English (BA)

Description

University of Detroit Mercy's Department of English is home to four undergraduate major concentrations—literature, creative writing, professional writing, and secondary education—as well as minors in literature, creative writing, and professional writing. Our courses are taught by award-winning faculty members who are active scholars, authors, and passionate teachers. During the course of their studies, students in the Department of English develop a wide range of critical thinking, analytical, research, and writing skills. Our students have gone on to graduate education in English (rhetoric and composition, creative writing, and literature), business, law, community development, education, social work, public policy, and information science. In addition, our alumni have pursued successful careers in business and the nonprofit sector; teaching; creative, professional, and technical writing; editing and publishing; information sciences; government and civil service; social work and counseling; web-design; research; information management; advertising, the entertainment industry, and corporate consulting.

English Department Major Programs

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    Degree Requirements

    To obtain this undergraduate degree, the student must fulfill the requirements of the University Core Curriculum, the requirements for the program major and have completed a minimum of 126 credit hours.

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    Requirements of the Major (36 credits)

    The English major consists of 12 courses (36 credits) in English and includes a set of requirements that each student must fulfill. Graduating seniors must submit a final portfolio of their work.

    Concentrations in English have varying requirements drawn from the categories below. Please refer to the curriculum section for the specific requirements relevant to each concentration. Individual courses will count toward only one of following categories of requirement.

    Literature Written Before 1700: Courses in literature written in English before 1700 can be historical period courses, Topics Courses: Topics courses introduce students to primary areas of inquiry in current literary and rhetorical studies through focused examinations of related literary and cultural texts. Emphasis is also given to the evaluation and application of theoretical approaches relevant to those areas.

    Literature Written Between 1700-1900: Courses in literature written in English between 1700 and 1900 can be historical period courses, Topics Courses: Topics courses introduce students to primary areas of inquiry in current literary and rhetorical studies through focused examinations of related literary and cultural texts. Emphasis is also given to the evaluation and application of theoretical approaches relevant to those areas.

    Diverse Literatures: Courses designated as diverse literatures examine literary, rhetorical, and cultural productions originating outside of dominant social groups and formations; address issues related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and ability; and/or engage with postcolonial/diasporic literatures. Courses in this category will be identified in the schedule of classes each semester.

    Topics: Topics courses introduce students to primary areas of inquiry in current literary and rhetorical studies through focused examinations of related literary and cultural texts. Emphasis is also given to the evaluation and application of theoretical approaches relevant to those areas.

    Seminars: Seminars engage students in advanced examinations of topics reflecting the full range of the English curriculum. Emphasis is given to intensive reading, collaborative discussion, and original student research in focused areas of inquiry. Seminars culminate in students producing a substantial piece of original, scholarly writing.

    Final Portfolio: Graduating English majors will present a portfolio of selected materials that reflect their development and growth over the course of their English major. These materials will be accompanied by a reflective essay that discusses their own appraisal of whether and how they have met the program outcomes. English majors cannot be awarded their degree without completing their final portfolio.

    Please Note:

    • ENL1300 College Writing (3 credits) and ENL1310 Academic Writing (3 credits) do not earn credit for the English major.
    • Only one genre course can fulfill requirements for the major.
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    Curriculum for the English Major with Literature Concentration

    English Major with a Literature Concentration*

    Required (6 credits):

    • ENL 3000 Writing About Literature (3 credits)
    • ENL 2060 Introduction to Professional Writing (3 credits)

    One of the following genre courses (3 credits):

    One of the Following Courses in Diverse Literatures (3 credits):

    • ENL 2750 Diverse Voices in Literature (3 credits)
    • ENL 2850 African American Literature (3 credits)
    • Designated Topics course (3 credits)
    • Designated Seminar course (3 credits)

    One of the following courses in literature written before 1700 (3 credits):

    • ENL 3130 Medieval Literature (3 credits)
    • ENL 3140 Renaissance Literature (3 credits)
    • Designated Topics course (3 credits)
    • Designated Seminar course (3 credits)

    One of the following courses in literature written between 1700 and 1900 (3 credits):

    • ENL 3110 American Literature to 1865 (3 credits) 
    • ENL 3120 American Literature 1865-1920 (3 credits)
    • ENL 3150 18th Century British Literature (3 credits)
    • ENL 3160 19th Century British Literature (3 credits)
    • Designated Topics course (3 credits)
    • Designated Seminar course (3 credits)

    Six English (ENL) electives (18 credits)

    Final portfolio

    *Note: At least three courses (9 credits) for this concentration must be chosen from Seminar courses.

