Undergraduate The discipline of English is shaped historically by the study of literature and conceptually by the understanding of written texts in all their many forms. Its foundations are the theory and practice of critical reading, literary analysis and effective writing. Undergraduate programs in English are offered at Fordham College at Rose Hill, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, and Fordham College of Liberal Studies at Rose Hill, Lincoln Center, and Tarrytown. The English Major The major is designed to build an inclusive knowledge of literature, to develop skills required for the critical interpretation of texts and to teach the principles of critical and creative writing. The major emphasizes the historical reach of literary study through its historical distribution requirement. The theory requirement introduces influential concepts and debates underlying the study of language, literature, and their cultural impact. The range of electives and seminars that make up the bulk of the curriculum allows for flexibility in designing individual majors while ensuring a comprehensive grasp of the varieties of literary study. The English major consists of a total of 10 required courses: Sophomore Literature Requirement: All undergraduate students are required to take the three core English requirements (EN 1000, 1100, and 1200). However, only the sophomore literature requirement (any of the courses in the EN or CO 1200 range) may count as one of the 10 required courses for the English major. Junior Theory Requirement: All majors are required to take Theory for the English Majors (EN 3045) or Theories of Comparative Literature (CO 3000). These courses introduce students to debates in literary and critical theory. Historical Distribution Requirement: From the eight remaining elective courses, at least three must be designated in a historical period before 1800. Creative Writing Courses: English majors may apply up to two writing courses (either English creative writing courses at the 3000-level or above, or Communications courses cross-listed with English) toward their elective requirements. Recommendations 1. Although seniors may enroll in the course, Theory for English Majors or Theories of Comparative Literature should ordinarily be taken during junior year. 2. English majors should take a seminar (4000-level) during their senior year. 3. English majors should take at least one or two courses with an interdisciplinary or comparative literature focus, including cross-listed courses offered by other Programs and Departments. The English Minor   The minor in English consists of any six English courses beyond the freshman level, one of which may be a sophomore literature course and at least four of which must be literature courses. Creative Writing for English Majors Interested in Creative Writing? We have options for non-English majors. Visit: Creative Writing to learn more. NOT AN ENGLISH MAJOR? Creative Writing Minor The Creative Writing minor for English majors requires six courses. Four of the six must be creative writing courses, and two must be literature courses offered by any literature department or program. Two of the six required courses may be counted toward both the English major and the Creative Writing minor. For example, a student who takes two creative writing courses as part of his or her major electives, may take two additional writing courses and two additional literature courses to complete the minor. On the other hand, if a student has not takenany creative writing courses for the major, he or she would be required to take a total of four creative writing courses to complete the minor, since the student can double-count only two literature courses between the major and minor. Creative Writing Option English majors are invited to take a creative writing option within their major. This option allows students to take three, rather than two, creative writing courses, a choice that will register on the student's transcript. There is no formal procedure to declare one's wish to take the creative writing option. Simply declare your intention, either when first declaring your major, or thereafter by contacting the appropriate dean (e.g., the LC associate dean for seniors). The code CRCW should appear on the SIS transcript page. Departmental Honors The department offers an honors option in English for seniors with a 3.6 GPA or higher in English who wish to do an ambitious piece of research and writing under the individual direction of a faculty member or in conjunction with a senior seminar. English majors who are minoring in creative writing or completing the creative writing option may do a creative writing project for honors. Interested students should discuss this option with the Associate Chair and then choose a member of the faculty as an advisor for the thesis. The thesis is to be written over the course of one semester, ending with an honors defense with the advisor and one departmental reader. That committee then evaluates whether the thesis defense qualifies the student for departmental honors. If you have further questions, please contact the appropriate Undergraduate Chair below. Associate Chair for Rose Hill, Dr. Eva Badowska  Associate Chair for Lincoln Center, Dr. Fawzia Mustafa