English, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in English major offers five distinct areas of study, designed to advance skills in writing, interpretation and critical thinking: 

The general English major offers students broad and diverse knowledge in literary and cultural studies (e.g., from Shakespeare and Toni Morrison to comic books and digital writing), along with advanced skills in writing and critical analysis.

The Communication and Culture Concentration provides an interdisciplinary, humanities-based approach to the study of communication, broadly defined to include writing, oral communication, rhetoric and media (e.g., film, comics, digital media); students gain advanced skills in writing, speaking, argumentation and advocacy, and critical analysis.
The Writing Concentration lets students work with distinguished authors in multiple genres to hone their skills in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction and professional writing.  
The Secondary English Education Concentration prepares students to teach English at the secondary level through the completion of the B.A. degree with the option of completing a Master of Teaching (M.T.) in the fifth year. 
The Intensive Major is ideal for those planning to pursue graduate study in fields like literature, creative writing, rhetoric, composition or cultural studies and includes a senior seminar or thesis.

With any of these tracks, students can earn a degree with Distinction in English as well as a degree with Leadership Distinction. 

A B.A. in English pairs well with majors and minors across disciplines and can provide beneficial skills to students exploring a variety of traditional and innovative career paths. Students learn theoretical and critical approaches to interpretation and research, as well as competence in critical thinking and written expression. English students have gone on to careers in teaching, publishing, public relations, law, politics, journalism, library and information science, and the arts as well as digital media and information technology, management and administration, business, medicine and health care. 

Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate knowledge of canonical and non-canonical texts, covering a range of periods, using current theoretical and critical approaches to literary and cultural studies.
Students will demonstrate competence in critical thinking by learning how to acquire and evaluate information in order to form compelling analyses and reach well-justified conclusions.
Students will demonstrate competence in written expression by learning the principles of grammar and composition and argument.
Students will demonstrate basic linguistic knowledge (such as knowledge of the nature of human language, dialects, the development of grammar of the English language, and issues involving usage and standard English.)

Admissions

Entrance Requirements

New freshmen who meet University admissions standards are eligible for admission to degree programs offered by the college. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another college on the Columbia campus must be in good standing and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another USC campus must fulfill one of the following requirements:

Be in good standing, meet the admission requirements for a baccalaureate degree on the Columbia campus, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.
Be in good standing and have completed 30 semester hours with a GPA of 2.00 or higher on a USC campus.

Some programs in the College of Arts and Sciences have special admission requirements established by the department or committee that supervises the specific degree program, for example, Cardiovascular Technology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Economics, Environmental Science, the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, and the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. These requirements are listed in the sections of this bulletin that describe department and special degree programs.

Degree Requirements (120 hours)

Program of Study

Program Summary
Requirements	Credit Hours
1. Carolina Core	32-44
2. College Requirements	15-18
3. Program Requirements	16-43
4. Major Requirements	30-42

Founding Documents Requirement

All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade in the subject areas of History, Political Science, or African American Studies that covers the founding documents including the United State Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation and one or more documents that are foundational to the African American Freedom struggle, and a minimum of five essays from the Federalist papers. This course may count as a requirement in any part of the program of study including the Carolina Core, the major, minor or cognate, or as a general elective. Courses that meet this requirement are listed here.

Requirements (120 hours)

