Department of English at Illinois State University

English Major: English Studies

The English Major is based on the English Studies model and is very flexible with a variety of options. The major provides students with a foundation in English Studies through completion of a course in each of American and British literature, linguistics, advanced writing, and Introduction to English Studies. The remaining requirements, with the exception of the senior seminar, are chosen by the student to meet their own academic and career goals. Students may choose coursework from the different areas of study offered in the department.

Students can complete English electives in creative writing, children's literature, literary and cultural studies, rhetoric and composition, linguistics, TESOL, or any combination of these.

The English Major is also flexible enough to complete a minor or second major in another field. For example, students interested in combining an English major with a business background could complete a minor in Business Administration. Students interested in English and politics could complete a second major in Political Science. The combinations are endless, and should be chosen in consultation with an English advisor.

Degree Requirements (2008-2010 Catalog)

  • 40 hours in English, exclusive of ENG 101 and courses in the teaching of English (291, 295, 296, 297, 395)
  • Completion of ENG 100 (with C or better), 102, and ENG 300
  • 3 hours selected from ENG 283, 284, 285, 286
  • 3 hours of British literature selected from ENG 110, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 222, 223, 311, 320, 325, 327, 328, 329, 378, 386, 387, 388
  • 3 hours of American literature selected from ENG 130, 165, 231, 232, 233, 234, 236, 265, 266, 328, 332, 336, 365
  • 3 hours in language and linguistics selected from ENG 241, 243, 245, 310, 311, 341, 342
  • 3 hours in advanced writing selected from ENG 246, 247, 248, 249
  • Of the remaining 18 hours, at least 12 hours of electives must be at the 200-through 300-level; students should consult an English Department Academic Advisor in choosing their electives

To download and print a copy of the English Studies Requirements, go to the English Advising Forms web page.

For more information, please contact Mark Vegter.