English

English Faculty

Programs offered

• English (major, minor, and concentrations)

As an English major or minor, you will encounter some of life’s fundamental questions about the human condition. You will think about the truth-telling possibilities of story, cultivating an understanding of the word as God’s uniquely human gift.

You will think, read, and write extensively in an English academic program marked by a strong degree of community both inside and outside the classroom. You will read texts including Beowulf, Shakespeare, and traditional great works of the Western canon as well as emerging voices worldwide.

And because the study of English also rests on the rigorous tools of critical thinking and textual interpretation, you will find an English major or minor is excellent preparation for life beyond the university as well.

Find out more about this program’s mission, vision, and learning outcomes.

English (BA)

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• English: Creative Writing Concentration (BA)
• English: Literature Concentration (BA)

• A minimum of 63–66 credits is required for this major, including 30 upper-division credits.
• In either the Literature or Creative Writing Concentration, you must complete a shared core of courses that ground your understanding of literary history and the interpretive tools of our discipline.
• Each concentration has a second core requirement emphasizing craft and methodology.
• If you choose both the Literature and Creative Writing concentrations, the core English major courses may count toward both concentrations, but no more than 10 other English credits may be counted twice.
• After you matriculate at SPU, no more than 10 credits earned through another university, domestically or abroad, may be applied to the English major.  Students with extenuating circumstances may petition this restriction.

English minor

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• English Literature Minor
• English Professional Writing Minor
• English Creative Writing Minor

• A minimum of 30–33 credits are required for this minor, including 15 upper-division credits.
• Three minors are available: Creative Writing, Literature, and Professional Writing.
• Each minor includes Core courses as well as electives.
• If you are an English major, no more than 10 English credits may be counted toward both the major and the minor.

Entering and completing the major or minor

In order to earn a degree, you must complete an academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, and students are not required to enter a major immediately upon admission to the University; however, you will be expected to enter a major by the end of your sophomore year to help ensure your timely completion of a degree. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should identify and enter their major within their first two quarters at SPU.

• If this is your first quarter at SPU and you wish to enter a major or minor in this department, you may select a program by using the online Major or Minor Application form. You will receive an email notification of acceptance.
• If you are a continuing SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, use the online Major or Minor Application form to select your major or minor. You will receive an email notification of acceptance. Students on academic probation (with an SPU cumulative GPA below 2.0) will not be permitted to enter a new major or minor until they regain good academic standing.
• The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major or minor; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
• To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing another major or minor.
• You must complete the major or minor requirements in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year of admittance to the major or minor.

Future teachers

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• Integrated Studies: Language Arts Concentration (BA)

Certification with elementary education endorsement

If you plan to teach in an elementary school and are interested in English or Language Arts, you must major in Integrated Studies with a concentration in Language Arts and complete the Teacher Certification program through the School of Education. The faculty advisor for the Language Arts concentration is Dr. Middeljans (amiddel@hzdl.net).  Alternatively, you may pursue your certification as a post-baccalaureate or graduate student.

Certification with secondary education endorsement

If you plan to teach English in a middle or high school, you should major in English and complete the Teacher Certification program through the School of Education.  Alternatively, you may pursue your certification as a post-baccalaureate or graduate student.

Study abroad opportunities

Scotland and Ireland Seminar

This SPU Global Seminar, taught by Dr. Chaney, offers you an opportunity to study Celtic literature and culture in Edinburgh and Dublin in late August and early September (prior to Autumn Quarter).

England Seminar

This SPU Global Seminar, taught by Dr. Willett, offers you an opportunity to study the works of C. S. Lewis while visiting London, Oxford, and Cambridge in late August and early September (prior to Autumn Quarter).

South Africa Seminar

This SPU Global Seminar, taught by Dr. Segall, offers you an opportunity to study the literature and culture of South Africa in late November and early December (after Autumn Quarter).

Literature and Creative Writing in Rome

This summer program, taught by Dr. Maier, offers you the opportunity to study literary works set in Rome as well as creative writing while staying in the Eternal City for a month.

Spain and Morocco Seminar

This SPU Global Seminar, taught by Dr. Segall, offers you an opportunity to study contemporary North African literature and culture in late November and early December (after Autumn Quarter) while making the transnational journey from Granada in Moorish Spain to Fes in Morocco.

For details about all study abroad opportunities, visit SPU’s Global Education: Study Abroad pages.