The undergraduate degree in English allows students to develop their interest in language and literature through a broad investigation of genres, time periods, forms and theories.
English students frequently go on to positions in teaching, law, business and public policy, and many students choose to pursue further graduate study both at the University of Montevallo and elsewhere. As the largest major in the College of Arts and Sciences, English offers its majors a broad set of skills in writing, analysis and critical thinking while allowing students to specify areas of the subject they choose to focus on and that will best fit their career goals.
At Montevallo, English majors and minors build their program around a broad range of courses and interests. In keeping with the mission of the University, our department expands on the ideals of a liberal arts education and encourages students to approach thinking about literature and language from a broad perspective. Students in English encounter a wide range of literary genres and periods, critical theory, language and rhetoric courses and creative writing in poetry and prose. In doing so, they are encouraged to think about their understanding of literature in creative and engaging ways.
Undergraduate Requirements
Students who major in English must take 36 hours in English courses numbered 300 or above. The 36 hours must include the following:
- 3 hours in ENG 300, Introduction to the Major;
- 9 hours in ENG 305, 306, and 307, Introduction to the Study of British and American Literature;
- 3 hours in a course that focuses on the writings of one or two authors (ENG 405);
- 3 hours in a course that focuses on a genre (ENG 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, or 419);
- 3 hours in a course that focuses on texts of a specific cultural or historical period (ENG 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 431, 432, or 439);
- 3 hours in a course that analytically studies the history, structure, or use of language or of texts (ENG 452, 454, or 455);
- 3 hours in Diverse Voices, a study of texts that present perspectives or voices historically not taught in British or American literature (ENG 471, 472, 473, 474, or 475);
- 3 hours in ENG 485, Senior Seminar: A Capstone Course for English majors; and
- 6 additional hours in English courses numbered 300/400 and above.
Of the 27 hours in courses other than ENG 305, 306, and 307, at least 6 hours must be in literature written before 1800, and at least 6 hours must be in literature written after 1800. In addition, of these 27 hours, at least 3 hours must be in courses primarily about American literature, and at least 3 hours must be in courses primarily about British literature.
A single course can satisfy only one of the nine requirements.
English majors must also complete either:
- a minor in a selected field, or
- a departmentally approved minor area of concentration.
Candidates who wish to pursue the English/Language Arts Alternative Master’s program must successfully complete 32/19 (32 hours with 19 hours at the 300/400 level) and have at least one course in each of the following areas: English, theatre, speech, journalism (MC 200), and grammar.
Minor
A minor in English requires completion of 18 hours in English courses numbered 300 or above.