Mission Statement

Through emphases on teaching, research, and service, the English program prepares students to write informed, organized essays that demonstrate appropriate engagement with primary and secondary sources; to analyze texts through the development of critical and analytical skills and to possess knowledge of major historical periods and literary movements in culturally diverse literature. Students study the English language arts, including areas such as language development and various approaches to grammar, which complement the advantage of being multi-dialectic. The English program supports students who aspire to become teachers of composition and literature, who seek admission to graduate and professional studies, and who choose to develop their skills for careers in the private and public sectors.

English Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will write informed, well-organized texts with a clear purpose and comprehensive, critical evidence.
  2. Students will skillfully synthesize primary and secondary sources with ethical citation.
  3. Students will analyze texts of various kinds using appropriate disciplinary terminology and theories.
  4. Students will describe and distinguish between major historical periods and literary movements in British, American, and world literature.
  5. Students will use English grammar with an appreciation for rhetorical choices and the development of the English language.
  6. Students will incorporate integrated strategies for teaching ELA to diverse populations in accordance with TEA and NCTE guidelines.

Bachelor of Arts in English

Students can choose from two degree options: an English major with an academic minor, which is perfect for pre-law students and aspiring writers, or a unique English major that uses ELAR 8-12 Texas teacher certification coursework in lieu of a traditional minor.

Core Curriculum 42
Foreign Language Requirements (one language) 6
English Major Requirements (24 SCH)
ENGL 2263 English Literature to 1800 3
ENGL 2273 English Literature after 1800 3
ENGL 2423 American Literature to 1865 3
ENGL 2433 American Literature 1865 to Present 3
ENGL 3223 Advanced Grammar 3
ENGL 3153 Literary Theory and Criticism 3
ENGL 4433 Special Topics in English 3
African-American Survey (select one) 3
ENGL 3053 Survey of African-American Literature
ENGL 3063 Studies in African-American Literature
Concentration ( Select one from below) 48
Total Hours 120
Without Teacher Certification Concentration
Early British Literature (select one) 3
ENGL 4223 Shakespeare
ENGL 4233 Medieval Literature
9 hours of ENGL Electives (2000 level or above) 9
Minor 1 18
Unrestricted Electives 18
Total Hours 48
With Teacher Certification Concentration 2
ENGL 2253 Adolescent Literature 3
ENGL 2383 Survey of World Literature 3
ENGL 3023 Cr Wr Processes 3
ENGL 3043 Professional Writing for Electronic Media 3
ENGL 4223 Shakespeare 3
RDNG 4633 Developmental Reading 3
RDNG 4653 Foundations of Reading Instruction 3
SPED 3003 Introduction to Exceptional Children 3
CUIN 3003 Educational Foundations 3
CUIN 3013 Educational Psychology 3
ENGL 4003 Teaching English Language Arts 3
CUIN 4013 Instructional Methods and Classroom Management 3
CUIN 4826 Student Teaching Secondary II 6
Additional Foreign Language (Same language as above) 3
Unrestricted Elective 3
Total Hours 48

1 Electives can be reduced if the chosen academic minor requires more than 18 semester credit hours of coursework.

2 Students should apply for admission to teacher education during the second semester of their sophomore year to be able to enroll in CUIN courses during the junior year. Consult an advisor for the current criteria for admission.

Degree Plans (Without Teacher Certification Concentration)

Degree Plans (With Teacher Certification Concentration)

Total degree requirements remain 120 SCH, but to finish the program in four years, students must be diligent about completing coursework in a timely fashion and may require some summer school. This is because the final semester of student teaching, just 6 SCH, must be taken without any other classes.

In addition to submitting an application, students must complete the entire core curriculum with a strong GPA and earn a minimum score of 240 on the THEA Reading exam before they are admitted to the Teacher Education Program.

English (ENGL) Courses