English

Q: What courses absolutely must be taken during the first year (or the first semester)?

First-year students interested in the English major should have a VE before taking any other course. If a student must take a VE course, we strongly recommend English 20, Introduction to Literature and Composition, which, by the way, is a great course for any student, not just those interested in the major.

First-year students are generally not excluded from any 100-level course, but we recommend speaking with the professor about the course, so that she or he can decide whether the student is sufficiently prepared.

Q: What courses should first year students steer clear of?

Generally, we recommend that first-year students not take 200-level courses. If a student has a strong interest in a topic, then she or he should consult with the professor of the course.

Q: If key intro courses are filled, are there good alternatives?

Not really.

Q: What is the preferred mix of courses (e.g., lecture vs. lab vs. discussion vs. seminar)?

The first-year student determined on being an English major already in her or his first year should not take more than two English courses (reading and writing intensive). We recommend that she or he take a couple of perspectives that are less reading and writing intensive during the first semester along with the English courses. If a first-year student has enrolled in the English 20: Intensive, then we recommend not taking another English course during that semester.

Q: Does your department recommend that first year students explore the PLS during their first year? Or should first year students focus more on fulfilling prerequisites for the major?

Absolutely. PLS requirements allow the student to sample different perspectives, which can only enhance the reading of literature.

Q: If first year students have specific questions about your department, whom should they contact?

Department Chair James Elliott will be available prior to July 9th and after July 25th.

Q: How and when does your department assign advisors for declared majors?

If a student doesn't know a professor, the Chair will gladly take on a new major. Generally, however, the new major actually asks a specific professor to be her or his advisor.

We like to emphasize that during any time of an English major's career, she or he may decide to take a different direction than originally anticipated. At that time, she or he should feel free to switch to a more appropriate advisor.

Q: What courses in related departments do your majors usually take?

English majors have wide-ranging interests. Frequently, they will take courses in the other humanities divisions, psychology, sociology, government, and ID.

ADDENDUM:

We'd like to emphasize that the traditional Clark "elbow approach" is our modus operandi, and thus, students should always feel free to consult with us, join our activities like Chowder Fest and Spring Fling, and contribute to our newsletter, whether majors or not.