Home | People | News | Undergrad | Graduate | Courses | Knowledge Base Wiki | Research | Initiatives | Projects | Search
UCSB English Dept. Home Page

Handbook
< Previous Handbook Section Next Handbook Section >
Handbook Contents * Sections: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13 * Handbook as Single File

Section 3. Requirements for the Major (as of July 1, 2000)

3.1 The major requires 56 units in English, at least 44 of which must be upper-division, distributed in the manner outlined below. In addition, students must complete the foriegn language requirement. Students who declared the major between July 1, 2000 and July 1, 2002 may have slightly different unit requirements, please see the Undergraduate Staff Advisor for details.

3.2 Preparation for the Major
3.2.1 English 15: Introduction to Shakespeare, lower division, 4 units
Students entering the major with upper-division standing may substitute English 105A or 105B for the English 15 requirement. Students electing this option may not apply their English 15 substitute toward the minimum 44 upper division units.
3.2.2 English 10: Introduction to Literary Study, lower division, 4 units
This is required for English majors and will also satisfy Area A of the General Education Program requirement.
3.2.3 Foreign Language Requirement
The ability to read a foreign literature in its original language gives valuable insights into the operations of the English language itself and into the difference between reading a translation and the original. There are two ways to satisfy the foreign language requirement for the English major: Option 1 or Option 2. Option 1 is the recommended way to fulfill this requirement for all majors.

Option 1 develops the ability to read in a foreign language at an advanced undergraduate level (as defined below). Students who intend graduate work in literature are well advised to take Option 1. In addition, election to Phi Beta Kappa requires a foreign language at an advanced level.

To fulfill Option 1, students can either complete the fifth quarter in any foreign language taught at UCSB or demonstrate equivalent ability at the prescribed level by taking a placement exam. (Consult the General Catalog and language departments for information on placement examinations; consult the English department undergraduate advisor about other means of satisying the requirement that may apply to a student's individual situation). Foreign languages other than those taught at UCSB may be considered by petition. Language classes taken in fulfillment of Option 1 may be taken P/NP through the fourth quarter, but the final quarter must be taken for a letter grade.

Option 2 complements the English major with the study of foreign literature in translation taught by those who are expert in the original language.

To fulfill Option 2, a student needs to complete the third quarter (or its equivalent in a placement exam) in any foreign language taught at UCSB; and also complete three upper-division foreign-literature-in-translation courses to be selected from a list available in the English department office. The third quarter of courses in a foreign language, as well as all three literature-in-translation courses, must be taken for a letter grade.

3.3 Upper Division Requirements in English

Forty-eight units in English are required, as follows.

3.3.1 Four Courses Offering a Broad Overview of British and American Literature (16 units)
  1. English 101: English Literature from the Medieval period to 1650
  2. English 102: English and American Literature from 1650-1789
  3. English 103A: American Literature from 1789-1900 -or- English 103B: British Literature from 1789-1900
  4. English 104A: American Literature from 1900-Present -or- English 104B: British Literature from 1900-Present
3.3.2 English 197 - Upper Division Seminar (4.0 units)

This seminar is designed as a small class limited to fifteen students in which there will be opportunity for in-depth discussion and a more advanced level of scholarship. Because enrollment is strictly limited to fifteen per class, do not wait until the last quarters of your senior year to enroll.

3.3.3 Electives and Specializations (28 units)

Twenty-eight units of English electives are required of which at least 24 must be upper division. Up to four may be lower division. English 10, 108, 108T and 117E may not apply. Upper division Comparative Literature courses taught by English department faculty may apply toward these electives.

The English Department encourages upper-division students with particular literary/critical interests to pursue them formally by selecting an area of Specialization. The English Department offers the Cultures of Information, the Early Modern Studies Specialization, and the American Cultures Specialization. A Specialization consists of a minimum of four English department courses constellated around a specific area of study. For instance, a student interested in the interrelation between literature and digital technology might elect to pursue the Culture of Information Specialization. Or, a student interested in Renaissance and Eighteenth Century literature could study that subject within the Early Modern Studies Specialization. Or a student interested in how different aspects of American cultures interact in their regional, hemispheric, and global contexts could choose the American Cultures Specialization. The fundamental idea informing the Specializations is that students should be enabled to explore particular areas of interest through a disciplined itinerary of courses. In addition, each specialization will encourage the sense of a collaborative community of research by offering certain extra-curricular events—e.g., conferences or colloquia involving undergraduates, field trips to scholarly or other resources, etc.

At the present time, the English Department offers specializations in Cultures of Information, Early Modern, and American Cultures and Global Contexts. Additionally, students are encouraged to develop their own particular Specialization in consultation with a faculty advisor. Working together, the student and faculty advisor would tailor a Specialization from already established course offerings.

< Previous Handbook Section Next Handbook Section >
Handbook Contents * Sections: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13 * Handbook as Single File
Home | People | News | Undergrad | Graduate | Courses | Knowledge Base Wiki | Research | Initiatives | Projects | Search
UCSB English Dept. Home Page
* Disclaimer | Copyright | Credits | About this Site | Login * Site Map | Top | UCSB Home * Webcontact
 
Page Updated: Friday, August 24, 2007 5:04 PM