Course List
Course	Title	Credits
1. Carolina Core (32-44 hours)
CMW - Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Written ¹
CC-CMW course(s)		6
ARP - Analytical Reasoning and Problem Solving
CC-ARP course(s)		6-8
SCI - Scientific Literacy
CC-SCI course(s) (Two 4-credit CC-SCI laboratory science courses)		8
GFL - Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Foreign Language
Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the minimal passing grade on the exit examination in the 122 course is required for all baccalaureate degrees. Students can demonstrate this proficiency by successfully completing Phase II of the Proficiency Test or by successfully completing the 122 course, including the exit exam administered as part of that course.
CC-GFL course(s)		0-6
GHS - Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Historical Thinking
CC-GHS course(s)		3
GSS - Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Social Sciences
CC-GSS course(s)		3
AIU - Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding
CC-AIU course(s)		3
CMS - Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Spoken Component ²
CC-CMS course(s)		0-3
INF - Information Literacy ²
CC-INF course(s)		0-3
VSR - Values, Ethics, and Social Responsibility ²
CC-VSR course(s)		0-3
2. College Requirements (15-18 hours)
Foreign Language (0-3 hours)
Only if needed to meet 122-level proficiency		0-3
History (3 hours)
The College of Arts and Sciences requires one additional GHS course beyond the Carolina Core GHS requirement. If the Carolina Core GHS requirement is fulfilled by a U.S. history course, the College of Arts and Sciences history requirement must be fulfilled by a non-U.S. history course. If the Carolina Core GHS requirement is fulfilled by a non-U.S. history course, the College of Arts and Sciences history requirement must be fulfilled by a U.S. history course. Please select the College of Arts and Sciences history requirement from the approved list.
U.S. and non-U.S. History Courses		3
Social Science (3 hours)
Social Science Courses		3
Fine Arts or Humanities (9 hours)
ENGL 287	American Literature ¹	3
ENGL 288	English Literature ¹	3
One course from Fine Arts/Humanities Courses		3
3. Program Requirements (16-43 hours)
Cognate or Minor (12-18 hours) ^{1, 3}
Students must complete a cognate (12 hours) or a minor as part of this program. In lieu of a cognate or minor, an additional major may be added to a student’s program of study.		12-18
Cognate:
The cognate must consist of twelve (12) hours of courses at the advanced level, outside of but related to the major. The cognate may be taken in one or more departments or programs. Courses offered by departments and programs that are acceptable for cognate credit are outlined in the section titled Courses Acceptable for Cognate Credit . Some major programs have specific cognate requirements. It should be emphasized that the cognate is not a second set of elective courses to be chosen at random by the student. Students are urged to consult their major advisors for specific requirements in their major.
Minor:
In place of the cognate a student in the College of Arts and Sciences may choose a minor consisting of at least 18 credit hours of prescribed courses. The minor is intended to develop a coherent basic preparation in a second area of study. It differs from the cognate inasmuch as the courses must follow a structured sequence. Courses applied toward general education requirements cannot be counted toward the minor. No course may satisfy both major and minor requirements. At least half of the courses in the minor must be completed in residence at the University. A list of minor programs of study can be found at Programs A-Z .
Electives (0-31 hours)
120 (or 128) degree applicable credits are required to complete any degree at UofSC. After the cognate, minor or second major is complete, any additional credits needed to reach 120 (or 128) total credits can be fulfilled by electives. No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the College of Arts and Sciences.		0-31
4. Major Requirements (30-42 hours) ^{1, 4}
Major Courses (0-3 hours)
Diversity Requirement (may be met through other major requirements, select one): ⁵		0-3
ENGL 393	Postcolonialism
ENGL 419	Selected Topics in Pre-1800 Literature and Culture
ENGL 428A	African-American Literature I: to 1903
ENGL 428B	African-American Literature II: 1903 – Present
ENGL 429	Selected Topics in Post-1800 Literature and Culture
ENGL 430	Topics in African American Literature
ENGL 433	Special Topics in Children’s and Young Adult Literature
ENGL 437	Women Writers
ENGL 438D	African Literature
ENGL 438E	Caribbean Literature
ENGL 439	Selected Topics
ENGL 441	Global Contemporary Literature
ENGL 445	LGTBQ+ Literature
ENGL 457	African-American English
ENGL 467	Topics in Rhetoric
ENGL/SPCH/WGST 485	Women’s Rhetoric
ENGL/SPCH/AFAM 486	African-American Rhetoric
ENGL 487	Black Women Writers
ENGL 565	African American Theatre
ENGL 566	Special Topics in U.S. Film and Media
General Concentration (30 hours)
ENGL 300 or higher (select 5) ⁶
Pre-1800 Literature Courses (select 2):
ENGL 340	Literature and Law
ENGL 341	Literature and Medicine
ENGL 380	Epic to Romance
ENGL 381	The Renaissance
ENGL 382	The Enlightenment
ENGL 390	Great Books of the Western World I
ENGL 395	Classical Drama
ENGL 400	Early English Literature
ENGL 401	Chaucer
ENGL 402	Tudor Literature
ENGL 403	The 17th Century
ENGL 404	English Drama to 1660
ENGL 405	Shakespeare's Tragedies
ENGL 406	Shakespeare’s Comedies and Histories
ENGL 407	Milton
ENGL 410	The Restoration and 18th Century
ENGL 414	English Drama Since 1660
ENGL 415	The English Novel I
ENGL 419	Selected Topics in Pre-1800 Literature and Culture ⁵
ENGL 420	American Literature to 1830
ENGL 429	Selected Topics in Post-1800 Literature and Culture ⁵
ENGL 430	Topics in African American Literature ⁵
ENGL 437	Women Writers ⁵
ENGL 438A	South Carolina Writers
ENGL 438B	Scottish Literature
ENGL 438C	Irish Literature
ENGL 438D	African Literature ⁵
ENGL 438E	Caribbean Literature ⁵
ENGL 439	Selected Topics ⁵
Post-1800 Literature Courses (select 3):
ENGL 340	Literature and Law
ENGL 341	Literature and Medicine
ENGL 350	Introduction to Comics Studies
ENGL 383	Romanticism
