UMHB Online Catalog

Department of English

The aim of the Department of English is to promote the knowledge and appreciation of literature, to introduce the basic concepts of rhetoric and argumentation, and to help students master principles of effective writing. In addition, the department helps majors and minors to prepare for careers in teaching or other fields and provides the foundation needed for graduate study. Creative writing is encouraged by the opportunity to contribute to and produce the University literary magazine, The Baylorian. Students may also participate in the production of a professional literary journal Windhover: A Journal of Christian Literature and in the annual Writers' Festival each January.

Course Listing

Course Listing

ENGL 1311

Skillful Reading

Designed to improve literal, critical, and affective comprehension of college-level reading materials. Includes study skills and test-taking techniques. Required for identified students but open to all. Elective credit only. Does not count toward fulfilling English requirements in Academic Foundation. (Offered Fall & Spring)

ENGL 1312

Grammar and Composition

Study of the nature and uses of English. Detailed study of the grammar of English with emphasis on the student’s ability to construct correct and effective sentences and paragraphs. Much practice in writing. Elective credit only. Does not count toward fulfilling English requirements in Academic Foundation. May not be taken for credit once student has passed ENGL 1321. (Offered Fall & Spring)

ENGL 1321

Rhetoric and Composition I

A course designed for students who can demonstrate a sound basic knowledge of grammar and usage. Emphasis on development and organization of different types of expository writing. Requires students to write extensively in a variety of modes and styles.

Prerequisites: A grade of “C” or higher in ENGL 1312 or appropriate score on placement test. (Offered Fall & Spring)

ENGL 1322

Rhetoric and Composition II

Designed to continue studies in Rhetoric and Composition. Students will read fiction, poetry, drama, and will be introduced to the study of rhetorical discourse. Literature will serve as a focal point as students conduct research and write essays. Students will take written exams and will write several essays, including a required research paper.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321. (Offered Fall & Spring)

ENGL 2321

British Literature to 1785

Survey of the development of British literature from its beginnings to 1785. Careful study of representative selections and development of types.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322. (Offered Fall, Spring, & Summer I)

ENGL 2322

British Literature since 1785

A continuation of English 2321, a survey of the development of British literature from 1785 to the present.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322. (Offered Fall, Spring, & Summer II)

ENGL 3321

American Literature to 1890

Survey of the major American writers and representative selections from colonial times to 1890.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, and 2322. (Offered Fall, Spring, & Summer I)

ENGL 3322

American Literature since 1890

Survey of the major American writers and representative selections after 1890.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, and 2322. (Offered Fall, Spring, & Summer II)

ENGL 3332

Studies in Literacy Periods and Genres

A study of specific literary periods and/or genres, such as (but not limited to) Modern literature (poetry, drama, or fiction), Romantic or Victorian literature, and Medieval literature. The course provides a focused and in-depth study of different aspects of literary developments in England, America, or the World. With approval of the department chair, this course may be repeated for credit when content varies.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, 2322. (Offered Fall & Spring)

ENGL 3333

Studies in Major Authors

A careful study of an individual author or a select group of authors, through which students will learn to apply the tools of critical analysis. With approval of the department chair, this course may be repeated for credit when content varies.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, 2322. (Offered as needed.)

ENGL 4190-4490

Independent Learning

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.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, 2322, permission of the instructor, the department chairperson, and the dean of the college.

ENGL 4191-4491

Seminar

A study of a selected literary topic. With approval of the department chair, this course may be repeated for credit when content varies.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, 2322. (Offered as needed.)

ENGL 4192-4492

Publications Workshop

Practical experience in editing and production of literary journals. Students will serve on the staff of the UMHB literary magazine, The Baylorian, or they will assist with Windhover: A Journal of Christian Literature and the Writers’ Festival. This course may count only one time as a Set 2 course in the English major or minor, but may be repeated for elective credit.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, 2322, and approval of the instructor. (Offered Fall & Spring)

ENGL 4321

Shakespeare

Study of representative comedies, histories, and tragedies by William Shakespeare. Parallel readings of other plays, poems, and criticism.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, and 2322. (Offered Fall)

ENGL 4322

World Literature

A survey of world literature in translation.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, 2322. (Offered Fall)

ENGL 4331

Chaucer

Study of Geoffrey Chaucer’s major works, in Middle English, with emphasis on The Canterbury Tales.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, and 2322. (Offered Spring of even numbered years)

ENGL 4332

Milton

Study of John Milton’s life and works, with emphasis on Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, and 2322. (Offered Spring of odd numbered years)

ENGL 4333

African American Literature

A study of works by African American writers.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, 2322. (Offered Spring)

ENGL 4341

Literacy Theory and Criticism

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.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, and 2322. (Offered Fall)

ENGL 4342

General Linguistics

An introduction to the scientific study of language, including an overview of phonology, the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet), syntax, semantics, and morphology. A study of language theory and various approaches to grammar. (Same as ESOL 3360).

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, 2322. (Offered Spring of even numbered years)

WRIT 3341

Creative Writing

Instruction and practice in writing informal essays, short stories, poetry, and possibly other forms of creative writing. Class discussion and criticism of work produced. All work considered for publication in The Baylorian.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, and 2322. (Offered Fall & Spring)

WRIT 3342

Advanced Grammar

A study of modern English grammar with emphasis on its origin, syntax, morphology, usage, and current misusage.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, and 2322. (Offered Spring)

WRIT 3343

Advanced Composition

A course focused on developing advanced skills in nonfiction writing. Includes study of theories of composition.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, 2322. (Offered Fall)

WRIT 3344

Scientific Writing

A study of the form, style, and methods of illustration necessary for the production of a technical document in the sciences. Emphasis on clarity, completeness, accuracy, precision, and objectivity in the presentation of scientific information. This course counts only as an elective for the English major.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, 2322. (Offered as needed)

WRIT 4191-4491

Seminar

A study of a selected topic in rhetoric, composition, or writing. With approval of the department chair, this course may be repeated for credit when content varies.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, 2322. (Offered as needed.)

WRIT 4343

Advanced Rhetoric

Study of classical and modern rhetoric, from Aristotle and Cicero to Booth, Toulmin, and others. Emphasis on skills necessary to construct and analyze arguments and to engage in a variety of discourses in a rhetorically effective way.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1321, 1322, 2321, 2322. (Offered Spring)

This is an abbreviated version of the catalog. Click here for more options.