Undergraduate English Courses

ENGL 1100. Transitioning to University Studies in English. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 1 Hour).

Practical study designed to introduce English majors to university life and to the career possibilities available in this major. Students will develop skills for academic success, development of personal growth and responsibility, and will engage in active involvement in the learning process from an individual college perspective.

ENGL 1301. Composition I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

A prerequisite to English 1302, the course introduces students to the diverse characteristics of writing for academic contexts. Students in English 1301 write about ideas, in particular responding analytically and critically to written sources. The course helps students become familiar with academic audiences, situations, purposes, genres, and some primary conventions (style, arrangement) of those genres. Moreover, students work to develop their own composing processes, particularly for ways of inventing ideas, planning, and revising their texts.

ENGL 1302. Composition II. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

A sequel to English 1301, this course introduces students to research in academic contexts. Students address questions such as What is it for? What are its limitations? What are some of its shapes? How does one go about it? The course introduces students to a variety of research methods, systems of documentation, contemporary library resources, and research genres. Among other writing tasks for the course, each student is expected to carry out his/her own research study for possible publication in The Tarleton Freshman Writer. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301.

ENGL 2307. Introduction to Creative Writing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Practical experience in the techniques of imaginative writing. May include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, or drama.

ENGL 2320. Forms of Literature. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A genre-based study of predominantly modern literary works. Students will analyze form and content with particular emphasis on the vocabulary and techniques germane to literature, investigate its attendant treatment as an academic discipline, and explore its aesthetic connections to human experience. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301.

ENGL 2321. British Literature. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A survey of the development of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical, linguistic, and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301.

ENGL 2326. American Literature. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A survey of American literature from the period of exploration and settlement to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from among a diverse group of authors for what they reflect and reveal about the evolving American experience and character. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301.

ENGL 2340. Literature and Film. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of styles, components, and techniques of literary genres, with particular attention to the medium of film as it relates to literary expression. Students will be required to source films from streaming services or library resources. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301.

ENGL 2350. Backgrounds of Western Literature. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of major works in translation which provide the foundation for the literary tradition of the modern Western world, emphasizing, but not limited to, the Ancient World, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301.

ENGL 2360. Monsters in Literature. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines monsters and concepts of monstrosity as represented and engaged in literary and creative works. May include studies of popular monsters such zombies, vampires, etc., examining how these forms often function as metaphors for societal anxieties. Or, it may focus on more conceptual monsters such as villains and villainy. Students will analyze form and content with particular emphasis on the vocabulary and techniques germane to literature and explore conceptual and aesthetic connections to human experience. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301.

ENGL 2362. Crime Fiction. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines representations and explorations of crime in literary and creative works. Specifically, it will focus on popular crime genres (such as detective fiction, mysteries, procedural or forensic thrillers, legal dramas) in a variety of literary forms. Students will analyze form and content with particular emphasis on the vocabulary and techniques germane to literature and explore conceptual and aesthetic connections to human experience. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301.

ENGL 2364. Texas Literature. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines Texas and its peoples and cultures as represented and engaged in literary and creative works. May include studies of such genres as frontier literature, Borderlands literature, and cowboy poetry to showcase the complexity and diversity of the state. Will focus primarily on Texan authors, but may incorporate external representations of Texas and the American West. Students will analyze form and content with particular emphasis on the vocabulary and techniques germane to literature and explore conceptual and aesthetic connections to human experience. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301.

ENGL 2366. Death and Dying in Literature. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines representations and explorations of death and dying as well as health, wellness, and medicine in literary and creative works. Specifically, it will focus on how imaginative literature prepares us to encounter, understand, and shape concepts related to human well-being. Students will analyze form and content with particular emphasis on the vocabulary and techniques germane to literature and explore conceptual and aesthetic connections to human experience. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301.

ENGL 2368. Comics and Games as Literature. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines how the forms of comics and games (both digital and analog) function as works of literature. Specifically, it will focus on these forms not only utilize the same literary techniques but also individual elements of these forms alter traditional notions of the literary. The course will explore concepts such as the creative interaction of text and image, participatory narrative and rhetoric, and interactivity and meaning. Students will analyze form and content with particular emphasis on the vocabulary and techniques germane to literature and explore conceptual and aesthetic connections to human experience. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301.

ENGL 3195. Written Discourse Theory and Application. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

Students will receive instruction and training in written discourse theory and practice as appropriate and necessary preparation for tutoring in the University Writing Center and/or the English and Languages Department Language Arts Lab. Students must receive prior approval to enroll. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301, 1302, 3 hours sophomore ENGL, and approval of Writing Program Director and Writing Center Directors.

