature | 3 cr
Studies literatures of the nineteenth-century in the United States including a diversity of authorial voices, both men and women, and a diversity of genres, such as fiction, drama, poetry, and nonfiction prose.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall (even years).
ENGL 329 | 20th and 21st Century American Literature | 3 cr
Examines fiction, poetry, nonfiction-prose, and drama, written by a diversity of American authorial voices, including both men and women, and trends in the 20th and 21st Centuries.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring (odd years).
ENGL 330 | Alternative Narratives | 3 cr
Examines literary, cinematic, and pop-cultural texts such as outsider poetry, hypertest narratives, and visual storytelling that fall outside of conventional literary genres. May be repeated for credit with a different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101.
Offered: Yearly.
ENGL 344 | Children's Literature | 3 cr
Investigates historical and contemporary middle-grade children's literature, both as a cultural phenomenon and an educational resource.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 346 | Pre-1800 World Literature | 3 cr
Explores selected pre-1800 global literary and cultural texts, which may include ancient, medieval and Renaissance texts. Emphasizes non-Western works, including those with indigenous foundations. Examines the broad historical context and draws from other fields to deepen our understanding of the human experience, particularly along cross-cultural lines.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall.
ENGL 347 | Post-1800 World Literature | 3 cr
Explores selected global literary and cultural texts produced after 1800. Emphasizes non-Western works, including those with indigenous foundations. Examines the broad historical context and draws from other fields to deepen our understanding of the human experience, particularly along cross-cultural lines. Cross-listed with: MODL 347.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring.
ENGL 354 | Young Adult Literature | 3 cr
Explores representative young adult literature, including genres like fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, and realistic fiction. May include graphic novels or poetry.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Yearly.
ENGL 358 | Film Genres | 3 cr
Explores film genres such as film noir, the western, the war movie, science fiction, comedy, the detective film, etc. May be repeated for credit with a different topic.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 359 | Digital Video | 3 cr
Introduces the concepts, principles, tools, and techniques for telling visual stories and producing, assembling, and mixing digital video and audio.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Yearly.
ENGL 364 | Epic and Mythology | 3 cr
Studies the major epics, with a primary focus on Greek and Roman mythology and tradition, but may include other major epics from the Western tradition.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Yearly.
ENGL 366 | Theory of Literature and Criticism | 3 cr
Investigates the nature of literature, the basis of literary criticism, and different critical schools at an advanced level. May repeat with different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 368 | The Bible as Literature | 3 cr
Explores the literary and cultural background, qualities, and influence of the Jewish and Christian scriptures.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 380 | The English Language | 3 cr
Examines historical shifts in the English language, including phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicon, and semantics.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Yearly.
ENGL 385 | Professional Editing | 3 cr
Explores principles and practical applications of copy-marking, copy-editing, and comprehensive editing.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a grade of C- or better.
Offered: Spring.
ENGL 387 | Linguistics | 3 cr
Explores major areas in the study of language, including phonology, syntax, semantics, historical, comparative linguistics and socio-linguistics.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 390 | Special Topics in English | 1-4 cr
Examines selected topics in English. May be repeated for credit with different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 402 | Advanced Technical Writing | 3 cr
Emphasizes writing and editing skills needed to prepare a project such as a procedures manual, report of experimental findings or proposals.
Offered: Yearly.
ENGL 403 | Advanced Business Writing | 3 cr
Continues the study of business writing and communication.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 404 | Non-Fiction Writing | 3 cr
Explores writing feature-length articles, historical accounts, reviews, opinion pieces, advanced essays. Employs various professional writing styles.
Offered: Yearly.
ENGL 408 | Creative Writing Capstone Project | 3 cr
A creative writing capstone course culminating in a significant body of poetry or fiction along with a self-reflexive essay wherein students place themselves within a broader literary tradition.
Offered: Yearly.
