English Language and Literature
Admission
Applicants for admission to the M.A., M.F.A., or Ph.D. degree programs in the Department of English must have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours of upper-division undergraduate courses in English or an appropriate related discipline, with grades indicating ability for successful graduate work in the department. Applicants for all degrees must submit all application forms required by The Graduate School, a sample of academic writing, a statement of purpose, and at least two satisfactory letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their academic achievement.
To particularly well-qualified candidates, the Department offers the chance to apply for Direct Admission to the Ph.D. Program. All those applying for direct admission will also be considered for regular admission to the M.A. program.
An applicant who lacks adequate undergraduate course work may have to take up to 12 credit hours of 400-level literature or communication courses (depending on the degree emphasis sought) before the application will be considered.
The application deadline is January 1 for those wishing to be considered for graduate assistantships and fellowships. For all others the deadline is April 15.
Courses
ENGL 550 - Advanced English Grammar (3 Credits)
ENGL 565 - African American Theatre (3 Credits)
The major movements, figures, plays, and critical strategies that have marked the development of African American theatre in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and ENGL 102, and one course between ENGL 270- ENGL 292.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Diversity and Social Advocacy, GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences
ENGL 566 - Special Topics in U.S. Film and Media (3 Credits)
ENGL 600 - Seminar in Verse Composition (3 Credits)
First half of a year-long course in the writing of poetry taught by a contemporary poet. Limited to 15 students.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and ENGL 102, and one course between ENGL 270- ENGL 292.
ENGL 601 - Seminar in Verse Composition (3 Credits)
Second half of a year-long course in the writing of poetry taught by a contemporary poet. Limited to 15 students.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and ENGL 102, and one course between ENGL 270-ENGL 292.
ENGL 602 - Fiction Workshop: Short Story (3 Credits)
Instruction in the writing of short fiction taught by a contemporary prose writer. May be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and ENGL 102, and one course between ENGL 270-ENGL 292.
ENGL 603 - Non-Fiction Prose Workshop (3 Credits)
Instruction in the writing of the nonfiction essay taught by a contemporary prose writer. May be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites: graduate status in the English department, or permission of instructor for undergraduates.
ENGL 604 - Seminar in Composition for the Visual Media (3 Credits)
Writing for the visual arts, the student will write a treatment (prospectus) and one or more multimedia scripts; or one or more teleplays; or a feature-length screenplay. Limited to 15 students.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 or equivalent; ENGL 565 or equivalent experience in film as determined by the instructor.
ENGL 605 - Seminar in Composition for the Visual Media (3 Credits)
Writing for the visual arts, the student will write a treatment (prospectus) and one or more multimedia scripts; or one or more teleplays; or a feature-length screenplay. Limited to 15 students.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 or equivalent; ENGL 565 or equivalent experience in film as determined by the instructor.
ENGL 606 - Playwriting Workshop (3 Credits)
Instruction in playwriting taught by a contemporary playwright. May be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites: graduate status in the English department, or permission of instructor for undergraduates.
ENGL 610 - Fiction Workshop: Book-Length Manuscript (3 Credits)
Instruction in the writing of book-length manuscripts taught by a contemporary prose writer. May be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and ENGL 102, and one course between ENGL 270- ENGL 292.
ENGL 611 - Writing the Longer Nonfiction Project (3 Credits)
Instruction in the writing of a book-length nonfiction memoir or literary journalism project taught by a contemporary prose writer. May be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites: graduate status in the English department, or permission of instructor for undergraduates.
ENGL 612 - Writing Poetry: Traditional and Modern Forms (3 Credits)
The writing of traditional and modern poetic forms. Exercises will give practice in composing metered and free verse. Representative masterpieces of traditional and modern poetry will also be studied.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and ENGL 102, and one course between ENGL 270- ENGL 292.
ENGL 613 - Writing the Full-Length Play (3 Credits)
Instruction in the writing of a full-length, two-act play for publication or production. May be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites: graduate status in the English department, or permission of instructor for undergraduates.
ENGL 615 - Academic and Professional Writing (3 Credits)
A workshop course in the development and revision of writing for academic and professional audiences.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and ENGL 102, and one course between ENGL 270- ENGL 292.
ENGL 616 - Writing Children’s and Young Adult Literature (3 Credits)
Critical study and practical crafting of literature for children and/or young adults, exploring the demands of these genres both through the reading of representative works and relevant secondary sources and through the writing of creative works. Undergraduate students must receive permission of instructor.
ENGL 620 - Computer Methods for Humanistic Problems (3 Credits)
Introduction to data processing concepts suitable for research interests in non-numerical areas such as the humanities.
