English (B.A.)
Total Semester Hours required for the Degree: 120 semester hours
Semester Hours required for the English Major: 41-44 semester hours
English Major Core (Total Semester Hours: 11)
ENG 1105
English Major Forum. (1 credits)
ENG 2205
Introduction to Literary Studies. (3 credits)
ENG 2901
Structure of English. (3 credits)
OR
ENG 3901
Language and Linguistics. (3 credits)
OR
ENG 4901
History of the English Language. (3 credits)
ENG 4300
English Studies Capstone. (3 credits)
*
ENG 4060
English Studies Career Development. (1 credits)
Footnote:
ENG 4300 also satisfies the senior seminar requirement in the General Education program.
1. Emphasis in Literary and Cultural Studies
English Major Core Requirements (Total Semester Hours: 11)
Emphasis in Literary and Cultural Studies (Total Semester Hours: 21)
Literature and Culture Before 1800 (6 credits)
ENG 2601
Backgrounds of Western Literature. (3 credits)
ENG 3601A
Studies in Major Writers Before 1800. (3 credits)
ENG 3604A
Special Topics in Literature and Language Before 1800. (3 credits)
ENG 3700
American Literature: 1450 to 1800. (3 credits)
ENG 3800
Medieval British Literature. (3 credits)
ENG 3801
Chaucer. (3 credits)
ENG 3802
Shakespeare. (3 credits)
ENG 3803
Renaissance and Seventeenth-Century British Literature. (3 credits)
ENG 3804
Milton. (3 credits)
ENG 3805
Restoration and Eighteenth-Century British Literature. (3 credits)
ENG 3892
Shakespeare, Honors. (3 credits)
ENG 3903A
Women, Literature, and Language, Pre-1800. (3 credits)
Literature and Culture After 1800 (6 credits)
ENG 2504G
Film and Literature. (3 credits)
ENG 3601B
Studies in Major Writers After 1800. (3 credits)
ENG 3604B
Special Topics in Literature and Language After 1800. (3 credits)
ENG 3606
Modern Drama. (3 credits)
ENG 3701
American Literature: 1800 to Mid-19th Century. (3 credits)
ENG 3702
American Literature: Mid-19th Century to 1900. (3 credits)
ENG 3703
American Literature: 1900 to 1950. (3 credits)
ENG 3704
American Literature: 1950 to present. (3 credits)
ENG 3806
British Romantic Literature. (3 credits)
ENG 3807
Victorian Literature. (3 credits)
ENG 3808
Modern British Literature. (3 credits)
ENG 3809
Contemporary British and Anglophone Literatures. (3 credits)
ENG 3903B
Women, Literature, and Language, Post-1800. (3 credits)
Multicultural and Non-Western Literatures (6 credits)
ENG 2705G
African American and Africana Literatures. (3 credits)
ENG 2706G
Latin American and Latinx Literatures. (3 credits)
ENG 2850
Postcolonial Literatures in English. (3 credits)
ENG 3604D
Special Topics in Multicultural Literatures. (3 credits)
ENG 3705
American Multicultural Literatures. (3 credits)
ENG 3907
Asian Literatures. (3 credits)
ENG 4750
Studies in African American Literature. (3 credits)
ENG 4850
Studies in Postcolonial and Third World Literatures. (3 credits)
Emphasis Capstone Experience (3 credits)
ENG 4775
Studies in Literature, Culture, Theory. (3 credits)
Electives (Total Semester Hours: 12)
Selected in consultation with an English advisor.
- Four additional courses in English, chosen from any of the above or from the Electives group. English majors (non-teacher licensure) are required to select 2 of the 4 elective courses at the 3000 level or above.
- One elective course must be an English course selected outside of the Literary and Cultural Studies concentration from the following list: ENG 2000, ENG 3061, ENG 3062, ENG 3063, ENG 3064, ENG 2760, ENG 3005, ENG 3008, ENG 4760, ENG 4765, or ENG 4776.
- Two courses in a single foreign language may be counted if numbered 2000 or above, not taught in English, and not offered for General Education credit.
For all Emphases: Electives Include Courses in English, but exclude the following courses:
ENG 0990
English as a Second Language I. (4 credits)
ENG 0995
English as a Second Language II. (4 credits)
ENG 1000
Fundamentals of College Composition. (3 credits)
ENG 1001G
College Composition I: Critical Reading & Source-Based Writing. (3 credits)
ENG 1002G
College Composition II: Argument & Critical Inquiry. (3 credits)
ENG 1091G
College Composition I: Critical Reading & Source-Based Writing, Honors. (3 credits)
ENG 1092G
College Composition II: Argument & Critical Inquiry, Honors. (3 credits)
Footnotes:
- Concurrent or prior registration in ENG 2205 is strongly recommended for majors in all courses at the 2000-level or above.
