DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Sheryl Fontaine
VICE CHAIR
Ellen Caldwell
DEPARTMENT OFFICE
University Hall 323
DEPARTMENT WEBSITE
http://hss.fullerton.edu/english
PROGRAMS OFFERED
Bachelor of Arts in Comparative
Literature
Bachelor of Arts in English
Minor in English
Master of Arts in English
Minor in Linguistics
Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics
Master of Arts in Linguistics
FACULTY
Marlin Blaine, Cornel Bonca, April Brannon, Ellen Caldwell, Lana Dalley, Angela Della Volpe, Sheryl Fontaine, Joanne Gass, Jane Hipolito, Erin Hollis, Susan Jacobsen, David Kelman, Thomas Klammer, Stephen Mexal, Helen Mugambi, Franz Mueller, Irena Praitis, Chris Ruiz-Velasco, David Sandner, Joseph Sawicki, Yichin Shen, Kay Stanton, Stephen Westbrook, Chris Westgate, Heping Zhao
INTRODUCTION
The discipline of English includes the study of British and American literature, composition and rhetoric, and the history, structure and dialects of the English language.
The major in English is a flexible program emphasizing skill(s) in writing, familiarity with and appreciation of the literatures of England and America, and knowledge of the nature and development of the English language.
Comparative literature is the study of world literature without specific regard for national or linguistic boundaries. It is comparative in that it deals with the relationships among different literatures. The comparatist studies not only the international literary masterpieces and historical periods of world literature, but also examines critical theories from a cross-cultural perspective. The major in comparative literature promotes the understanding of world literatures and cultures in various historical periods, including the present, for students with a special concern for the relationships among the languages and literatures of various civilizations. Comparative literature courses are conducted in English, and required reading is available in English.
The study of literature and language helps students to achieve a mature understanding of themselves and the world and to learn to read critically and analytically, write clearly and persuasively, and reason soundly. For these reasons, such study is ideal preparation for professional training in fields such as law, medicine and religion, or for responsible positions in business and industry. The major in English may be combined with preparation for elementary and secondary school teaching. In addition, the majors in English, Comparative Literature and Linguistics provide a foundation for students who intend to work for advanced degrees in preparation for college teaching.
LEARNING GOALS AND STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing a degree in English:
Read critically
Write effectively
Research
Knowledge of major literary works and traditions
Knowledge of noncanonical literary works
Structure of the English language
Have a working knowledge of the structure of the English language and theories of second language acquisition
Advisers
English/Comparative Literature, Undergraduate: All full-time faculty members serve as advisers.
English/Comparative Literature, Graduate: Marlin Blaine
Teaching Credential: April Brannon
Linguistics, Undergraduate: Franz Mueller
Linguistics, Graduate: Franz Mueller
An annual conference with a faculty adviser is required. New students must confer with an adviser in each of the first two semesters.
Credential Information
The bachelor’s degree in English may be effectively combined with subject matter studies necessary for either the multiple subject teaching credential (K-8) or single subject credential (7-12) in English. Undergraduates are encouraged to work with the Center for Careers in Teaching (657-278-7130) as early as possible in their academic careers to plan efficient course selections for general education, the major and electives. With careful planning, it may be possible to enter the credential program in the senior year of the bachelor’s degree. Postgraduate students should contact the Admission to Teacher Education office in the College of Education (657-278-3352) to obtain information on attending an overview presentation.
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMPARATIVE LITERATURE
The Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature requires a minimum of 120 units, which includes courses for the major, General Education, all university requirements and free electives. A grade of “C” (2.0) or better is required in all courses applied to the major. For the major, students must complete a total of 42 units of upper-division courses. In selecting courses, students are urged to consult a faculty adviser.
Required courses (English 300 and 18 units in comparative literature, including Comparative Literature 324, 325, and either English/ Comparative Literature 450 or Comparative Literature 451);
British and American Literature (six upper-division units listed under English); Breadth Requirement (six adviser-approved units in other fields such as anthropology, history, art history, music history or philosophy);
Electives (nine upper-division units in comparative literature, or literature courses in English or an adviser-approved foreign language).
Reading Competence in a Foreign Language
This requirement can be met by examination or by successful completion of an adviser- approved 400-level course offered by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, provided it is not taught in translation. Information on the examination is available in the Department of English, Comparative Literature and Linguistics office.
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH
The Bachelor of Arts in English requires a minimum of 120 units, which includes courses for the major, General Education, all university requirements and free electives. The English major consists of 42 units. At least 30 units must be upper-division courses. A grade of “C” (2.0) or better is required in all courses applied to the major. In selecting courses, students are urged to consult a faculty member of the Department of English, Comparative Literature and Linguistics. English 101, a graduation requirement for all students, is not part of the English major but is a prerequisite to further work in English.