ENGL 416 | Major British Authors | 3 cr
Delves into one or more major British authors. May be repeated with different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 417 | Studies In British Literature | 3 cr
Examines specific topics, issues, or time periods in British Literature. May be repeated with different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 420 | Advanced Shakespeare | 3 cr
Examines Shakespearean genres (tragedy, history, comedy, romance), dramaturgy, or themes as well as related subjects such as Shakespeare on film.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 426 | Major American Authors | 3 cr
Explores one or more major American authors at the advanced level.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 427 | Studies in American Literature | 3 cr
Examines specific topics, issues, or time periods in American literature. May be repeated with different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 436 | Major Modern and Contemporary Authors | 3 cr
Delves into of one or more major contemporary authors at an advanced level. May repeat with different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 437 | Studies In Modern and Contemporary Literature | 3 cr
Examines such topics as the hero in modern literature, innovations in 20th century drama, or experiments in literary form, etc. May be repeated with different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 447 | Studies In Classical and World Literature | 3 cr
Examines a specific culture, author, or theme in classical or other world literatures.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 451 | Studies in Literature or Culture | 3 cr
Focuses on special topics, such as "The Graphic Novel," "Literature and Trauma," or "Animals in Literature and Folktale." May be repeated for credit with different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ENGL 458 | Studies in Film | 3 cr
Examines the movements, techniques, theories, national cinemas, genres, directors, or periods.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 460 | Literature and Other Disciplines | 3 cr
Examines the relation of literature to individual disciplines such as medicine, science, sociology, psychology, music, or philosophy.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 464 | Studies in Cultural Trends | 3 cr
Examines the intersection of literature and cultural trends. Includes graphic novels, steampunk, and the gothic. May repeat with different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 468 | Holocaust Studies | 3 cr
Delves into various aspects of the Holocaust, such as literature of the Holocaust, film and the Holocaust, literature of the Second Generation, etc. Cross-listed with: HIST 468.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 469 | Women as Writers and Characters | 3 cr
Examines writing by women and depictions of women in literature. May be repeated for credit with different topic. Cross-listed with: WGSS 469.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 477 | Portfolio Workshop: English, Film and Cultural Studies | 1 cr
Provides required capstone portfolio experience, including reflective writing and metacognition, workshopping, revision, and mastery of department outcomes.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266, senior standing.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ENGL 478 | Portfolio Workshop: English Language Arts | 1 cr
Required capstone portfolio. Includes reflective writing and metacognition, workshopping, revision, and mastery of department outcomes.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266, senior standing.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ENGL 479 | Portfolio Workshop: Professional Writing | 1 cr
Required capstone portfolio. Includes reflective writing and metacognition, workshopping, revision, and mastery of the professional writing certificate outcomes.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with C- or better.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ENGL 487 | Studies in Language | 3 cr
An examination of such topics as language in American culture, regional dialects, semantics, etc. May repeat with different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a grade of C- or better or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 488 | Teaching English Language Arts | 3 cr
Explores balanced literacy methods and materials for integrating reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and critical thinking activities into a language arts program for adolescents.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Yearly.
ENGL 489 | Teaching and Assessing Composition | 3 cr
Explores methods and materials for the teaching and assessment of writing.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266, or consent of instructor.
Offered: Yearly.
ENGL 490 | Special Topics in English | 1-4 cr
Examines cultural trends or topics in English literature at the advanced level. May be repeated for credit with different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 493 | Internship in Teaching Literature | 1-6 cr
Offers an internship experience with an instructor teaching in a literature course. Students will create a portfolio.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266, consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 494 | Internship in Writing and Editing | 1-6 cr
Practical application of professional-level writing skills in such areas as journalism, copy editing, technical, scientific, industrial, business, and legal writing, under joint supervision of a faculty member and organization representative. A maximum number of internship credits will be set by the faculty member, in keeping with university policy.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ENGL 495 | Seminar in Literature | 3 cr
Serves as the capstone for the major and includes discussion of career preparation. Requires intensive research and writing. May be repeated for credit with different topic.
Prerequisites: ENGL 266 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ENGL 496 | Internship in Teaching/Tutoring | 3 cr
Students select working in a composition classroom or in the Tutoring Center as a writing tutor to gain experience in major aspects of composition instruction. Students must secure permission from a composition instructor or the Tutoring Center in order to register. Students will create a teaching/tutoring portfolio.
Prerequisites: Engl 489 and consent of instructor, department chair.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ENGL 497 | Senior Thesis | 3 cr
Conduct independent research and write an essay of substantial length under faculty supervision. Agreement of faculty member to undertake supervision is necessary before registration.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and English Department Executive Committee.
Offered: Occasionally.
ENGL 499 | Independent Study | 1-6 cr
Conduct independent research under the supervision of a faculty member.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and English Department Executive Committee.
Offered: Occasionally.