The English major
The major in English requires a minimum of 30 semester hours in English courses above the 100 level. At least 18 hours must be at the 300 level or above.
Specific requirements:
- ENGL 300 (British literature to 1800)
- ENGL 302 (British literature since 1800) OR ENGL 308 (American literature)
- One other pre-1800 course [ENGL 310, 312, 320, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329]
- ENGL 380 (Departmental seminar)
- ENGL 395 (Senior capstone)
- completion of a major portfolio (described below)
The old English major (for students who declared the major before Fall 2007)
The major in English requires a minimum of 30 semester hours (10 courses normally) in English courses above the 100 level.
Every student must take ENGL 300 (English Literature to 1800); either ENGL 302 (English Literature since 1800) or ENGL 308 (American Literature); and ENGL 380 (Departmental Seminar). The English capstone course is ENGL 395: it is required for majors, but double majors may petition to do their capstone in another department.
Additionally, English majors must take one course chosen from the following (or another approved course):
ENGL 310 History of the English Language
ENGL 312 Chaucer
ENGL 320 Renaissance Literature
ENGL 323 Milton
ENGL 324 Shakespeare I
ENGL 325 Shakespeare II
ENGL 326 17 th Century Literature
ENGL 327 18 th Century Literature
ENGL 328 18 th Century Studies
ENGL 329 English Literature 1780-1837
The balance of the major consists of elective courses, chosen with the aid and approval of the student's advisor. At least 15 hours must be at the 300 level or above. Guidelines for common and recommended programs are described on the curriculum page.
Major Portfolio:
As part of the university's program for student assessment, every English major is asked to assemble a portfolio of written work during ENGL 395. *
This should consist of four items:
1. one graded paper from ENGL 200 or 300 (files of such papers are kept in the department office)
2. one graded paper from ENGL 380
3. an essay reflecting on one's experience in the major
4. the graded seminar paper from ENGL 395
*Majors who are doing a capstone in another department (and therefore not taking ENGL 395) will be asked to write the reflective paper and assemble the portfolio at the time they petition for a non-English capstone.
If the student is focusing on creative writing or journalism, a representative sample may also be included.
Other than fulfillment of College of Arts and Sciences degree requirements, the English major does not specifically require any coursework outside the department. However, we strongly recommend work in foreign languages, classical and modern foreign literature, history, philosophy, and art history.
Honors Track for English Majors
To qualify for the B.A. with honors in English, students must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.5 in courses taken for the honors track. Students wishing to follow the honors track should speak to their advisors as early in the major as possible. The honors program requires foreign-language competence at the 4th-semester level and 36 semester hours of coursework in English classes above the 100 level, including the following
1. All the requirements for the major:
a. ENGL 300 (British literature to 1800)
b. ENGL 302 (British literature since 1800) OR ENGL 308 (American literature)
c. One other pre-1800 course [ENGL 310, 312, 320, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329]
d. ENGL 380 (Departmental seminar)
- e. ENGL 395 (Senior capstone)
2. ENGL 387 (Critical Theory] or approved substitute in theory.
3. At least 15 hours of elective courses in literary and cultural studies. (A maximum of 6 hours in foreign-language literature courses at the 300-level or above or in creative writing courses may be substituted.)
4. FRCH 202, GREK 202, GRMN 202, JAPN 202, LATN 202, SPAN 202 or equivalent in a language for which 300-level literature courses are available.
The minor in English
The minor in English requires at least 15 semester hours in ENGL courses at the 200 level or above. Students are strongly encouraged to begin their study with ENGL 300 (English Literature to 1800). Students who wish to minor in English should arrange their sequence of courses in consultation with the department's minor advisor. They also should keep it in mind that the flexibility of the department's requirements often makes it possible to take English as a second major.
The minor in Film
Case Western Reserve now offers a minor in film studies! Learn more.
Capstone opportunities
English majors can fulfill the SAGES capstone requirement by taking ENGL 395. This capstone is also open to nonmajors who have taken the prerequisites ENGL 300 (English Literature to 1800) and ENGL 380 (the English departmental seminar).
A capstone minor is also possible. It consists of 15 hours at the 200 level or above, including ENGL 300 and 380 and culminating in ENGL 395.
Sequences in English for Case School of Engineering students
Sequences in English provide students with an examination of major literary texts, close study of a cultural period or genre (including film), increased facility in writing, and a better understanding of the nature and functioning of language. Any sequence of three courses above the 100 level (9 hours) that meets at least two of these goals normally will be acceptable. Students should consult the department's sequence advisor in planning their programs. ENGL 398 and 398N cannot be counted toward a sequence or a minor.
Secondary Teacher Certification in English
Certification to teach language arts in grades 7-12 is available as a special track within the English major. The credential is valid in the state of Ohio and those states that honor the Ohio certification. The English Advisor for certification is Professor Oster Guilford 106A (368-2367 jxo4@case.edu). Students interested in this program should contact Prof. Oster early in their undergraduate careers.
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