ENGL 3301. Readings in American Literature. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course will provide a targeted survey of American literature. This survey will cover multiple literary movements within the tradition of American literature, from its inception to current day. It will focus on relevant authors, historic and cultural contexts, and prominent genres and forms from these selected movements. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, and 3 hours ENGL sophomore literature.

ENGL 3308. Introduction to Public and Professional Writing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This introductory course explores the theory and practice of professional writing and rhetoric in relation to other disciplines. The course aims to introduce students to key rhetorical and writing concepts and their application in varied contexts.

ENGL 3309. Professional Writing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course will prepare students for a variety of careers as they familiarize themselves with the practices necessary in their disciplinary areas. Throughout this course, students will learn writing strategies and tactics used in professional settings, skills they will need in order to write successfully on the job. Students will engage with the writing process as they research, draft, edit, revise, and design a variety of professional documents that may include technical reports, proposals, manuals, employment documents or other professional correspondence. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302.

ENGL 3310. Editing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Study of general editorial techniques in formats, graphics, and layout and design methods in technical publications. This course is designed to strengthen your writing, editing, and visual design skills through attention to detail and application of style, grammar, and usage principles. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, ENGL 3309 or permission of instructor.

ENGL 3312. Professional Writing and Visual Design. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the principles and practices of visual design in professional writing. This course will examine the integration of graphic components into professional documents that may be encountered in varied workplace settings. Students develop skills needed to interpret and create visuals that support the context of their professional documents. Students will learn to use the Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office to compose and design graphics as part of this course. This course also introduces foundations of visual literacy and visual rhetoric as needed to create and shape visual messages in varied contexts. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, ENGL 3309 or permission from instructor.

ENGL 3315. Foundations of Literary Research and Analysis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

An introduction to the skills, practices, and perspectives that inform literary research and analysis. The course explores how careful reading, close textual analysis, and creative and informed research methodology culminate in cogent and substantive critical essays about literary texts. The course includes discussion of the formal conventions of major literary genres as well as discussion of concepts such as relationships of literary texts to histories and cultures, the formation of canons, literary movements, and theoretical perspectives that inform literary analysis. This course is required only for majors. May be taken concurrently with other advanced English literature courses. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302.

ENGL 3320. Advanced Grammar. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An introduction to the grammatical structure of modern English at the level of word, clause, and discourse presented through the application of the principles of descriptive grammars, accompanied by a review of current prescriptive grammars. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302.

ENGL 3330. Advanced Composition. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

Students will examine the rhetoric of composition through intensive writing workshops and close reading of composition-related texts. The goals of the course are (1) to discover and define some coherent relations between rhetoric and composition; (2) to challenge the students' presuppositions about essayistic space through a process of peer- and instructor-reviewed writing workshops. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or prior approval of department head.

ENGL 3342. Popular Genres of Literature. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course provides an exploration into a popular literary genre or genres. These genres could include classical genres such as epics or contemporary genres such as Westerns and mysteries. Special attention will be given to the combination of content and form which constitute these works as well as how the genres change as their cultures change. Student will gain an understanding of literary tradition and of the way in which authors speak to their times, and to all times. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, and 3 hours ENGL sophomore literature.

ENGL 3344. Readings in World Literature. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course will provide a targeted survey of World literature. This survey will cover multiple literary movements outside the common British and American traditions, from the ancient world to current day. It will focus on relevant authors, historic and cultural contexts, and prominent genres and forms from these selected movements. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, and 3 hours ENGL sophomore literature.

ENGL 3345. Folklore. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will survey the principal genres of folklore including folktales, personal narratives, legends, jokes, craft, foodways, rituals, and festivals. It will focus on the role folklore plays in the everyday lives of people around the world. Students will analyze the ways that traditions reflect a group’s values, beliefs, fears, and desires. Students will use folklore as a means of understanding other cultures and reflect on traditions and practices in their own lives. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, and 3 hours ENGL sophomore literature.

ENGL 3346. New Media Literature and Writing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides a survey and examination of new media literature and writing. Specifically, it will focus on issues relevant to the impact of new media on literature and other forms of writing. Literature may include forms such as digital literature, graphic novels, video games, and/or other literary forms which experiment with medium and writing topics. Course may include topics such as the transmission of texts and the impact of technology on writing, reading, and publishing. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, and 3 hours ENGL sophomore literature.

ENGL 3347. Ethnic Literatures of the United States. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will study literary texts, authors, and genres from one or more ethnic groups in the United States. Analysis will focus on culturally specific and cross-cultural questions including issues of race, class, and gender. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, and 3 hours ENGL sophomore literature.