ENGL 384	Realism
ENGL 385	Modernism
ENGL 386	Postmodernism
ENGL 391	Great Books of the Western World II
ENGL 393	Postcolonialism ⁵
ENGL 411	British Romantic Literature
ENGL 412	Victorian Literature
ENGL 413	Modern English Literature
ENGL 414	English Drama Since 1660
ENGL 416	The English Novel II
ENGL 419	Selected Topics in Pre-1800 Literature and Culture ⁵
ENGL 421	American Literature 1830-1860
ENGL 422	American Literature 1860-1910
ENGL 423	Modern American Literature
ENGL 424	American Drama
ENGL 425A	The American Novel to 1914
ENGL 425B	The American Novel Since 1914
ENGL 426	American Poetry
ENGL 427	Southern Literature
ENGL 428A	African-American Literature I: to 1903 ⁵
ENGL 428B	African-American Literature II: 1903 – Present ⁵
ENGL 429	Selected Topics in Post-1800 Literature and Culture ⁵
ENGL 430	Topics in African American Literature ⁵
ENGL 431A	Children’s Literature
ENGL 431B	Picture Books
ENGL 432	Young Adult Literature
ENGL 433	Special Topics in Children’s and Young Adult Literature ⁵
ENGL 434	Environmental Literature
ENGL 435	The Short Story
ENGL 436	Science Fiction Literature
ENGL 437	Women Writers ⁵
ENGL 438A	South Carolina Writers
ENGL 438B	Scottish Literature
ENGL 438C	Irish Literature
ENGL 438D	African Literature ⁵
ENGL 438E	Caribbean Literature ⁵
ENGL 439	Selected Topics ⁵
ENGL 441	Global Contemporary Literature ⁵
ENGL 445	LGTBQ+ Literature ⁵
ENGL 487	Black Women Writers ⁵
ENGL 565	African American Theatre ⁵
Secondary English Education Concentration (33 hours) ^{3, 7}
Pre-1800 Literature course (select one from list above, 3 hours)
Post-1800 Literature course (select one from list above, 3 hours)
ENGL 432	Young Adult Literature
ENGL 437	Women Writers ⁵
ENGL 450	English Grammar
ENGL 460	Advanced Writing
ENGL 300 or above (3 hours)
English Language:
ENGL 389	The English Language
or ENGL 453	Development of the English Language
Theory and Criticism:
ENGL 388	History of Literary Criticism and Theory
or ENGL 440	Principles of Modern Literary Theory
or ENGL 449	Special Topics in Theory
African-American Literature:
ENGL 428A	African-American Literature I: to 1903 ⁵
or ENGL 428B	African-American Literature II: 1903 – Present
or ENGL 430	Topics in African American Literature
Writing or Rhetoric (select one):
ENGL 360	Creative Writing
ENGL 387	Introduction to Rhetoric
ENGL 461	The Teaching of Writing
ENGL 462	Technical Writing
ENGL 463	Business Writing
ENGL 464	Poetry Workshop
ENGL 465	Fiction Workshop
ENGL 467	Topics in Rhetoric ⁵
ENGL 468	Digital Writing
ENGL 469	Creative Nonfiction
ENGL 470	Rhetoric of Science and Technology
ENGL 471	Rhetoric and the Ancient Roots of Modern Life
ENGL 472	Rhetoric and Popular Culture
ENGL 485	Women’s Rhetoric ⁵
ENGL 486	African-American Rhetoric ⁵
Writing Concentration (30 hours)
Pre-1800 courses (select two from the list above, 6 hours)
Post-1800 Literature courses (select two from the list above, 6 hours)
Introductory Writing (9 hours):
ENGL 360	Creative Writing
ENGL 387	Introduction to Rhetoric
ENGL 300 or higher (select one, 3 hours)
Writing and Rhetoric and/or Creative Writing (select 9 hours):
ENGL 460	Advanced Writing
ENGL 461	The Teaching of Writing
ENGL 462	Technical Writing
ENGL 463	Business Writing
ENGL 466	Internship
ENGL 467	Topics in Rhetoric ⁵
ENGL 468	Digital Writing
ENGL 470	Rhetoric of Science and Technology
ENGL 471	Rhetoric and the Ancient Roots of Modern Life
ENGL 472	Rhetoric and Popular Culture
ENGL 485	Women’s Rhetoric ⁵
ENGL 486	African-American Rhetoric ⁵
ENGL 494	Advanced Professional Writing Workshop
ENGL 460	Advanced Writing
ENGL 464	Poetry Workshop
ENGL 465	Fiction Workshop
ENGL 469	Creative Nonfiction
ENGL 491	Advanced Poetry Workshop
ENGL 492	Advanced Fiction Workshop
ENGL 493	Advanced Creative Non-Fiction
Communication & Culture Concentration (30 hours)
ENGL 300-level or above (select two, 6 hours)
Two additional courses (6 hours) from the 3 areas listed below (Speech Communication and Rhetoric; Writing and Rhetoric; or Media and Culture)
Speech Communication and Rhetoric (select two, 6 hours):
SPCH 201	Popular Communication and Public Culture
SPCH 330	Small Group Communication
SPCH 331	Organizational Communication
SPCH 340	Literature and Performance
SPCH 380	Persuasive Communication
SPCH/ENGL 387	Introduction to Rhetoric
SPCH 399	Independent Study and Research
SPCH 411	Arguments in Cultural Studies
SPCH 441	Rhetorical Criticism
SPCH 448	Contemporary Political Rhetoric
SPCH 463	Great Debates
SPCH 464	Speechwriting
SPCH/ENGL 470	Rhetoric of Science and Technology
SPCH/ENGL 471	Rhetoric and the Ancient Roots of Modern Life
SPCH/ENGL 472	Rhetoric and Popular Culture
SPCH/ENGL/WGST 485	Women’s Rhetoric ⁵
SPCH/AFAM/ENGL 486	African-American Rhetoric ⁵
SPCH 499	Special Topics in Speech
SPCH 543	Communication, Law, and Society
Writing and Rhetoric (select two, 6 hours):
ENGL 360	Creative Writing
ENGL/SPCH 387	Introduction to Rhetoric
ENGL 460	Advanced Writing
ENGL 461	The Teaching of Writing
ENGL 462	Technical Writing
ENGL 463	Business Writing
ENGL 464	Poetry Workshop
ENGL 465	Fiction Workshop
ENGL 466	Internship
ENGL 467	Topics in Rhetoric ⁵
ENGL 468	Digital Writing
ENGL 469	Creative Nonfiction
ENGL/SPCH 470	Rhetoric of Science and Technology
ENGL/SPCH 471	Rhetoric and the Ancient Roots of Modern Life
ENGL/SPCH 472	Rhetoric and Popular Culture
ENGL/SPCH/WGST 485	Women’s Rhetoric ⁵
ENGL/SPCH/AFAM 486	African-American Rhetoric ⁵
ENGL 491	Advanced Poetry Workshop
ENGL 492	Advanced Fiction Workshop
ENGL 493	Advanced Creative Non-Fiction
ENGL 494	Advanced Professional Writing Workshop
Media and Culture (select two, 6 hours):
ENGL/FAME 240	Film and Media Analysis
ENGL/FAME 350	Introduction to Comics Studies
ENGL/FAME 351	History of the American Comic Book Industry
ENGL 352/FAME 325	Superheroes across Media
ENGL 353/FAME 355	Special Topics in Comics Studies
ENGL 355/FAME 360	Special Topics in Global Media
ENGL 373	Literature and Film of the Holocaust
ENGL 431B	Picture Books
ENGL 439	Selected Topics ⁵
ENGL/SPCH 472	Rhetoric and Popular Culture
ENGL 489/AFAM 420	Slavery, Literature & Culture
ENGL/AFAM/WGST 515	Race, Gender, and Graphic Novels
ENGL 566/FAME 593	Special Topics in U.S. Film and Media
ENGL 567/FAME 594/FORL 598	Special Topics in Global Film and Media

