English (Generalist), B.A.

The Core Curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking skills and introduce students to basic domains of thinking that transcend disciplines. The Core applies to all majors. Information on specific classes in the Core can be found at https://www.marshall.edu/gened/.

Course Requirements

Core Curriculum
Core I Critical Thinking
FYS 100First Yr Sem Critical Thinking3
MTH 121 Bison image Concepts and Applications (CT)3
Critical Thinking Course3
Core II
ENG 101 Bison image  Cap graduation image Beginning Composition3
ENG 201 Bison image  Cap graduation image Advanced Composition3
CMM 103 Bison image  Cap graduation image Fund Speech-Communication3
MTH 121 Bison image  Cap graduation image Concepts and Applications (CT)3
Core II Natural/Physical Science4
Core II Humanities3
Texting the World(CT) (recommended)
Core II Social Science (Milestone course)3
Core II Fine Arts3
Additional University Requirements
ENG Writing Intensive3
ENG Writing Intensive3
Multicultural or International3
ENG 499 Bison image Senior Capstone (not offered in summer)3
College-Specific
Foreign Language 1013
Foreign Language 1023
Foreign Language 2033
Foreign Language 2043
COLA Humanities3
COLA Literature3
COLA Literature3
COLA Social Science3
COLA Social Science3
COLA Social Science3
COLA Natural/Physical Science4
COLA International3
COLA Multicultural3
Major-Specific
ENG 350 Cap graduation image Intro to Textual Analysis (must be taken within the first 9 hours of coursework within the major)3
ENG 355 Cap graduation image Intro to Critical Theory (not offered in summer)3
ENG 499 Bison image Senior Capstone (not offered in summer)3
English Electives27

Major Information

  • The total number of free electives will depend on the amount of double and triple counting of requirements. Core II and COLA requirements may not be double counted.
  • See course attributes each semester for courses that meet multiple requirements.
  • Questions about requirements should be directed to your English Department advisor (304-696-6600) or to the College of Liberal Arts (304-696-2350).
  • Forty-eight credit hours (sixteen 3-hour courses) must be at the 300/400 level.
  • Students must earn a C or better in ENG 201 Advanced Composition, all ENG courses for the major, and all foreign language courses.
  • Minimum of 120 hours to graduate.
  • English majors will fulfill the university’s requirements for WI classes by taking the ENG classes required for the major.

 Bison image - General Education Course

 Cap graduation image - Milestone course: a key success marker for your major. See your advisor to discuss the importance of this course in your plan of study.

Semester Plan

An English degree can give you the critical thinking, writing, and presentation skills you’ll need for success in this quick and quickly-changing world. Our program is flexible, so you can pursue a wide range of interests. Our courses give you the ability to think differently, to expand on and augment the ideas and work made in all fields, not just literature. Where you go from here is up to you (though we’ve got some ideas for you). But our courses are designed to hone not just your writing, but your thinking skills, too. Our faculty and staff are dedicated. All this to say, really, we plan on preparing you for a successful professional life as well as an invaluable way of thinking, about everything.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
First SemesterCredit Hours
ENG 101 Bison image  Cap graduation image Beginning Composition 3
FYS 100 First Yr Sem Critical Thinking 3
Core II Social Science 3
COLA Social Science (Milestone course) 3
CMM 103 Bison image  Cap graduation image Fund Speech-Communication 3
UNI 100 Freshman First Class 1
 Credit Hours16
Second Semester
Core II Humanities 3
Texting the World(CT) (recommended)
ENG 201 Bison image  Cap graduation image Advanced Composition 3
Core I Critical Thinking 3
MTH 121 Bison image  Cap graduation image Concepts and Applications (CT) 3
Core II Fine Arts 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
First Semester
ENG 350 Cap graduation image Intro to Textual Analysis 3
Core II Physical/Natural Science 4
Foreign Language 101 3
ENG Elective (3/400 level) 3
Multicultural or International 3
 Credit Hours16
Second Semester
ENG 355 Cap graduation image Intro to Critical Theory 3
ENG Elective 3/400 level 3
COLA International 3
COLA Physical/Natural Science 4
Foreign Language 102 3
 Credit Hours16
Third Year
First Semester
ENG Elective (3/400 Level) 3
ENG Elective (400 level) 3
COLA Social Science 3
Foreign Language 203 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Semester
ENG Elective (400-level) 3
ENG Elective (400-level) 3
Foreign Language 204 3
COLA Social Science 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
First Semester
ENG English elective (400-level) 3
ENG Elective 3
COLA Multicultural 3
COLA Humanities 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Semester
ENG 499 Bison image Senior Capstone (C) 3
ENG English elective 3
Free elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours12
 Total Credit Hours120