- Major GPA based on all English courses taken at EIU except ENG 0990, 0995, 1000, 1001G, 1002G, 1091G, 1092G.
2. Emphasis in Creative Writing
English Major Core Requirements (Total semester Hours: 11)
Emphasis in Creative Writing (Total Semester Hours: 21)
ENG 2000
Introduction to Creative Writing. (3 credits)
(This course is a prerequisite to all upper-level courses in the Creative Writing Emphasis)
Choose Two Genres (Total Semester Hours: 12)
ENG 3061
Intermediate Nonfiction Writing. (3 credits)
ENG 4761
Advanced Nonfiction Writing. (3 credits)
ENG 3062
Intermediate Poetry Writing. (3 credits)
ENG 4762
Advanced Poetry Writing. (3 credits)
ENG 3063
Intermediate Fiction Writing. (3 credits)
ENG 4763
Advanced Fiction Writing. (3 credits)
ENG 3064
Intermediate Dramatic Writing. (3 credits)
ENG 4764
Advanced Dramatic Writing. (3 credits)
Studies in Literary Genre (Total Semester Hours: 6)
- One additional course in Literary and Cultural Studies at 3000- or 4000-level. Credits: 3
Electives (Total Semester Hours: 12)
Selected in consultation with an English advisor.
- Four additional courses in English, chosen from any of the above or from the Electives group. English majors (non-teacher licensure) are required to select 2 of the 4 elective courses at the 3000 level or above.
- One course must be an English course selected outside of the Creative Writing concentration from the following list: ENG 1009G, ENG 1099G, ENG 2504G, ENG 2601, ENG 2705G, ENG 2706G, ENG 2760, ENG 2850, ENG 2950, ENG 2960, ENG 3005, ENG 3008, ENG 3009G, ENG 3099G, ENG 3504, ENG 3601A/B, ENG 3604A/B/D, ENG 3606, ENG 3700, ENG 3702, ENG 3703, ENG 3704, ENG 3705, ENG 3800, ENG 3801, ENG 3802, ENG 3803, ENG 3804, ENG 3805, ENG 3806, ENG 3807, ENG 3808, ENG 3809, ENG 3892, ENG 3903A/B, ENG 3907, ENG 4775, ENG 4750, ENG 4760, ENG 4765, ENG 4776, ENG 4850, ENG 4903.
- Two courses taught in a single foreign language may be counted if numbered 2000 or above, not taught in English, and not offered for General Education credit.
For all Emphases: Electives Include Courses in English, but exclude the following courses:
ENG 0990
English as a Second Language I. (4 credits)
ENG 0995
English as a Second Language II. (4 credits)
ENG 1000
Fundamentals of College Composition. (3 credits)
ENG 1001G
College Composition I: Critical Reading & Source-Based Writing. (3 credits)
ENG 1002G
College Composition II: Argument & Critical Inquiry. (3 credits)
ENG 1091G
College Composition I: Critical Reading & Source-Based Writing, Honors. (3 credits)
ENG 1092G
College Composition II: Argument & Critical Inquiry, Honors. (3 credits)
Footnotes:
- Concurrent or prior registration in ENG 2205 is strongly recommended for majors in all courses at the 2000-level or above.
- Major GPA based on all English courses taken at EIU except ENG 0990, 0995, 1000, 1001G, 1002G, 1091G, 1092G.
3. Emphasis in Professional Writing
English Major Core Requirements (Total semester Hours: 11)
AND
Emphasis in Professional Writing (Total Semester Hours: 21)
Required Courses (15 Credits)
ENG 2760
Introduction to Professional Writing. (3 credits)
ENG 3005
Technical Communication. (3 credits)
ENG 4275
Internship in Professional Writing. (3 credits)
ENG 4760
Special Topics in Professional Writing. (3 credits)
(ENG 2760 is co-requisite)
ENG 4765
Professional Editing. (3 credits)
Additional Professional Writing Coursework (6 credits)
Choose 2 of the following:
ENG 3008
Digital Writing and Multimodal Texts. (3 credits)
ENG 3011
Literary Editing and Publishing. (3 credits)
1
ENG 4275
Internship in Professional Writing. (3 credits)
1
ENG 4760
Special Topics in Professional Writing. (3 credits)
2
ENG 4776
Research and Rhetoric in Professional Writing. (3 credits)
Electives (Total Semester Hours: 12)
Selected in consultation with an English advisor.
