UG Course Descriptions

An exploration of the American Dream and how it is portrayed, glamorized, and deconstructed in early to late 20th century American fiction. The exploration is multicultural and acquaints students with the leading domestic literary figures of the last eighty years.

An examination of the major trends in 20th century British poetry and fiction from World War I to the present. Critical approaches and written analysis form part of the course.

A study of selected texts in English and American drama from mid-nineteenth century to the present. The course includes readings in dramatic criticism.

A study of major twentieth-century poets and literary movements in England and America and Modernism’s complicated relationship with its literary predecessors.

An exploration of the energies, purposes, attitudes, and literary contributions of modern and contemporary women writers.

A study of the work of women writers of mid- and late twentieth century. While ENG 265 is not a prerequisite for this course, its background provides a helpful framework for this sequel.

Exploration of the writings of African-Americans from 17th-19th centuries in a cultural, historical, and literary context. The genres of captivity narrative, autobiography, and short story are examined with focus on their contribution to the canon of American literature as well as their unique African-American characteristics.

What lies ahead? Focus on African-American literary tropes after Reconstruction, through the Harlem Renaissance, into the Civil Rights movement, and to the present. This course explores how race as a social construct and literary identity has been articulated and altered through the 20th century, and considers what lies ahead.

An introduction to the strategies of teaching English. Students will learn methods for teaching the structure, grammar, style, research, and media of English. The study of rhetorical theory, composition theory, and literacy theory and the investigation of writing in the disciplines will help students gain insight for particular student audiences when teaching English.

An exploration of the historical context, various reading strategies and contemporary critical theories of the Adolescent/Young Adult (YA) literature available for study on middle and secondary school levels. The cross section of works examined will enable discussions of multiculturalism, globalism, diverse audiences and subject matter.