The Major

The department is committed to providing our students with attentive instruction in all branches of literary studies.  Students begin their coursework in the major with a required gateway course, “Literary Investigations,” which introduces them to the fundamental critical and interpretative approaches of the discipline.  They then have a wide range of courses to choose from at the next level: we offer courses in English and American literature, Anglophone literature, and world literature in translation, as well as courses in creative, expository, and persuasive writing. Students may choose to take courses that provide opportunities to put their knowledge and skills to work in service learning.  They are also encouraged to engage in internship experiences in and beyond New Orleans for credit towards the major.

In the junior or senior year, students will take a capstone seminar that enables them to synthesize their knowledge and skills in studying a particular literary topic in depth with a small group of other students. Students who wish to pursue advanced study in the discipline may apply in their junior year to our  4+1 M.A. program, which begins in the senior year.

The major has very few requirements, but we offer students the option of concentrating in particular areas in order to promote deeper understanding and integration as they work toward completing the major.  Six concentrations are available:  

• American Literature
• British Literature
• Literature, Culture, and Community
• Global Literature and Comparative Studies
• Creative Writing
• Self-designed

The Major in English requires a total of ten courses, including:

• one gateway course (ENLS 2000, “Literary Investigations”)
• one survey course from among the three 200-level survey courses: ENLS 2010 (Intro to British Literature I); ENLS 2020 (Intro to British Literature II); or ENLS 2030 (Intro to American Literature)
  
• one course in literature before 1800
• one course in American literature
• one capstone seminar (ENLS 5010)

 

In addition to ENLS 2000 and the survey course, one other literature course may be taken at the 3000 level or below. The remaining seven courses must be advanced courses: literature courses at the 4000 level and above, and writing courses at the 2000 level and above. ENLS 2010 can simultaneously fulfill the pre-1800 requirement and ENLS 2030 can simultaneously fulfill the American literature requirement, in which case the student must choose one additional elective course to count towards the overall ten required courses. Honors theses can fulfill the capstone seminar requirement.  

 

The Minor

Any student may minor in English by taking five courses in the English Department, including the following requirements:

• one gateway course (ENLS 2000, “Literary Investigations”)
• one course in literature before 1800
  

In addition to ENLS 2000, one other literature course may be taken at the 3000-level or below. The remaining three courses must be advanced courses: literature courses at the 4000 level and above, and writing courses at the 2000 level and above.

Questions about the major or the minor should be directed to Professor Adam McKeown, Director of Undergraduate Studies, listed on the People page.