¹: Must be passed with a grade of C or higher.
²: Carolina Core Stand Alone or Overlay Eligible Requirements — Overlay-approved courses offer students the option of meeting two Carolina Core components in a single course. A maximum of two overlays is allowed. The total Carolina Core credit hours must add up to a minimum of 31 hours. Some programs may have a higher number of minimum Carolina Core hours due to specified requirements.
³: Students completing the Secondary Education English concentration must complete an Education cognate consisting of the following courses: EDFI 300, EDPY 401, EDSE 500, and EDSE 547.
⁴: Students may choose to complete the General Major, the Intensive Major, or the major with a concentration in Secondary Education English, Writing, or Communication and Culture.
⁵: The major in English requires a diversity course. The course may also serve as a pre- or post-1800 literature course (also identified with this footnote) or an elective, while fulfilling the diversity requirement. Additional courses, depending on content, may be used to satisfy this requirement. Students who do not meet this Diversity Requirement through another major requirement must take a course from the list under the Diversity Requirement in addition to the major requirements.
⁶: At least one course must be selected from ENGL 370, ENGL 389 or ENGL 450-ENGL 455, unless a Linguistics course is applied elsewhere in the student’s curriculum.
⁷: Students completing the Secondary Education English Concentration must also complete an Education coursework component that may fulfill the cognate requirement. This concentration is a step to the MT program, which is recommended for teacher certification. This concentration will not provide students with teacher certification upon completion.

