To ensure the diversity of their experience in studying literature, majors are also asked to include work in various historical periods. All students cap their work in English studies with at least nine hours of advanced study at the 400 level. Each of the three options for study beyond the distributed requirements allows students to pursue individual interests. Those students with particular interests in literature, creative writing, or an individualized approach to English Studies will choose Option 1. Under Option 1, majors will increase their knowledge of British and American literature and will be able to choose their own focus for six credits of English electives.
Students also choose one additional course in literature or linguistics.
In addition, these students will take more than twenty hours of secondary education courses designed for teacher certification. Students in all three options are strongly advised to choose a minor or second major to complement their study of English. English education students are encouraged to seek a teaching minor, not to be confused with a university minor. The English Department also offers an undergraduate minor that could be focused on courses in rhetoric and professional communication. In addition to the English Club and other student organizations that may be of interest to English majors, students in the RPC option should take advantage of the Society for Technical Communication, an international professional organization dedicated to the advancement of technical communication.