An independent study open to Juniors and Seniors only, directed by a full-time faculty member in the Department of English. Courses must be proposed by the student in writing to the faculty member directing the study and approved by the department chairperson and dean of the school. ENGL 4190-4490 is not to be taken in place of existing courses. Prerequisite: Two ENGL 3000-level courses-excluding 3100.
A study of a selected literary topic. With approval of the department chair, this course may be repeated for credit when content varies. Prerequisite: Two ENGL 3000-level courses-excluding 3100.
A course designed to allow students to demonstrate the skills and knowledge acquired in their work as English majors. This demonstration will involve three levels of assessment. First, students must make a public demonstration of their mastery in a presentation of their work. Second, students must submit a portfolio deemed acceptable by the department committee. Third, students must complete exams for certification or entry into a selected graduate program of study. As a capstone, this course is required of all majors and must be taken during the student's final semester of work.
Study of representative comedies, histories and tragedies by William Shakespeare. Parallel readings of other plays, poems, and criticism. Prerequisite: Two ENGL 3000-level courses-excluding 3100.
Study of Geoffrey Chaucer's major works, in Middle English, with emphasis on The Canterbury Tales. Prerequisite: Two ENGL 3000-level courses-excluding 3100.
Study of John Milton's life and works, with emphasis on Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained. Prerequisite: Two ENGL 3000-level courses-excluding 3100.
Study of methods and materials of literary research and interpretation. Introduction to major contemporary theories. Emphasis on "close reading" of literary texts in their historical contexts. Prerequisite: Two ENGL 3000-level courses-excluding 3100.