ENGL 620P - Laboratory for Computer Methods for Humanistic Problems (1 Credit)
Broad but intensive introduction to computer systems and programming for students in the humanities. No mathematical or scientific background is presumed. Laboratory experience with data-processing equipment; introduction to elementary digital computer programming in an appropriate language.
Corequisite: ENGL 620.
ENGL 650 - Special Topics in Literature (1-3 Credits)
Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and ENGL 102.
ENGL 680 - Survey of Linguistics (3 Credits)
Survey of core areas of linguistics and extensions to closely related disciplines. Introduction to the linguistic component of human cognition. Formal description and analysis of the general properties of speech and language, the organization of language in the mind/brain, and cross-linguistic typology and universals.
ENGL 690 - Special Topics in Composition (3 Credits)
Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and ENGL 102.
ENGL 691 - Teaching of Literature in College (2 Credits)
Introduction to the methods of teaching literature, with emphasis on current pedagogical practice and theory and applications of electronic media. The course meets during the first seven weeks of the term and provides supervision of graduate students teaching English 101.
ENGL 692 - Teaching of Composition in College (1 Credit)
Introduction to the methods of teaching composition, with emphasis on current pedagogical practice and theory and applications of electronic media. The course meets during the first seven weeks of the term and provides supervision of graduate students teaching English 102.
ENGL 700 - Introduction to Graduate Study of English (3 Credits)
Lectures, discussions, and practical assignments in the history, principles, and methods of research into writings in English, taught by various members of the department. Recommended for M.A. and Ph.D. students in the first year of course work.
ENGL 701 - Special Topics in Old English Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected topics in Old English literature and culture. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 704 - Special Topics in Medieval Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected topics in medieval literature and culture. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 706 - Special Topics in 16th and 17th Century British Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected topics in 16th and 17th century British literature and culture. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 707 - Special Topics in 18th Century British Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected topics in 18th century British literature and culture. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 709 - Special Topics in 19th Century British Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected topics in 19th century British literature and culture. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 714 - Special Topics in 20th & 21st Century British Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected topics in 20th and 21st century British literature and culture. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 719 - Special Topics in Colonial American Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected topics in colonial American literature and culture. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 721 - Special Topics in 19th Century American Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected topics in 19th century American literature and culture. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 722 - Special Topics in 20th & 21st Century American Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected topics in 20th and 21st century American literature and culture. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 731 - Special Topics in Children's and Young Adult Literature (3 Credits)
Selected topics in children's and young adult literature. May be repeated up to five time for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 733 - Classics of Western Literary Theory (3 Credits)
Problems of literary theory in texts from the ancients to the 17th century, with an emphasis on the classical tradition.
Cross-listed course: CPLT 701
ENGL 734 - Modern Literary Theory (3 Credits)
Problems of literary theory from the 18th century to the 1960s.
Cross-listed course: CPLT 702
ENGL 736 - Special Topics in Gender and Sexuality Studies (3 Credits)
Selected topics in gender and sexuality studies. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 739 - Special Topics in Critical Race and Ethnic Studies (3 Credits)
Selected topics in critical race and ethnic studies. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 740 - Special Topics in Southern Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected topics in literature and culture of the U.S. South. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 741 - Special Topics in African American Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected topics in African American literature and culture. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 743 - Special Topics in Women's Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected topics in women's literature and culture. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 746 - Special Topics in Transatlantic Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected topics in transatlantic literature and culture. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 747 - Special Topics in Global Anglophone Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected topics in global Anglophone literature and culture. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 748 - Special Topics in Postcolonial Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Selected topics in postcolonial literature and culture. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 749 - Special Topics in Performance Studies (3 Credits)
Selected topics in performance studies. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 754 - Special Topics in Film and Media Studies (3 Credits)
Selected topics in film and media studies. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 764 - Special Topics in Theory and Critical Methods (3 Credits)
Selected topics in theory and critical methods. May be repeated up to five times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 765 - Advanced Film Study (3 Credits)
Methods of film analysis, resources for research, and the major critical theories.
Cross-listed course: CPLT 765
ENGL 766 - Special Topics in Genre, Form, and Aesthetics (3 Credits)
Selected topics in genre, form, and aesthetics. May be repeated up to five times as topics vary.
ENGL 770 - MFA Fiction Workshop (3 Credits)
A graduate-level workshop in the writing of fiction. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
Prerequisites: Admission to the MFA program in fiction; other MFA students in creative writing may be admitted with permission of the instructor.
ENGL 771 - MFA Poetry Workshop (3 Credits)
A graduate-level workshop in the writing of poetry. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
Prerequisites: Admission to the MFA program in poetry; other MFA students in creative writing may be admitted with permission of the instructor.
