Core Requirements (Almost always included):
* Literary History/Periods: Surveys of different periods in English literature (e.g., Medieval Literature, Renaissance Literature, 18th-Century Literature, Victorian Literature, Modern Literature, etc.). These classes will expose you to major authors and movements within those periods.
* Literary Genres: Courses focusing on specific genres like poetry, fiction (the novel and short story), drama, creative non-fiction, etc. You'll analyze texts within these genres and develop critical skills.
* Literary Theory: Classes dedicated to exploring different theoretical approaches to understanding literature (e.g., feminism, psychoanalysis, post-colonialism, Marxist criticism, etc.). This helps you develop sophisticated analytical frameworks.
* Composition/Writing: While this may be a requirement for all students, English majors usually take more advanced writing courses, often focusing on research papers, critical essays, or creative writing.
* British Literature: A survey of British literature, usually covering a broad range of time periods and authors.
* American Literature: A survey of American literature, covering various periods and authors.
Common Electives (Often required to fulfill major credit hours):
* Specialized Literature Courses: You can choose courses on specific authors (Shakespeare, Chaucer, etc.), topics (e.g., Gothic literature, science fiction, dystopian literature), or national literatures (e.g., Irish literature, postcolonial literature).
* Creative Writing Workshops: Many English programs offer opportunities to develop your creative writing skills in workshops focused on poetry, fiction, or creative non-fiction.
* Linguistics: Courses exploring the structure and history of language can be valuable.
Possible Additional Requirements:
* Senior Thesis or Capstone Project: Many programs require a major research project culminating in a substantial written thesis or capstone presentation.
* Foreign Language Requirement: Some colleges may require a certain level of proficiency in a foreign language as part of general education requirements, which can be beneficial for literary studies.
To find the exact requirements:
The best way to find the precise classes you'll need to take is to visit the website of the English department at the college or university you plan to attend. Look for the "Undergraduate Program," "English Major Requirements," or a similar section detailing the curriculum. The course catalog will also provide detailed descriptions of individual courses.