ENGL 3348. Writing, Gender, and Sexuality. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will study literary and nonliterary texts, authors, and genres related to gender and sexuality. Analysis will focus on representations and explorations of concepts related to gender and sexuality. Individual emphasis could include foci such as women and writing, queer and/or feminist theory, and literary representations of gender. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, and 3 hours ENGL sophomore literature.

ENGL 3349. Literature of Health, Medicine, and Science. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will study literary texts, authors, genres, and topics related to the fields of health, medicine, and science. The course will examine the prevalence of these issues in texts, ranging from the classical to the contemporary as well. It will include major literary as well as creative nonfiction form. This course will focus on how these texts creatively engage important issues such as death/dying, healthcare, pandemics, medical crises, medical research, and representations of health care and medical professionals. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, and 3 hours ENGL sophomore literature.

ENGL 3368. Rhetoric of Health, Medicine, and Science. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Medical rhetoric and science writing are valued within a variety of professions including but not limited to health, medicine, the environment, engineering, law as well as journalism and professional writing. This course explores scientific, technical, and medical communication through the rhetorical lens. Students will investigate the communicative processes through which information is produced and disseminated among health and medical professionals, scientists, government agencies, and the general public. In this course, students not only explore the genres and conventions that are used to communicate scientific, technical, and medical knowledge among various audiences, but will also examine the rhetorical strategies and persuasive techniques used. This course is designed for students pursuing careers in medicine and health-related fields as well as English majors interested in learning how to write more effectively for these areas. Students will be encouraged to adapt assignments to their specific area(s) of subject matter interest and to share and discuss their work in class Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, and ENGL 3308 or ENGL 3309 or permission of the instructor. 3308 or 3309 can be taken concurrently.

ENGL 3370. An Introduction to Linguistics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of descriptive linguistics revealing the nature and scope of the characteristics and complexities of human language. Much of the course consists of learning the phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics of modern English. Attention will also be focused on the nature and diversity of the rule-bound creativity underlying the tacit systematic use of human language. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302.

ENGL 3372. Sociolinguistics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course offers an in-depth view of the English language as it is applied globally by native and non-native speakers alike. This course concentrates on issues of identity, nationalism, dialect, and language change. Texts will be discussed and examined in an attempt to understand the power of not only English, but of language in general. Much of the reading is designed to introduce students to the terminology of sociolinguistics in addition to the scientific method of study as it pertains to the social sciences. No prior knowledge of linguistics is necessary. Prerequisite: ENGL 1302.

ENGL 3380. Intermediate Fiction Workshop. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course provides an in-depth workshop focused on writing fiction. Students will read and discuss examples of published fiction as well as write original fictional pieces. Significant portions of this course will be devoted to workshopping student work. Prerequisite: ENGL 2307 or permission of instructor.

ENGL 3382. Intermediate Poetry Workshop. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course provides an in-depth workshop focused on writing poetry. Students will both read and discuss examples of published poetry and write original poems. Significant portions of this course will be devoted to workshopping student work. Prerequisite: ENGL 2307 of permission of the instructor.

ENGL 3384. Creative Nonfiction Workshop. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides an in-depth workshop focused on writing creative nonfiction. Students will both read and discuss examples of published creative nonfiction and write original creative nonfiction pieces. Significant portions of this course will be devoted to workshopping student work. Prerequisite: ENGL 2307 or permission of the instructor.

ENGL 3386. Literary Editing and Publishing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course focuses on the history, principles and practices of editing and publishing literary writing. Provides an introduction to acquisition and copy editing as well as production processes. Specialized concepts covered could include genre publishing, literary magazine editing, and digital and web publishing. Prerequisite: ENGL 1302.

ENGL 3390. Readings in Young Adult Literature. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides a survey of literature for young adults. Readings will include both classics and contemporary selections from multiple genres. The course will be concerned with increasing student understanding of unique aspects of young adult literature as well as applied critical and scholarly analysis to the texts. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, and 3 hours ENGL sophomore literature.

ENGL 3396. Professional Development for English Majors. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course explores professional opportunities for English majors in terms of additional graduate study and entering the professional workforce. It will consider the role of the English major in the professional world and instruct students how to develop and market their skills to meet the needs of postgraduate world. In addition to producing necessary career and job application documents, students will write professional development plan designed to help them prepare to enter the workforce or a graduate program.

ENGL 4086. English Problems. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 1-3 Hours).

A course featuring independent reading, research, and discussion under personal direction of instructor, topics to vary according to student need. Open to students of senior classification with prior approval of department head.

ENGL 4300. Shakespeare. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An in depth study of representative types of Shakespeare's drama and poetry. Credit for both ENGL 4300 and DRAM 4300 will not be awarded. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301, 1302, and 3 hours ENGL sophomore literature.

