English (Literature)

College: Arts and Sciences
Degree: BA
Limited Access: No

Description of Major
The Department of English offers students a curriculum that is central to the modern liberal arts education. One of the largest degree programs within the College of Arts and Sciences, the major allows students to emphasize either Literature, Creative Writing or Editing, Writing & Media (EWM). Students may also pursue other specialized programs such as Honors in the Major, or other independent courses of study. Undergraduate major coursework contributes to the student's knowledge of human culture and how literary texts, as cultural artifacts, relate to other bodies of human knowledge such as philosophy, history, religion, psychology, classics, and modern languages. In addition to its primary benefit of intellectual growth, the English major also offers practical preparation for professional careers in teaching, professional writing, law, medicine, business, religious affairs, and all levels of government service.

Prerequisite Coursework

Prospective transfer students should contact as-admissions@fsu.edu (Arts & Sciences Admissions) with specific questions about admission and mapping requirements.

Complete the following with a C minus grade or higher:
ENC X101 (3) Freshman Composition and Rhetoric
ENC X102 (3) Freshman Writing, Reading and Research
Or six (6) semester hours of English (ENC) coursework in which the student is required to demonstrate college-level English skills through multiple assignments.

Note: State-wide common prerequisites are always under review. For the most current information and for acceptable alternative courses, visit the “Common Prerequisites Manual.” This is available from the “Student Services” section of http://www.flvc.org .

Requirements for graduation in the College of Arts and Sciences include:
The College of Arts and Science requires proficiency in a foreign language through the intermediate (2220 or equivalent) level or sign language through the advanced (2614 or equivalent) level.

Requirements for Progression to the Upper-Division Major:
To be admitted, students must complete at least 52 hours of credit with an adjusted GPA of 2.0 on FSU coursework, and at least half the required hours in General Studies, including all freshman English and mathematics, or an AA degree.

Requirements

Major Program of Studies at FSU: 33 hours
General requirements include 33 hours of English in courses numbered above l999. At least 21 hours must be in courses at the 3000 and 4000 levels. All courses counted toward the major must carry the grade of C minus or better. Each student must choose one of the concentrations detailed below. NOTE: At least 9 hours of major coursework must be at the 4000 level.

Concentration in Literature (33 hours)
3 hours in American Literature, 3/4000 level
3 hours in pre-1660 British Literature, 3/4000 level
3 hours in pre-1800 British, 3/4000 level
3 hours post-1800 British, 3/4000 level
3 hours additional 3/4000 level literature
ENG 3014 (3) Critical Issues in Literary Studies
ENG 4934 (3) Senior Seminar [or ENG 4938 (3) Honors Seminar]
12 hours of English department electives at the 2000 and above level.

Minor Coursework: (12 hours minimum)
Must complete coursework specifically required by the minor department.

Computer Skills Competency: (3 hours) CGS 2060, CGS 2100, CGS 2518, EME 2040 or other University-approved computer competency course.

Oral Communication Competency: (0-3 hours)
Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly. This requirement may be met through with an approved college-level course.

Minimum Program Requirements - Summary
Min. Hrs. Required 120
General Education 36*
Major Coursework 33
Minor Coursework 12 minimum
Other Coursework 0-12 (depending on foreign language placement)
Computer Skills 3
Oral Competency 0-3
Electives to bring total hours to 120

*Note: 3 hours of English may be used to meet both General Education and Major Coursework requirements.

Mapping
Mapping is FSU’s academic advising and monitoring system. Academic progress is monitored each Fall and Spring semester to ensure that students are on course to earn their degree in a timely fashion. Transfer students must meet mapping guidelines to be accepted into their majors. You may view the map for this major at www.academic-guide.fsu.edu/.

Remarks
1. Students must complete a minimum of 45 hours at the 3000 level or above, 30 of which must be taken at this University.
2. Half of the major course semester hours must be completed in residence at this University.
3. The final 30 hours must be completed in residence at this University.

Employment Information
Salary Information: National Association of Colleges and Employers, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Representative Job Titles Related to this Major: Writer, Press Relations, Teacher, Critic, Personnel Officer, Archivist, Lawyer, Editor/Editorial Assistant, Researcher, Investigator, Administrative Officer, Reporter, Technical Writer, Management Trainee, Public Relations Specialist, Speech Writer, Legislative Assistant, Trainee, Information Specialist.

Representative Employers: Local School Boards; Universities, Colleges, Junior Colleges; Businesses; Publishers of Magazines, Newspapers, Books. An English major can qualify for a variety of positions in Education, State and Federal Government, and private industry and business. English majors are attractive to employers because of their classroom training in analysis, research, and interpretation, and because they are expected to be able to communicate effectively on paper or in public.