Intensive Major (39 hours)

Course List
Course	Title	Credits
Three Pre-1800 Literature courses		9
Four Post-1800 Literature courses		12
ENGL 388	History of Literary Criticism and Theory	3
or ENGL 440	Principles of Modern Literary Theory
ENGL 490	Topics in Advanced Study (or Senior Thesis)	3
Four courses numbered ENGL 300 or higher ¹		12
Total Credit Hours		39

¹: At least one course must be selected from ENGL 370, ENGL 389 or ENGL 450-ENGL 455, unless a Linguistics course is applied elsewhere in the student’s curriculum.

B.A. with Distinction (Open to all English Majors)

The Departmental Undergraduate Research Track (B.A. with Distinction) is available to students majoring in English who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.50 in the major and 3.30 overall and who wish to participate in a substantial research or creative project in collaboration with, or under the supervision of, a faculty mentor. Ideally, students who pursue this option would complete their theses by December of their final year of coursework.

Requirements

Overall GPA of 3.30 or higher and a GPA of at least 3.50 in the major;
Senior Thesis: General, Writing, Communication and Culture, and Secondary Education track majors who wish to graduate with distinction must complete a thesis in addition to the courses required for their chosen track within the English major. For Intensive majors, the thesis is part of the required coursework. The thesis may be completed either by enrolling in ENGL 499 or by taking ENGL 490, provided that the latter course includes a thesis requirement;
Submission of the distinction intent form (available in the undergraduate English office) to the undergraduate English office at the beginning of the semester in which you write your thesis;
Public presentation of the thesis in an approved venue including:

English Department Colloquium Series
USC Discovery Day
Professional Conference or Journal publication.

Major Map

A major map is a layout of required courses in a given program of study, including critical courses and suggested course sequences to ensure a clear path to graduation.

Major maps are only a suggested or recommended sequence of courses required in a program of study. Please contact your academic advisor for assistance in the application of specific coursework to a program of study and course selection and planning for upcoming semesters.

English, B.A. No Concentration

English, B.A. Writing Concentration

English, B.A. Secondary Education Concentration

English, B.A. Communication & Culture

English, B.A. No Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credit Hours
ENGL 101	Critical Reading and Composition	3
Carolina Core ARP Requirement		3-4
Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement ^3,4		3-4
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		3
UNIV 101	The Student in the University (or Carolina Core Requirement) ⁴	3
	Credit Hours	15-17
Spring
ENGL 102	Rhetoric and Composition	3
Carolina Core ARP Requirement		3-4
Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		3
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		3
History ⁵		3
	Credit Hours	15-16
Second Year
Fall
ENGL 287	American Literature	3
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		4
Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement ^3,4		3
Social Science		3
Humanities or Fine Arts		3
	Credit Hours	16
Spring
ENGL 288	English Literature	3
Cognate or Minor Course ⁶		3
Cognate or Minor Course ⁶		3
Elective ⁷		3
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		4
	Credit Hours	16
Third Year
Fall
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁹		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
Cognate or Minor Course ⁶		3
Elective ⁷		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
Cognate or Minor Course ⁶		3
Carolina Core Requirement or Elective ^4,7		3
Carolina Core Requirement or Elective ^4,7		3
	Credit Hours	15
Fourth Year
Fall
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
Minor Course or Elective ^6,7		3
Elective ⁷		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3-6
Minor Course or Elective ^6,7		3
Elective ³		3
Elective only if needed to meet hours to graduate		1-3
	Credit Hours	13-18
	Total Credit Hours	120-128

¹

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.

