English Major Requirements
(Also see Requirements for a Bachelor's Degree.)
In addition to demonstrating foreign language proficiency in at least one classical or modern foreign language, the English major requires students complete a gateway course on literary critical method (AS.060.107 Introduction to Literary Study), ideally taken by the end of sophomore year, and nine additional English courses (all at least 3 credits each). The requirements for these 9 additional English courses are as follows:
Requirements according to course level and mode
- No more than 2 may be 100-level courses (not counting 060.107 Introduction to Literary Study).
- At least 2 must be lecture courses (typically 200-level but are identified by the POS- Tag ENGL-LEC).
- At least 5 courses (at least 3 credits each) must be at the 300-500 level. No more than 2 of these 5 can be independent study or senior essay courses (500-level courses).
Requirements according to course content
- At least 2 must be pre-1800 courses and at least 1 must be in global and minority literature (identified by the POS-Tags ENGL-PR1800 and ENGL-GLOBAL, respectively). At least 1 of these 3 must be an upper-level discussion seminar (300- or 400-level).
Additional Considerations
- Only 2 of these 9 additional English courses required for the major may be taken in another JHU department, and those must be cross-listed with the English course offerings. All other English courses must be numbered AS.060.xxx.
- Courses taken at another institution that are not directly equivalent to a JHU course may not apply towards this requirement without permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Typically, up to two courses taken through approved study abroad programs may be applied towards the major with approval of the director of undergraduate studies.
-
Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all major requirements and courses may not be taken satisfactory/unsatisfactory.
- Languages taught at JHU that will apply towards the foreign language requirement currently include: Ancient Greek, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Yiddish. American Sign Language is not accepted.
Writing and Communication in the Major
Students must complete at least 6 credits of Writing and Communication foundational ability coursework in one major. The English major is an inherently writing- and discussion-based major, so students easily will find many Writing and Communication course options among the department course offerings. Additionally, the one required course of the major, AS.060.107, is designated a Writing and Communication course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign language proficiency through the intermediate level | 0-17 | |
| AS.060.107 | Introduction to Literary Study * | 3 |
| Nine Additional English Courses (divided as follows): ** | ||
| One course in Global and Minority Literatures (POS-Tag ENGL-GLOBAL) *** | 3 | |
| Two course in Pre-1800 Literature (POS-Tag ENGL-PR1800) | 6 | |
| Six 100 to 500-level English courses | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 30-47 | |
- *
Ideally should be taken no later than sophomore year.
- **
Students are required to take at least two lecture courses.
- ***
One of the three subfield courses (ENGL-PR1800 or ENGL-GLOBAL) must be at the 300-400 level.
Sample Program of Study
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Credits | Second Semester | Credits |
| English Elective at 100 level | 3 | AS.060.107 | 3 |
| 3 | 3 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| First Semester | Credits | Second Semester | Credits |
| Foreign language | 4 | Foreign language | 4 |
| Global and Minority Literature Course | 3 | English Elective 200-level (ENGL-LEC) | 3 |
| 7 | 7 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| First Semester | Credits | Second Semester | Credits |
| Foreign language | 3 | Foreign Language | 3 |
| Pre-1800 Course 200 level (ENGL-LEC) | 3 | English Elective at 300-level | 3 |
| English Elective at 300-level | 3 | ||
| 9 | 6 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| First Semester | Credits | Second Semester | Credits |
| English Elective at 300-level | 3 | Pre-1800 Course at the 300 or 400 level | 3 |
| English Elective at 300-level | 3 | ||
| 6 | 3 | ||
| Total Credits 44 | |||
Advising for Students
All students, whether their goals are professional or not, should choose courses in consultation with their major advisor to suit their individual needs and satisfy departmental requirements. Students planning to enter graduate school in English should study a second foreign language. Students who have not yet been assigned to a major advisor may discuss departmental requirements and curriculum planning with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Honors in English
Departmental honors are awarded to undergraduate English majors who achieve a cumulative average of 3.6 or higher for all English courses taken to satisfy the major requirements. For more information about Honors in English, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies in English.
Senior Essay Option
Majors with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.6 in English courses by the end of the fall semester of their junior year may apply to write a senior essay in the fall of their senior year. For further information and deadlines, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies in English.