- Four additional courses in English, chosen from any of the above or from the Electives group. English majors (non-teacher licensure) are required to select 2 of the 4 elective courses at the 3000 level or above.
- One course must be an English course selected outside of the Professional Writing concentration from the following list: ENG 1009G, ENG 1099G, ENG 2000, ENG 2504G, ENG 2601, ENG 2705G, ENG 2706G, ENG 2850, ENG 2950, ENG 2960, ENG 3009G, ENG 3099G, ENG 3061, ENG 3062, ENG 3063, ENG 3064, ENG 3504, ENG 3601A/B, ENG 3604A/B/D, ENG 3606, ENG 3700, ENG 3702, ENG 3703, ENG 3704, ENG 3705, ENG 3800, ENG 3801, ENG 3802, ENG 3803, ENG 3804, ENG 3805, ENG 3806, ENG 3807, ENG 3808, ENG 3809, ENG 3892, ENG 3903A/B, ENG 3907, ENG 4742, ENG 4775, ENG 4750, ENG 4850, ENG 4903.
- Two courses taught in a single foreign language may be counted if numbered 2000 or above, not taught in English, and not offered for General Education credit.
For all Emphases: Electives Include Courses in English, but exclude the following courses:
ENG 0990
English as a Second Language I. (4 credits)
ENG 0995
English as a Second Language II. (4 credits)
ENG 1000
Fundamentals of College Composition. (3 credits)
ENG 1001G
College Composition I: Critical Reading & Source-Based Writing. (3 credits)
ENG 1002G
College Composition II: Argument & Critical Inquiry. (3 credits)
ENG 1091G
College Composition I: Critical Reading & Source-Based Writing, Honors. (3 credits)
ENG 1092G
College Composition II: Argument & Critical Inquiry, Honors. (3 credits)
Footnotes:
- Concurrent or prior registration in ENG 2205 is strongly recommended for majors in all courses at the 2000-level or above.
- Major GPA based on all English courses taken at EIU except ENG 0990, 0995, 1000, 1001G, 1002G, 1091G, 1092G.
1 May be repeated once for credit.
2 May be repeated once for credit with change of topic.
4. Emphasis in English Studies
English Major Core Requirements (Total semester Hours: 11)
AND
Emphasis in English Studies (Total Semester Hours: 29)
29 semester hours in English courses, at least 24 of which must be at 3000-level or above, and 3 of which must be from the "Multicultural and Non-Western Literatures" category. The Emphasis in English Studies requires departmental approval. Credits: 39
Capstone Experience (Total Semester Hours: 3)
- Course in English at 4000-level or above. Credits: 3
For all Emphases: Electives include Courses in English, but exclude the following courses:
ENG 0990
English as a Second Language I. (4 credits)
ENG 0995
English as a Second Language II. (4 credits)
ENG 1000
Fundamentals of College Composition. (3 credits)
ENG 1001G
College Composition I: Critical Reading & Source-Based Writing. (3 credits)
ENG 1002G
College Composition II: Argument & Critical Inquiry. (3 credits)
ENG 1091G
College Composition I: Critical Reading & Source-Based Writing, Honors. (3 credits)
ENG 1092G
College Composition II: Argument & Critical Inquiry, Honors. (3 credits)
Footnotes:
- Concurrent or prior registration in ENG 2205 is strongly recommended for majors in all courses at the 2000-level or above.
- Major GPA based on all English courses taken at EIU except ENG 0990, 0995, 1000, 1001G, 1002G, 1091G, 1092G.
Information sourced from the 2025-2026 EIU Undergraduate Catalog.
ENG 0990
English as a Second Language I.
ENG 0995
English as a Second Language II.
ENG 1000
Fundamentals of College Composition.
ENG 1001
College Composition I: Critical Reading & Source-Based Writing.
ENG 1002
College Composition II: Argument & Critical Inquiry.
ENG 1009
Stories Matter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
ENG 1091
College Composition I: Critical Reading & Source-Based Writing, Honors.
ENG 1092
College Composition II: Argument & Critical Inquiry, Honors.
ENG 1099
Stories Matter, Honors 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
ENG 1105
English Major Forum.
ENG 2000
Introduction to Creative Writing.
ENG 2011
World/Multicultural Literatures.
ENG 2091
World/Multicultural Literatures, Honors.