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    Curriculum for the English Major with Creative Writing Concentration

    English Major with a Creative Writing Concentration*

    Required (9 credits):

    • ENL 2050 Introduction to Creative Writing (3 credits)
    • ENL 2060 Introduction to Professional Writing (3 credits)
    • ENL 3850 Intermediate Creative Writing (3 credits)

    One of the following genre courses (3 credits):

    One of the following courses in diverse literatures (3 credits):

    • ENL 2750 Diverse Voices in Literature (3 credits)
    • ENL 2850 African American Literature (3 credits)
    • Designated Topics course (3 credits)
    • Designated Seminar course (3 credits)

    One of the following courses in literature written before 1700 (3 credits):

    • ENL 3130 Medieval Literature (3 credits)
    • ENL 3140 Renaissance Literature (3 credits)
    • Designated Topics course (3 credits)
    • Designated Seminar course (3 credits)

    One of the following courses in literature written between 1700 and 1900 (3 credits):

    • ENL 3110 American Literature to 1865 (3 credits) 
    • ENL 3120 American Literature 1865-1920 (3 credits)
    • ENL 3150 18th Century British Literature (3 credits)
    • ENL 3160 19th Century British Literature (3 credits)
    • Designated Topics course (3 credits)
    • Designated Seminar course (3 credits)

    Five English (ENL) electives (15 credits)

    Final portfolio

    *Note: At least two courses (6 credits) for this concentration must be chosen from Seminar courses or ENL 4850 Advanced Creative Writing Practicum. (3 credits).

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    Curriculum for the English Major with Professional Writing Concentration

    English Major with a Professional Writing Concentration*

    Required (9 credits):

    • ENL 2060 Introduction to Professional Writing (3 credits)
    • ENL 3030 Technical Writing (3 credits)
    • ENL 3080 Business Writing (3 credits)

    One of the following genre courses (3 credits):

    One of the following courses in diverse literatures (3 credits):

    • ENL 2750 Diverse Voices in Literature (3 credits)
    • ENL 2850 African American Literature (3 credits)
    • Designated Topics course (3 credits)
    • Designated Seminar course (3 credits)

    One of the following courses in literature written before 1700 (3 credits):

    • ENL 3130 Medieval Literature (3 credits)
    • ENL 3140 Renaissance Literature (3 credits)
    • Designated Topics course (3 credits)
    • Designated Seminar course (3 credits)

    One of the following courses in literature written between 1700 and 1900 (3 credits):

    • ENL 3110 American Literature to 1865 (3 credits) 
    • ENL 3120 American Literature 1865-1920 (3 credits)
    • ENL 3150 18th Century British Literature (3 credits)
    • ENL 3160 19th Century British Literature (3 credits)
    • Designated Topics course (3 credits)
    • Designated Seminar course (3 credits)

    Six English (ENL) electives (18 credits)

    Final portfolio

    *Note: At least two courses (6 credits) for this concentration must be chosen from Seminar courses, ENL 4050 Editorial Processes and Products (3 credits), or ENL 4070 Grant Writing (3 credits).

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    Curriculum for the English Major with Secondary Education Concentration

    English Major with a Secondary Education Concentration*

    Required (6 credits):

    • ENL 2050 Introduction to Creative Writing (3 credits)
    • ENL 3000 Writing About Literature (3 credits)
    • ENL 3260 History of the English Language or ENL 3640 Topics in Language and Linguistics
    • ENL 3900 Children’s Literature or  ENL 3910 Young Adult Literature or EDU 4070 Children’s Literature
    • ENL 3110 American Literature to 1865 (3 credits) or ENL 3120 American Literature 1865-1920 (3 credits)

    The following genre course (3 credits):

    One of the following courses in diverse literatures (3 credits):

    • ENL 2750 Diverse Voices in Literature (3 credits)
    • ENL 2850 African American Literature (3 credits)