ENGL 776 - Introduction to Bibliography and Textual Studies (3 Credits)
Introduction to analytical, descriptive, and textual bibliography, and to the principles and practice of editing. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
ENGL 781 - History of English Language (3 Credits)
The historical background of Modern English with attention to the major linguistic and cultural developments which distinguish English from other related languages. No prior knowledge of Old English or Middle English is required.
Cross-listed course: LING 731
ENGL 782 - Varieties of American English (3 Credits)
Social and regional variation in American English since the colonial period.
Cross-listed course: LING 745
ENGL 788 - Stylistics (3 Credits)
Linguistic analysis of literary texts. Linguistic definition of style; stylistic choices as the author’s voice. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
ENGL 789 - Poetics (3 Credits)
The question of meaning in poetry with special attention to linguistic structure as the source of that meaning; also prosody and related formal effects.
Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
ENGL 790 - Survey of Composition Studies (3 Credits)
Comprehensive survey of the history and development of composition studies, and of the present state of knowledge about theories, principles, and practices in the field. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
ENGL 791 - Introduction to Research on Written Composition (3 Credits)
Introduction to the types and methods of research on written composition, both qualitative and quantitative, with intensive analysis of representative exemplars of these types and methods. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
ENGL 792 - Classical Rhetoric (3 Credits)
Survey of ancient Greek and Roman rhetorical theory. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
Cross-listed course: SPCH 792
ENGL 793 - Rhetorical Theory and Practice, Medieval to Modern (3 Credits)
Survey of major theories of rhetoric from medieval to modern times. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
Cross-listed course: SPCH 793
ENGL 794 - Modern Rhetorical Theory (3 Credits)
Survey of 20th-century contributions to rhetorical theory. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
Cross-listed course: SPCH 794
ENGL 795 - The Teaching of Business and Technical Writing (3 Credits)
A study of theory and practice in business, technical, and scientific writing with emphasis on the pedagogical materials and techniques available to the business and technical writing teacher. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
ENGL 796 - Special Topics in the Teaching of English (1-3 Credits)
Exploration of issues relevant to the teaching of literature, composition, rhetoric, or speech communication. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 797 - Current Scholarship in Rhetoric and Composition (3 Credits)
Close study of annual issues of recent journals in the field to identify current trends in research and models for scholarly writing.
ENGL 798 - MFA Project Hours (1-9 Credits)
MFA project preparation.
ENGL 799 - Thesis Preparation (1-9 Credits)
Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
ENGL 803 - Special Topics: Seminar in Literary and Cultural Studies (3 Credits)
Specialized study in literary and cultural studies. May be repeated up to four times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 804 - Special Topics: Seminar in Theory and Critical Methods (3 Credits)
Specialized study in theory and critical methods. May be repeated up to four times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 805 - Special Topics: Seminar in Media Studies (3 Credits)
Specialized study in digital, print, and/or cinematic media. May be repeated up to four times for credit as topics vary.
ENGL 831 - Theory of Prose Fiction (3 Credits)
Various types of prose fiction from folk tales and fables to short stories and novels; including historical changes in fictional forms, the function of technical devices, and modern theories of narrative. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
ENGL 832 - Theory of Poetry (3 Credits)
A study of various aspects of poetry as an art form, including rhythm, meter, sound, color. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
ENGL 846 - Studies in Southern Literature (3 Credits)
Topics selected by the instructor for specialized study.
ENGL 850 - Studies in British and American Literature (3 Credits)
Topics selected by the instructor for specialized study. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
ENGL 862 - Special Topics in Children’s and Young Adult Literature (3 Credits)
Special topics selected by instructor for specialized study. May be repeated as content varies by title.
ENGL 870 - Seminar in Bibliography, Textual Criticism, and Editing (3 Credits)
Seminar in analytical and descriptive bibliography. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
ENGL 871 - Seminar in Bibliography, Textual Criticism, and Editing (3 Credits)
Seminar in textual criticism and editing of specific forms of publication (e.g., manuscripts, plays, poetry, novels). Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
Prerequisites: ENGL 776 or equivalent.
ENGL 872 - Seminar in Bibliography, Textual Criticism, and Editing (3 Credits)
Seminar in textual criticism and editing of particular periods of English or American literature. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
Prerequisites: ENGL 776 or equivalent.
ENGL 890 - Studies in Rhetoric and Composition (3 Credits)
Topics selected by the instructor for specialized study. May be repeated as topics vary. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
ENGL 895 - Directed Reading and Research (1-3 Credits)
Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
ENGL 896 - Directed Reading and Research (1-3 Credits)
Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
ENGL 899 - Dissertation Preparation (1-12 Credits)
Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
SPCH 543 - Communication, Law, and Society (3 Credits)
Examines the role of communication in legal and judicial contexts. Focus on case studies that illustrate the theoretical and practical significance of rhetoric in the work of the courts, lawyers, and public advocacy groups.
