The information on this page pertains to program requirements for students who matriculated in the 2023-2024 academic year. View requirements for previous catalog years here.
The program in English is committed to establishing a habit of lifelong learning that emphasizes the relationship of reading, writing and critical thinking. Our students:
Our courses involve students in a range of activities, including discussions (in class and online), collaborative projects, conferences, presentations, independent study, internships, and service learning.
The English Department is committed to supporting interdisciplinary programs and encourages students to pursue interdisciplinary concentrations, second majors and/or minors. A number of the Department's courses are cross-listed with interdisciplinary programs, facilitating such study. In addition, the English major permits students to include related courses taken outside the department for credit toward their program of study, subject to approval by the student’s English Department adviser.
Our graduates pursue professional careers in such fields as professional writing, editing, advertising, publishing, education, management, computers, public relations and public service, or pursue post-baccalaureate study in English studies, law school or medical school. Students contemplating graduate study should confer with their advisers about special preparation and should be aware that many graduate schools typically expect proof of competence in foreign languages. Students interested in pursuing careers in primary or secondary education can obtain certification by completing the appropriate professional courses in teacher education.
The English major requires 12 courses: at least 5 at the lower division and at least 6 at the upper division. The English major allows for 3 electives, 2 of which must be 100-level courses. An English course may be used only once to fulfill a particular major requirement. Transfer students majoring in English must take at least 6 courses in English at Drake. Students with advanced placement (A.P.) will be credited one lower-level elective toward the major.
Course |
Credits |
Lower Division Core |
|
Gateway |
|
ENG 038 - Literary Study |
4 |
ENG 039 - Writing Seminar |
4 |
History and Traditions |
|
Any ENG course numbered 040-059 |
3-4 |
Culture and Identity |
|
Any ENG course numbered 060-079 |
3-4 |
Writing: Topics and Genres |
|
Any ENG course numbered 080-099 |
3-4 |
Electives - Courses may be taken outside of the department with advisor approval. Up to six individual experience hours (internship, independent study, or portfolio) may be counted as electives. |
|
One ENG course numbered 020-099 |
3-4 |
At least fifteen hours of ENG courses numbered 100 or higher |
15 |
ENG 195 - Capstone in English and Writing |
3 |
TOTAL |
38-42 |
Students who wish to complement their degrees in other areas of study, to pursue personal interests in critical reading and creative writing, and to provide employers or graduate schools with supplementary credentials in writing or English can choose a six-course minor. Students majoring in writing may not minor in English; students may not double-minor in English and writing.
Course | Credits |
---|---|
ENG 038 - Literary Study | 4 |
ENG 039 - Writing Seminar | 4 |
Lower Division Electives - Select two ENG courses numbered 020-099 | 6-8 |
Upper Division Electives - Select two ENG courses numbered 100 or higher | 6 |
TOTAL | 20-22 |
The information in this catalog does not constitute a contract between the university and the student. The university reserves the right to make changes in curricula, admission policies and processes, tuition and financial aid, academic standards and guidelines, student services and any other regulations or policies set forth in this catalog without giving prior notice.