English (BA)
Description
University of Detroit Mercy's Department of English is home to undergraduate major concentrations and academic 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.
For information on the minors please view those specific catalog pages.
A Literature minor gives students the flexibility to explore the wide range of English studies with an emphasis on the study of literary works. Visit the Literature minor catalog page.
A Creative Writing minor gives students the flexibility to explore the wide range of English studies with an emphasis on the composition of original creative works. Visit the Creative Writing minor catalog page.
Professional Writing minor equips students with the writing skills to excel in a broad range of professional contexts. Visit the Professional Writing minor catalog page.
Accelerated 6-Year (3+3) Law Scholars Program.
Detroit Mercy’s innovative Accelerated 6-Year (3+3) Law Scholars Program enables you to earn both a bachelor's degree with a major in English and a Juris Doctor law degree in only six years rather than the traditional seven. Visit the 6-Year (3+3) Law Scholars catalog page for more information.
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Degree Requirements - Bachelor of Arts with a major in English, concentrations in literature, creative writing, or professional writing (120 credits)
To obtain this undergraduate degree, the student must fulfill the requirements of the University Core Curriculum, the requirements for the program major and complete a minimum of 120 credit hours. All English majors must officially declare a concentration through the College of Liberal Arts & Education office.
The English major consists of 12 courses (36 credits) in English and includes a set of requirements for a 21-credit concentration 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 include Medieval Literature, Renaissance Literature and designated topics courses and seminars.
Literature Written Between 1700-1900: Courses in literature written in English between 1700 and 1900 include American Literature to 1865, American Literature 1865-1920, 18th Century British Literature, 19th Century British Literature and designated topics courses and seminars.
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 include Diverse Voices in Literature, African American Literature and designated topics courses and seminars.
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.
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 in the program. 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 and English minors cannot earn their minor without completing their final portfolio.
Requirements for the English Major
Below are the foundational requirements for the English major which consists of 15 credits. All English majors must declare a concentration in literature, professional writing or creative writing which consists of 21 credits specified in each concentration.Required (3 credits):
- ENL 2060 Introduction to Professional Writing (3 credits)
One of the following genre courses (3 credits):
- ENL 2350 Study of Fiction (3 credits)
- ENL 2450 Study of Poetry (3 credits)
- ENL 2650 Study of Drama (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)
Final portfolio
Students must complete a final portfolio.
Concentrations
You must declare and complete one of the following concentrations:
Literature Concentration (21 credits)
Required (3 credits):
- ENL 3000 Writing About Literature (3 credits)
Six English (ENL) electives (18 credits):
- Three ENL courses at the 4000-level (ENL 4000 is excluded) (9 credits)
- Three ENL electives (9 credits)
Creative Writing Concentration (21 credits)
Required (6 credits):
- ENL 2050 Introduction to Creative Writing (3 credits)
- ENL 3850 Intermediate Creative Writing (3 credits)
Five English (ENL) electives (15 credits)
- Two ENL courses at the 4000-level (ENL 4000 is excluded) (6 credits)
- Three ENL electives (9 credits)
Professional Writing Concentration (21 credits)
Required (6 credits):
Five English (ENL) electives (15 credits)
- Two ENL courses at the 4000-level (ENL 4000 is excluded) (6 credits)
- Three ENL electives (9 credits)
Please Note:
ENL 1300 College Writing (3 credits) and ENL 1310 Academic Writing (3 credits) do not earn credit for the English major.
Program Contact Information
Mary-Catherine Harrison, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair
Department of English
Briggs Building, Room 218
McNichols Campus
Email: mc.harrison@udmercy.edu
Telephone: 313-993-1081
Fax: 313-993-1166