SPCH 700 - Introduction to the Advanced Study of Speech Communication & Rhetoric (3 Credits)
Introduction to theories, concepts, and analysis in critical rhetorical and communication research. Emphasis on rhetoric, public advocacy and discourse, performance, critical theory.
SPCH 701 - Pedagogies of Speech Communication & Rhetoric (3 Credits)
Survey of issues, theories, and methods of pedagogy in speech communication, rhetoric, and performance studies.
SPCH 734 - Theories of Public Argumentation (3 Credits)
Advanced study of theories and practices of public and cultural argumentation. Emphasis on critical argumentation theories and analysis of public arguments.
SPCH 736 - Critical Theory & Rhetoric (3 Credits)
Examination of the role of language, rhetoric, and argumentation in the historical and contemporary project of critical social theory.
SPCH 741 - Theory and Practice of Rhetorical Criticism (3 Credits)
Advanced study of theories of rhetorical criticism and the conceptual assumptions that motivate, compose, and justify critical interpretations of rhetorical acts, performances, and events.
SPCH 744 - Public Advocacy and Civil Society (3 Credits)
Examination of the rhetorical operations that define, sustain, and reshape historical and contemporary forms of civil society, including modes of public address, community engagement, non-profit advocacy, and political communication.
SPCH 746 - Rhetoric of Movements (3 Credits)
Advanced study of the rhetoric of political social movements.
SPCH 747 - Rhetorical Power, Institutional Discourse, and Recognition (3 Credits)
Advanced study of institutional discourse and the role of institutional argumentation in the formation and critique of power. Includes directed inquiry into the rhetorical dynamics of consensus-formation, dissent, and recognition as they unfold between institutions, publics, and cultures.
SPCH 749 - Performance and Cultural Studies (3 Credits)
Theories and research exploring the mutual contributions of performance and cultural studies. Emphasis on performance as both a subject of critical/cultural inquiry as well as a method of critical/cultural invention.
SPCH 751 - Performance Criticism (3 Credits)
Study of critical performance methods and the conceptual and paradigmatic assumptions that motivate, compose, and justify performance as a critical act, criticism as a performative act, and performance events as critical objects.
SPCH 755 - Theories of Performance, Representation, and Advocacy (3 Credits)
Exploration of performance as a site of and means for representing and creating social change.
SPCH 761 - Ethics & Politics of Rhetoric (3 Credits)
Examination of the ethical and political commitments in the rhetorical tradition. Emphasis on the intersection of rhetorical scholarship with issues in communication ethics and their implications for political rhetoric.
SPCH 762 - Rhetorics of Materiality, Technology, and Science (3 Credits)
Study of the rhetorical analysis of scientific and technological public discourse, implications of public science and technological changes for the theory and practice of rhetoric, and the rhetorical construction of sciences and technologies.
SPCH 764 - Rhetoric, Violence, and the Discourse of Human Rights (3 Credits)
Advanced study of the rhetorical violence that attends the human condition and its attempted redress through discourses of human rights. Special attention devoted to theories of violence and critical interpretation of legal discourse, human rights doctrine, and humanitarian advocacy.
SPCH 790 - Special Topics in Speech Communication, Rhetoric, and Performance (3 Credits)
Selected topics in speech communication. rhetoric, and performance studies. May be repeated as content varies by title.
SPCH 792 - Classical Rhetoric (3 Credits)
Survey of ancient Greek and Roman rhetorical theory. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
Cross-listed course: ENGL 792
SPCH 793 - Rhetorical Theory and Practice, Medieval to Modern (3 Credits)
Survey of major theories of rhetoric from medieval to modern times. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
Cross-listed course: ENGL 793
SPCH 794 - Modern Rhetorical Theory (3 Credits)
Survey of 20th-century contributions to rhetorical theory. Non-degree students may not enroll without the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies in English.
Cross-listed course: ENGL 794
SPCH 796 - Independent Study in Speech Communication, Rhetoric, and Performance (1-3 Credits)
Individually arranged studies in specialized areas of speech communication, rhetoric, or performance.
SPCH 797 - Special Projects in Speech Communication, Rhetoric, and Performance (1-3 Credits)
Individually research projects focused on a selected area of speech communication, rhetoric, or performance.
SPCH 799 - Thesis Preparation (1-9 Credits)
To be arranged by candidates for the Master of Arts degree with the instructor under whose direction the master's thesis is being written.