ENGL 4301. Readings in British Literature. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course will provide a targeted survey of British literature. This survey will cover multiple literary movements within the tradition of British literature, from approximately 700 CE to current day. It will focus on relevant authors, historic and cultural contexts, and prominent genres and forms from these selected movements. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, and 3 hours ENGL sophomore literature.

ENGL 4303. Major Literary Schools, Movements, and Genres. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An advanced study of a specific major literary school, movement or genre. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, and 3 hours ENGL sophomore literature.

ENGL 4304. Major Authors. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An advanced study of the work of one major author or two connected authors. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, and 3 hours ENGL sophomore literature.

ENGL 4311. Discourse Studies. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course offers advanced study in the theory, nature, and practice of written discourse. Special emphasis is given to helping students investigate language theoretically as a background for their own professional and personal use. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302.

ENGL 4312. Professional Writing and Information Design. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

Advanced study of professional writing with a focus on information design and continued practice and use of computer applications in professional settings for the publication of a range of document genres. This course develops an emphasis on information design specifically framed around quantitative data to build quantitative literacy skills alongside the other rhetorical skills necessary for success in the workplace. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 and ENGL 3309 or permission of Instructor. ENGL 3309 can be taken concurrently.

ENGL 4315. Senior Literary Seminar. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course offers an opportunity for students to engage in an intensified, focused, well-defined study. Possibilities include the examination of a particular writer, groupings of writers, a specific geographic region, and/or literary criticism. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301, 1302, and 3 hours ENGL sophomore literature.

ENGL 4320. Writing for Digital Mediums. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

Advanced study of and practice in writing for digital mediums with a primary focus on planning, designing, and composing professional documents for digital distribution through websites, blogs, other social media or digital methods. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, ENGL 3309 or permission from instructor.

ENGL 4322. Usability Studies in Public and Professional Writing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course presents the basic theory and professional views on design and usability as they relate to professional writing contexts. The emphasis is on the human-document interface whether that interface is technological or print. What makes a well-designed document, website, blog, etc. versus a poorly designed one? Understanding how the end-user actually uses the document requires an understanding of people as much as it does the design of the document. Students explore concepts, methods, and techniques related to usability, usability testing and human factors in document design and other professional writing contexts including digital artifacts. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, and ENGL 3309 or permission from the instructor.

ENGL 4335. Film Studies. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of movies both as dramas - involving plot, characterization, theme, etc. - and as artistic productions - involving shots, cuts, and other film techniques. Other aspects of film criticism are covered. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301, 1302, and 3 hours ENGL sophomore literature.

ENGL 4340. Topics in Public & Professional Writing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

Writing in the professions is multidisciplinary and varied. Topics in this course will vary each semester and will explore the agency and responsibility inherent in writing for a wide variety of contexts and persuasive outcomes. Topics may include humor studies, risk communication, writing for social justice/activism, argumentation, content strategy, and storytelling in professional contexts. This course will require students to explore real-world situations and their writing needs, in addition to researching current issues and problems as they are addressed in a written context. Prerequisites: ENGL 1302, and ENGL 3309 or permission from instructor.

ENGL 4344. Topics in Medical and Health Humanities. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course will explore specialized topics and issues in medical and health humanities. This course will provide an in-depth examination of the intersection between arts and human uncertainties of medical care in practice. Possible topics include: narrative medicine; graphic medicine; bioethics, biotechnologies, cross cultural health communication, humor in health related narratives and communication, etc. Prerequisite: ENGL 1302 and ENGL 3308 (can be taken concurrently) or permission of instructor.

ENGL 4360. Advanced Studies in Secondary English. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course applies the standards of the National Council of Teachers of English to the curriculum of secondary English. It provides an intensive review of composition principles, language conventions, literary genres, and computer instructional technology. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301, 1302, and 3 hours sophomore ENGL.

ENGL 4380. Advanced Fiction Workshop. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An advanced course in writing fiction for students already accomplished in the genre. Students will read and discuss examples of published fiction and write original fictional pieces. Significant portions of this course will be devoted to workshopping student work. Prerequisite: ENGL 3380.

ENGL 4382. Advanced Poetry Workshop. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An advanced course in writing poetry for students already accomplished in the genre. Students will both read and discuss examples of published poetry and write their own poems. Significant portions of this course will be devoted to workshopping student work. Prerequisite: ENGL 3382.

ENGL 4390. Special Topics in Creative Writing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An advanced study of a special topic in creative writing. Topics could include analysis of and writing in a specific specialized genre or form; they could also include issues related to the production and distribution of creative writing. Prerequisite: ENGL 3380 or 3382 or 3384.