²

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses.

³

Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score.

⁴

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students.

⁵

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses. Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement.

⁶

The cognate is intended to support the course work in the major. The cognate must consist of twelve hours of courses at the advanced level, outside of, but related to the major. In place of a cognate, a student may choose a minor consisting of at least 18 credit hours of courses concentrated in one area that follow a structured sequence. A second major eliminates the minor/cognate requirement.

⁷

No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.

⁸

English Major courses, equaling 30-33 hours, must be comprised of the following: 1) Two courses (6 hours) in pre-1800 Literature; 2) Three courses (9 hours) in post-1800 Literature; and 3) Five ENGL electives (15 hours) above the 300 level, of which at least one elective must satisfy the Linguistics overlay requirement, unless a Linguistics course is applied elsewhere in the student’s curriculum. The major in English requires a diversity course, which may also serve as a pre- or post-1800 literature course or an elective. Students who do not meet this Diversity Requirement through another major requirement must take a course in addition to the major requirements. For a list of courses fulfilling the pre-1800 and post-1800 Literature requirements, and the Diversity Requirement, please visit the Bulletin.

Applicable Linguistics courses include any LING and the following: ENGL 370, 389, 439, 450-455.

Program Notes:

All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
Students may pursue an optional intensive English major, which requires: 1) Three courses (9 hours) in pre-1800 literature; 2) Four courses (12 hours) in post-1800 literature; 3) one course from ENGL 388 or ENGL 440; 4) one course from ENGL 490 or a Senior Thesis; and 5) Four additional courses (12 hours) from ENGL 300 or above, of which one must be selected from ENGL 370, ENGL 389, or ENGL 450-456, unless a Linguistics course is applied elsewhere in the student’s curriculum.
The Departmental Undergraduate Research Track (B.A. with Distinction) is available to students majoring in English who wish to participate in a substantial research or creative project in collaboration with, or under the supervision of, a faculty mentor. Ideally, students who pursue this option would complete their theses by December of their final year of coursework. In addition to the English major requirements, a student must complete the following: 1) ENGL 499 or by taking ENGL 490, provided that the latter course includes a thesis requirement; 2) a minimum GPA of 3.50 in the major; 3) a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30; 4) Submission of the distinction intent form (available in the undergraduate English office) to the undergraduate English office at the beginning of the semester in which you write your thesis; 5) a public presentation of the Senior Thesis (at an English Department Colloquium Series, USC Discovery Day, or professional conference or journal publication). Students who successfully complete these requirements will be awarded their degree with “Distinction in English” upon graduation.
The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.

English, B.A. Writing Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credit Hours
ENGL 101	Critical Reading and Composition	3
Carolina Core ARP Requirement		3-4
Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement ^3,4		3-4
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		3
UNIV 101	The Student in the University (or Carolina Core Requirement) ⁴	3
	Credit Hours	15-17
Spring
ENGL 102	Rhetoric and Composition	3
Carolina Core ARP Requirement		3-4
Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement ^3,4		3
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		3
History ⁵		3
	Credit Hours	15-16
Second Year
Fall
ENGL 287	American Literature	3
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		4
Foreign Language or Carolina Core Requirement ^3,4		3
Social Science		3
Humanities or Fine Arts		3
	Credit Hours	16
Spring
ENGL 288	English Literature	3
Cognate or Minor Course ⁶		3
Cognate or Minor Course ⁶		3
Elective ⁷		3
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		4
	Credit Hours	16
Third Year
Fall
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
Cognate or Minor Course ⁶		3
Elective ⁷		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
Cognate or Minor Course ⁶		3
Carolina Core Requirement or Elective ^4,7		3
Carolina Core Requirement or Elective ^4,7		3
	Credit Hours	15
Fourth Year
Fall
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
Minor Course or Elective ^6,7		3
Elective ⁷		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3-6
Minor Course or Elective ^6,7		3
Elective ⁷		3
Elective (only if needed to meet hours to graduate)		1-3
	Credit Hours	13-18
	Total Credit Hours	120-128

¹

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.

²

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses.

³

⁴

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students.

