University Catalog

Overview

By majoring in English, students are involved simultaneously with two activities that are essentially and uniquely human: language and art. The mission of the Department of English in the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Arlington is to educate students about the powers and pleasures of literary and other kinds of language.

The curriculum provides students with an understanding of theoretical and analytical processes which enable them to assimilate a variety of textual materials representing many cultures and historical periods. Students will learn to read closely, critically, and empathetically. In addition, students will learn to conduct scholarly research and to produce clear and cogent arguments in both written and oral form. These skills are widely applicable for English graduates who pursue careers in the arts, education, business, research and development, government, media, and publishing.

The Department of English offers two degree options: a BA in English and a BA in English with Teacher Certification (BATCH). The distribution requirements for both degree plans include courses in literature, rhetoric, theory, and writing. In addition to the majors, the Department of English offers minors in English, in Writing, and in Creative Writing as well as a Certificate in Technical Writing and Professional Communication. Furthermore, the Department of English frequently cross-lists courses with African American Studies, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Medieval and Early Modern Studies, Mexican American Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English

Teacher Certification

Students wishing to take a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with Secondary Teacher Certification (BATCH) must complete LIST 4343 CONTENT AREA READING AND WRITING and 36 hours in English. To count toward the major, each English course must be completed with a grade of C or better. The required English courses are:

The requirement of six hours of English or world history does not pertain to students obtaining teacher certification.

Competence in Oral Presentations

Students obtaining a BA in English can demonstrate oral proficiency by:

1. passing ENGL 4399 SENIOR SEMINAR; or

2. passing COMS 1301 FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING, COMS 1302 VOICE AND DICTION, COMS 2305 BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION, or COMS 3315 COMMUNICATION FOR EDUCATORS (or equivalent).

Competence in Computer Use

Students obtaining a BA in English can demonstrate computer proficiency by:

1. passing ENGL 2350 INTRODUCTION TO ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION, ENGL 3372 COMPUTERS AND WRITING, ENGL 3374 WRITING, RHETORIC, AND MULTIMODAL AUTHORING I, or ENGL 4374 WRITING, RHETORIC, AND MULTIMODAL AUTHORING II; or

2. passing CSE 1301 COMPUTER LITERACY (or equivalent); or

3. passing the University computer literacy examination.

Information on Sophomore Courses

Unless otherwise indicated, six hours of first-year English credit is prerequisite to all 2000-level courses. Students who are not majoring in English may register for ENGL 2303 TOPICS IN LITERATURE, ENGL 2309 WORLD LITERATURE, ENGL 2319 BRITISH LITERATURE or ENGL 2329 AMERICAN LITERATURE. Students who plan to major in English must complete ENGL 2350 INTRODUCTION TO ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION and ENGL 2384 STRUCTURE OF MODERN ENGLISH with a grade of C or better, even if they have already completed six hours of sophomore literature.

Minoring in English

An English minor may be achieved by completing 18 hours in English with a grade of C or better. At least six of the hours must be on the 3000- or 4000-level. In addition to this minor, English also offers a minor in Writing and a minor in Creative Writing.

Option for Minor in Writing

The Writing minor is offered for students who wish to concentrate in writing as a part of their undergraduate curriculum. Students selecting the Writing minor should consult first with the undergraduate advisor in their department or program for approval of the minor and then with the undergraduate advisor in the Department of English. Working with advisors, students will select a sequence of advanced courses to fulfill their minor requirements. To count toward the minor, all English courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. This minor consists of 21 hours.

Option for Minor in Creative Writing

The Creative Writing minor is offered for students wishing to do intensive work in creative writing to supplement an English major or another major. Students selecting the Creative Writing minor should consult first with the undergraduate advisor in their department or program for approval of the minor and then with the undergraduate advisor in the Department of English. Working with advisors, students will select a sequence of advanced courses to fulfill their minor requirements. To count toward the minor, all English courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. This minor requires 24 hours.

The Medieval and Early Modern Studies Minor

The medieval and early modern world saw major social and cultural changes—the rise of the middle class, the development of the individual, the emergence of the nation state, and the consolidation of many modern languages. The Medieval and Early Modern Studies minor fosters interdisciplinary study of these periods, encouraging students to explore and connect topics in language, literature, history, art, and philosophy. The minor in Medieval and Early Modern Studies comprises courses taught by faculty members in the Departments of Art, English, French, German, History, Latin, Philosophy, and Spanish in the College of Liberal Arts.

Students seeking to minor in Medieval and Early Modern Studies should first consult with advisors in their departments or programs for approval of the minor and then with the Director of the Minor in Medieval and Early Modern Studies (currently, Dr. Jacqueline Fay of the Department of English). A minor in Medieval and Early Modern Studies consists of six courses (18 hours total; six hours upper-level) selected from approved courses, with no more than nine hours to be completed in any single discipline. Relevant topics courses may be used to fulfill the minor, with the approval of the Director of the Minor in Medieval and Early Modern Studies. Students should consult the catalog and/or the appropriate department for prerequisites.

For more information about the Medieval and Early Modern Studies minor, contact the Director at jacqueline.fay@uta.edu.

The Certificate in Technical Writing and Professional Communication

The Certificate in Technical Writing and Professional Communication provides students with training in technical and professional writing, document design, visual communication, editing, and usability, and it helps students become more effective communicators in both traditional and new media environments. This certificate is designed for current UT Arlington students as well as working professionals. The certificate can be earned as part of a degree program. It can also be earned by non-degree seeking students as a stand-alone certificate.

The certificate requires a total of 12 credit hours of coursework. Students should start the sequence with ENGL 2338 TECHNICAL WRITING, but they may also concurrently take any of the other courses. To receive the certificate, all courses must be completed at UT Arlington with a grade of C or higher. 

For additional information questions about the Certificate in Technical Writing and Professional Communication, please contact the Department of English Undergraduate Advising Office at 817-272-5694.