Required Courses (9 units)
English 300 Analysis of Literary Forms (3)
English 302 Advanced Composition and Rhetoric for
English Teachers (3)
OR English 307 Advanced College Writing for English Studies (3)
English 316 Shakespeare (3)
Survey Courses (at least 6 units)
English 211 British Literature to 1760 (3)
English 212 British Literature from 1760 (3)
English 221 American Literature to Whitman (3)
English 222 American Literature from Twain to the Moderns (3)
Comp Lit 324 World Literature to 1650 (3)
Comp Lit 325 World Literature from 1650 (3)
Period, Genre and Criticism Courses
(At least nine units, including at least three from courses prior to 1800, i.e., 423, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456)
English 423 Early American Literature (3)
English 450 Medieval Literature (3)
English 451 Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama (3)
English 452 Elizabethan Poetry and Prose (3)
English 453 17th-Century Poetry and Prose (3)
English 454 The Drama of the Restoration and the 18th Century (3)
English 455 Restoration and 18th-Century Poetry and Prose (3)
English 456 The Development of the English Novel Through
Jane Austen (3)
English 457 The Romantic Movement in English Literature (3)
English 458 Victorian Literature (3)
English 459 The Development of the 19th Century English Novel (3)
English 462 Modern British and American Novels (3)
English 463 Contemporary Novels in English (3)
English 464 Modern British and American Drama (3)
English 465 Contemporary Drama in English (3)
English 466 Modern British and American Poetry (3)
English 467 Contemporary Poetry in English (3)
English 491 Traditions of English Literary Criticism (3)
English 492 Modern Critical Theory (3)
Major Author Courses (at least 3 units)
English 315 Chaucer (3)
English 317 Milton (3)
Language Courses (at least 3 units)
English 303 Structure of Modern English (3)
English 305 The English Language in America (3)
Electives (at least 12 units)
Chosen from English, Comparative Literature or Linguistics courses numbered 201 and above.
MINOR IN ENGLISH
Students must complete a total of 21 units, including 15 as described below and six electives. No more than six units of lower-division coursework can be applied to the minor. In selecting courses, students seeking a minor in English should consult a faculty member of the Department of English, Comparative Literature and Linguistics.
A grade of “C” (2.0) or better is required in all courses applied to the minor.
Required Courses (9 units)
English 300 Analysis of Literary Forms (3)
English 301 Advanced College Writing (3)
English 316 Shakespeare (3)
Survey Courses (at least 6 units)
English 211 British Literature to 1760 (3)
English 212 British Literature from 1760 (3)
English 221 American Literature to Whitman (3)
English 222 American Literature from Twain to the Moderns (3)
Comp Lit 324 World Literature to 1650 (3)
Comp Lit 325 World Literature from 1650 (3)
Electives (at least 6 units)
Chosen from additional English, Comparative Literature and Linguistics courses, with the exception of English 101 and 200. Students may take the approved upper-division writing course(s) in their majors instead of English 301. They must, however, complete 21 units in English, Comparative Literature and Linguistics.
MASTER OF ARTS IN ENGLISH
The master’s degree program in English offers students the opportunity to achieve a multifaceted understanding of literature and language. The degree is useful to those already teaching in high schools or interested in community college teaching, to those seeking careers in writing and publishing, and to those intending to take further graduate work.
Admission to Graduate Standing
Applicants are encouraged to make an appointment with the department graduate adviser. The adviser will review transcripts, advise applicants regarding prerequisites and determine if any courses apply to the degree program.
Admission to the master’s degree program is a prerequisite to enrollment in all graduate courses.
Application Deadlines
The deadlines for completing online applications are March 1 for the fall semester and Oct. 1 for the spring semester (see http://www.csumentor.edu). Mailed applications need to be postmarked by the same deadlines. However, deadlines may be changed based upon enrollment projections.
Foreign Language Requirement
Students must satisfy a foreign language requirement with one of the following options:
(1) two years of foreign language at the college or university level; (2) one 400-level course in a foreign language or in literature taught in a foreign language; (3) Linguistics 406 Descriptive Linguistics or Linguistics 412 Sociolinguistics; or (4) another 400-level linguistics course approved by the graduate adviser. This requirement may be satisfied prior to or after admission to the M.A. program.
Study Plan
The graduate program in English comprises 30 units of course credit. All courses must be approved by the graduate adviser.
A study plan must be developed and approved for admission to classified graduate standing within the student’s first nine units of graduate coursework. Courses taken by a student admitted to the program with conditionally classified status do not necessarily apply toward the degree. No more than nine units of postgraduate coursework may be applied to the master’s degree program. See the graduate adviser for further information.
The study plan allows three units of adviser-approved coursework outside the department and/or three units of graduate independent study. No more than six units are allowed at the 400 level. In addition, at least one proseminar or seminar must be in Comparative Literature or cross-listed in Comparative Literature. A project and comprehensive exam are required of all students. Students are encouraged to take English 500 in their first semester.
Core Courses (6 units)
English 500 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Literature (3)
Analysis of Discourse (3 units from English 491, 492, 510, 579T)
Proseminars (12 units)
English or Comparative Literature 525T Proseminar in Literature,
Rhetoric or Writing (3)
Students are encouraged to satisfy the proseminar requirements prior to taking seminars.
Seminars (9 units)
Students choose from advisor-approved seminar courses (English or Comparative Literature 509T, 571T, 573T, 574T, 575T or 591T, or other adviser-approved courses).
Project (3 units)
In addition to the written exam described below, students are required to complete a project in the project writing course, English 595. Students who plan to complete a creative writing project must take a minimum of six units of creative writing workshops, one of which must be at the 500 level.
Project proposals are due before the end of the fifth week of the semester preceding enrollment in the project writing course and must be approved by the department Graduate Studies Committee. If the proposal is not approved when first submitted, students may resubmit only once in the same semester. Please consult the graduate adviser or department office for further details.
Comprehensive Exam
In order to complete degree requirements, students must pass a two-part written exam involving analysis and synthesis. Failed parts of the exam may be retaken only once. The deadline to file a notice of intention to take the examination is the end of the third week of the semester in which the student plans to take the exam.
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LINGUISTICS MINOR IN LINGUISTICS
For information on these programs and a listing of linguistics courses, please consult the “Linguistics” section of this catalog.
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE COURSES
Courses are designated as CPLT in the class schedule.
ENGLISH COURSES
Courses are designated as ENGL in the class schedule.
ENGLISH EDUCATION COURSES
Courses are designated as ENED in the class schedule.