⁵

⁶

⁷

⁸

English Major courses, equaling 30-33 hours, must be comprised of the following:

Two courses (6 hours) in pre-1800 Literature;
Two courses (6 hours) in post-1800 Literature;
Six courses (18 hours) of writing requirements to include:
1. ENGL 360
2. ENGL 387
3. Three courses (9 hours) selected from Writing and Rhetoric and/or from Creative Writing.
  1. Writing and Rhetoric: ENGL 460, 461, 462, 463, 466, 467, 468, 470, 471, 472, 485, 486, 494.
  2. Creative Writing: ENGL 460, 464, 465, 469, 491, 492, 493.
4. One additional ENGL course numbered 300 or above
A diversity course (0-3 hours) which may also serve as a pre- or post-1800 literature course or an elective. Students who do not meet this Diversity Requirement through another major requirement must take a course in addition to the major requirements.

Note: For a list of courses fulfilling the pre-1800 and post-1800 Literature requirements, and the Diversity Requirement, please visit the Bulletin.

Program Notes:

All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
The Departmental Undergraduate Research Track (B.A. with Distinction) is available to students majoring in English who wish to participate in a substantial research or creative project in collaboration with, or under the supervision of, a faculty mentor. Ideally, students who pursue this option would complete their theses by December of their final year of coursework. In addition to the English major requirements, a student must complete the following: 1) ENGL 499 or by taking ENGL 490, provided that the latter course includes a thesis requirement; 2) a minimum GPA of 3.50 in the major; 3) a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30; 4) Submission of the distinction intent form (available in the undergraduate English office) to the undergraduate English office at the beginning of the semester in which you write your thesis; 5) a public presentation of the Senior Thesis (at an English Department Colloquium Series, USC Discovery Day, or professional conference or journal publication). Students who successfully complete these requirements will be awarded their degree with “Distinction in English” upon graduation.
The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.

English, B.A. Secondary Education Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credit Hours
ENGL 101	Critical Reading and Composition	3
Carolina Core ARP Requirement		3-4
Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement ^3,4		3-4
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		3
UNIV 101	The Student in the University (or Carolina Core Requirement) ⁴	3
	Credit Hours	15-17
Spring
ENGL 102	Rhetoric and Composition	3
Carolina Core ARP Requirement		3-4
Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement ^3,4		3
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		3
History ⁵		3
	Credit Hours	15-16
Second Year
Fall
ENGL 287	American Literature	3
EDFI 300	Schools in Communities ⁶	3
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		4
Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement ^3,4		3
Humanities or Fine Arts		3
	Credit Hours	16
Spring
ENGL 288	English Literature	3
EDPY 401	Learners and the Diversity of Learning ⁶	3
Social Science		3
Elective ⁷		3
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		4
	Credit Hours	16
Third Year
Fall
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
EDSE 500	Equity and Community Engagement ⁶	3
Elective ⁷		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
EDSE 547	Teaching Middle and High School (English) ⁶	3
Carolina Core Requirement or Elective ^4,7		3
Carolina Core Requirement or Elective ^4,7		3
	Credit Hours	15
Fourth Year
Fall
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
Elective ⁷		3
English Major Course ⁷		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
Elective ⁷		3
Elective ⁷		1-3
	Credit Hours	13-15
	Total Credit Hours	120-125

¹

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.

²

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses.

³

⁴

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students.

⁵

⁶

The cognate is intended to support the course work in the major. The cognate must consist of twelve hours of courses at the advanced level, outside of, but related to the major. In place of the cognate, a student may choose a minor consisting of at least 18 credit hours of courses concentrated in one area that follow a structured sequence. Students completing the Secondary Education English concentration must complete an Education coursework component that may fulfill the cognate requirement.

⁷

⁸

English Major courses, equaling 33 hours, must be comprised of the following:

One course (3 hours) in pre-1800 Literature
One course (3 hours) in post-1800 Literature
ENGL 450
ENGL 432
ENGL 437
ENGL 460
ENGL elective 300-level or above
English Language: ENGL 389, 453
Theory and Criticism: ENGL 388, 440, 449
African American Literature: ENGL 428A, 428B, 430
Writing or Rhetoric: ENGL 360, 387, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 485, 486
The major in English requires a diversity course (0-3 hours), which may also serve as a pre- or post-1800 literature course or an elective. Students who do not meet this Diversity Requirement through another major requirement must take a course in addition to the major requirements. For a list of courses fulfilling the pre-1800 and post-1800 Literature requirements, and the Diversity Requirement, please visit the Bulletin.