ENG 2205
Introduction to Literary Studies.
ENG 2504
Film and Literature.
ENG 2601
Backgrounds of Western Literature.
ENG 2602
World Literature since the Renaissance.
ENG 2603
Greek and Roman Mythology.
ENG 2692
World Literature since the Renaissance, Honors.
ENG 2705
African American and Africana Literatures.
ENG 2706
Latin American and Latinx Literatures.
ENG 2760
Introduction to Professional Writing.
ENG 2850
Postcolonial Literatures in English.
ENG 2901
Structure of English.
ENG 2950
Transatlantic Literary History: Culture, Literacies, and Technologies I.
ENG 2960
Transatlantic Literary History: Culture, Literacies, and Technologies II.
ENG 3001
Advanced Composition.
ENG 3005
Technical Communication.
ENG 3008
Digital Writing and Multimodal Texts.
ENG 3009
Myth and Culture.
ENG 3010
Literary Masterworks.
ENG 3011
Literary Editing and Publishing.
ENG 3061
Intermediate Nonfiction Writing.
ENG 3062
Intermediate Poetry Writing.
ENG 3063
Intermediate Fiction Writing.
ENG 3064
Intermediate Dramatic Writing.
ENG 3090
Literary Masterworks, Honors.
ENG 3099
Myth and Culture, Honors.
ENG 3100
Cultural Foundations I.
ENG 3110
Cultural Foundations II.
ENG 3401
Methods of Teaching Composition in the Middle and Secondary School.
ENG 3402
Methods of Teaching Literature in the Middle and Secondary School.
ENG 3405
Children's Literature.
ENG 3406
Literature for Pre-Adolescents.
ENG 3600
The Bible as Literature.
ENG 3601
Studies in Major Writers After 1800.
ENG 3601
Studies in Major Writers Before 1800.
ENG 3604
Special Topics in Literature and Language After 1800.
ENG 3604
Special Topics in Literature and Language Before 1800.
ENG 3604
Special Topics in Literature and Language.
ENG 3604
Special Topics in Multicultural Literatures.
ENG 3606
Modern Drama.
ENG 3700
American Literature: 1450 to 1800.
ENG 3701
American Literature: 1800 to Mid-19th Century.
ENG 3702
American Literature: Mid-19th Century to 1900.
ENG 3703
American Literature: 1900 to 1950.
ENG 3704
American Literature: 1950 to present.
ENG 3705
American Multicultural Literatures.
ENG 3706
American Regional Literature.
ENG 3800
Medieval British Literature.
ENG 3801
Chaucer.
ENG 3802
Shakespeare.
ENG 3803
Renaissance and Seventeenth-Century British Literature.
ENG 3804
Milton.
ENG 3805
Restoration and Eighteenth-Century British Literature.
ENG 3806
British Romantic Literature.
ENG 3807
Victorian Literature.
ENG 3808
Modern British Literature.
ENG 3809
Contemporary British and Anglophone Literatures.
ENG 3892
Shakespeare, Honors.
ENG 3901
Language and Linguistics.
ENG 3902
Second Language Acquisition and the Teaching of.
ENG 3903
Women, Literature, and Language, Post-1800.
ENG 3903
Women, Literature, and Language, Pre-1800.
ENG 3907
Asian Literatures.
ENG 3970
Study Abroad.
ENG 4060
English Studies Career Development.
ENG 4273
Applied Project in Professional Writing.
ENG 4275
Internship in Professional Writing.
ENG 4300
English Studies Capstone.
ENG 4390
English Studies Capstone, Honors.
ENG 4400
Independent Study.
ENG 4444
Honors Independent Study.
ENG 4644
Honors Thesis.
ENG 4742
Studies in Genre.
ENG 4750
Studies in African American Literature.
ENG 4760
Special Topics in Professional Writing.
ENG 4761
Advanced Nonfiction Writing.
ENG 4762
Advanced Poetry Writing.
ENG 4763
Advanced Fiction Writing.
ENG 4764
Advanced Dramatic Writing.
ENG 4765
Professional Editing.
ENG 4775
Studies in Literature, Culture, Theory.
ENG 4776
Research and Rhetoric in Professional Writing.
ENG 4801
Integrating the English Language Arts.
ENG 4850
Studies in Postcolonial and Third World Literatures.
ENG 4901
History of the English Language.
ENG 4903
Young Adult Literature.
ENG 4904
Studies in Film.
ENG 4905
Studies in Youth Literature.
ENG 4906
Issues in the Teaching of English.