    One of the following courses in literature written before 1700 (3 credits):

    • ENL 3130 Medieval Literature (3 credits)
    • ENL 3140 Renaissance Literature (3 credits)
    • Designated Topics course (3 credits)
    • Designated Seminar course (3 credits)

    One of the following courses in literature written between 1700 and 1900 (3 credits):

    • ENL 3110 American Literature to 1865 (3 credits) 
    • ENL 3120 American Literature 1865-1920 (3 credits)
    • ENL 3150 18th Century British Literature (3 credits)
    • ENL 3160 19th Century British Literature (3 credits)
    • Designated Topics course (3 credits)
    • Designated Seminar course (3 credits)

    Three English (ENL) electives (9 credits)

    Note:  ENL 3850 Intermediate Creative Writing (3 credits) and ENL 4850 Advanced Creative Writing Practicum (3 credits) will NOT fulfill this criterion for Secondary Education students.)

    Final portfolio 

    *Note: At least two courses (6 credits) for this concentration must be chosen from Seminar courses.

English Department Minor Programs

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    Literature Minor (18 credits)

    A Literature minor gives student the flexibility to explore the wide range of English studies with an emphasis on the study of literary works.

    Requirements for the Literature Minor

    The minor consists of six courses (18 credits) chosen in consultation with your English department advisor, with the following stipulations:

    • It is recommended that Literature minors take ENL 3000: Writing About Literature (3 credits).
    • The minor must include three or more 3000- and 4000-level courses, at least one of which is at the 4000 level.
    • Internships do not count towards the minor.
    • Students must complete a final portfolio.

    Please Note:

    • ENL1300 College Writing (3 credits) and ENL1310 Academic Writing (3 credits) do not earn credit for the Literature minor.
    • AP or IB credits for English courses do not fulfill requirements for the Literature minor.
    • Only one genre course can fulfill requirements for the Literature minor.
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    Creative Writing Minor (18 credits)

    A Creative Writing minor gives student the flexibility to explore the wide range of English studies with an emphasis on the composition of original creative works.

    Requirements for the Creative Writing Minor

    • ENL 2050 Introduction to Creative Writing
    • ENL 3850 Intermediate Creative Writing
    • The minor must include three or more 3000- and 4000-level courses, at least one of which is at the 4000-level.
    • Internships do not count towards the minor.
    • Students must complete a final portfolio.

    Please Note:

    • ENL1300 College Writing (3 credits) and ENL1310 Academic Writing (3 credits) do not earn credit for the Creative Writing minor.
    • AP or IB credits for English courses do not fulfill requirements for the Creative Writing minor.
    • Only one genre course can fulfill requirements for the Creative Writing minor.
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    Professional Writing Minor (18 credits)

    A Professional Writing minor equips students with the writing skills to excel in a broad range of professional contexts. The minor consists of six courses chosen in consultation with your English Department advisor. At least half of the credits for the minor (9 credits) must be at or above the 3000 level.

    Requirements for the Professional Writing Minor

    • ENL 2060 Introduction to Professional Writing (3 credits)
    • ENL 3030 Technical Writing (3 credits) OR ENL 3080 Business Writing (3 credits)
    • Two of the following (at least one course must be from ENL):
      • ENL 3050 Writing for Print and Web (3 credits)
      • ENL 4050 Editorial Processes and Products (3 credits)
      • CST 1120 Visual Communication (3 credits)
      • DMS 1710 Introduction to Design (3 credits)
    • Two of the following (at least one course must be from ENL):
      • ENL 3060 Research and Research Writing (3 credits)
      • ENL 3260 History of the English Language (3 credits)
      • ENL 3540 Topics in Language and Linguistics (3 credits)
      • ENL 4070 Grant Writing (3 credits)
      • ENL 4520 Rhetorical Studies Seminar (3 credits)
      • CST 3400 Public Relations Writing (3 credits)
      • DMS 2800 Critical Media Theory (3 credits)

Program Contact Information

Department Chair: Mary-Catherine Harrison, Ph.D.
 Briggs Building, Room 218
McNichols Campus

Email: mc.harrison@udmercy.edu
Telephone: 313-993-1081
Fax: 313-993-1166