Program Notes:

All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
The Departmental Undergraduate Research Track (B.A. with Distinction) is available to students majoring in English who wish to participate in a substantial research or creative project in collaboration with, or under the supervision of, a faculty mentor. Ideally, students who pursue this option would complete their theses by December of their final year of coursework. In addition to the English major requirements, a student must complete the following: 1) ENGL 499 or by taking ENGL 490, provided that the latter course includes a thesis requirement; 2) a minimum GPA of 3.50 in the major; 3) a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30; 4) Submission of the distinction intent form (available in the undergraduate English office) to the undergraduate English office at the beginning of the semester in which you write your thesis; 5) a public presentation of the Senior Thesis (at an English Department Colloquium Series, USC Discovery Day, or professional conference or journal publication). Students who successfully complete these requirements will be awarded their degree with “Distinction in English” upon graduation.
This concentration is a step to the fifth-year Master of Teaching (M.T.) program, which is recommended for teacher certification. This concentration will not provide students with teacher certification upon completion.
The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.

English, B.A. Communication & Culture

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credit Hours
ENGL 101	Critical Reading and Composition	3
Carolina Core ARP Requirement		3-4
Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement ^3,4		3-4
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		3
UNIV 101	The Student in the University (or Carolina Core Requirement)	3
	Credit Hours	15-17
Spring
ENGL 102	Rhetoric and Composition	3
Carolina Core ARP Requirement		3-4
Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement ^3,4		3
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		3
History ⁵		3
	Credit Hours	15-16
Second Year
Fall
ENGL 287	American Literature	3
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		4
Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement ^3,4		3
Social Science		3
Humanities or Fine Arts		3
	Credit Hours	16
Spring
ENGL 288	English Literature	3
Cognate or Minor Course ⁶		3
Cognate or Minor Course ⁶		3
Elective ⁷		3
Carolina Core Requirement ⁴		4
	Credit Hours	16
Third Year
Fall
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
Cognate or Minor Course ⁶		3
Elective ⁷		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
Cognate or Minor Course ⁶		3
Carolina Core Requirement or Elective ^4,7		3
Carolina Core Requirement or Elective ^4,7		3
	Credit Hours	15
Fourth Year
Fall
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3
Minor Course or Elective ⁷		3
Elective ⁷		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
English Major Course ⁸		3
English Major Course ⁸		3-6
Minor Course or Elective ^6,7		3
Elective ⁷		3
Elective (only if needed to meet hours to graduate) ⁷		1-3
	Credit Hours	13-18
	Total Credit Hours	120-128

¹

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.

²

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses.

³

⁴

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students.

⁵

⁶

⁷

⁸

English Major courses, equaling 30 hours, must be comprised of the following:

Two courses (6 hours) in Speech Communication & Rhetoric;
Two courses (6 hours) in Writing & Rhetoric;
Two courses (6 hours) in Media & Culture;
Two courses (6 hours) from the 3 areas listed above (Speech Communication & Rhetoric, Writing & Rhetoric or Media & Culture;
Two additional ENGL courses at the 300 level or above (6 hours)

Note: The major in English requires a diversity course, which may also serve as a pre- or post-1800 literature course or an elective. Students who do not meet this Diversity Requirement through another major requirement must take a course in addition to the major requirements.

Program Notes:

All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
The Departmental Undergraduate Research Track (B.A. with Distinction) is available to students majoring in English who wish to participate in a substantial research or creative project in collaboration with, or under the supervision of, a faculty mentor. Ideally, students who pursue this option would complete their theses by December of their final year of coursework. In addition to the English major requirements, a student must complete the following: 1) ENGL 499 or by taking ENGL 490, provided that the latter course includes a thesis requirement; 2) a minimum GPA of 3.50 in the major; 3) a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30; 4) Submission of the distinction intent form (available in the undergraduate English office) to the undergraduate English office at the beginning of the semester in which you write your thesis; 5) a public presentation of the Senior Thesis (at an English Department Colloquium Series, USC Discovery Day, or professional conference or journal publication). Students who successfully complete these requirements will be awarded their degree with “Distinction in English” upon graduation.
The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.

2026-2027 Academic Bulletin

English, B.A.

Admissions

Entrance Requirements

Degree Requirements (120 hours)

Program of Study

Founding Documents Requirement

Requirements (120 hours)

Intensive Major (39 hours)

B.A. with Distinction (Open to all English Majors)

Major Map

English, B.A. No Concentration

Program Notes:

English, B.A. Writing Concentration

Program Notes:

English, B.A. Secondary Education Concentration

Program Notes:

English, B.A. Communication & Culture

Program Notes: