English

Maria Bullon-Fernandez, PhD, Chair

Objectives

Through a wide range of course descriptions the Department of English seeks to develop each student’s capacity for reading — the intense, concerned involvement with textual expression. The interpretation of texts in all their formal, cultural, and historical complexity requires the integration of many kinds of knowledge and the development of a wide variety of critical reading, thinking, and writing skills. Responding with texts of one’s own requires skills of invention, arrangement, control of tone, and mastery of style.

The department offers two majors, in literature and in creative writing, that share a foundation of reading skills development and a knowledge of British and American literary history. Upper-division literature courses develop, at two levels, research and writing skills and an applied knowledge of literary theory that are essential to successful scholarly work. The department also offers, for majors and non-majors, a growing number of creative, expository, research, scientific, and both workplace and career-oriented professional writing courses.

Beyond the classroom, students have opportunities to undertake departmental honors, contribute to the literary journal, participate in the Literary Society, engage professional scholars and creative writers in our Scholars Series and Writers Reading Series, and study abroad.

The department contributes importantly to the university’s mission of developing persons through a liberal education, at the same time that it prepares its majors and others for graduate study and for service in many professions, including law, social work, business, communications, teaching, politics, and foreign service.

NOTE: A student may not earn a major, or major and minor, in both English and English/Creative Writing.

Policy for University Honors Students

Graduates of the University Honors Program who have completed all five of the literature courses in that program may earn an English major by completing successfully 35 additional credit hours in English at the 300-400 level, five of which must be in American Literature. They may earn an English minor by completing at least 10 credits in English at the 300-400 level.

Graduates of the University Honors Program who have completed all five of the literature courses in that program may earn an English/Creative Writing major by taking 20 credits of creative writing, and 15 credits of literature courses at the 300-400 level. They may earn an English/Creative Writing minor by completing 15 credit hours of creative writing courses at the 300-400 level.

Graduates of the University Honors Program who have completed all five of the literature courses in that program may earn an English major with departmental honors by completing 45 additional credits for courses at the 300-400 level, which must include at least one five credit course in American Literature as well as ENGL 477  and ENGL 479 . These additional credits may include ENGL 481 , ENGL 480 , ENGL 482 , ENGL 483  and ENGL 487  in the Core Curriculum.

Graduates of the University Honors Program who have completed all five of the literature courses in that program may earn an English/Creative Writing major with departmental honors by completing 45 additional credits for courses at the 300-400 level. ENGL 477  and ENGL 479 , 20 credits of creative writing courses, and 25 credits of literature courses are required. These additional credits may include ENGL 480 , ENGL 481 , ENGL 483 , ENGL 482  and ENGL 487  in the Core Curriculum.

Secondary Endorsement for Teaching English

According to the Washington Code, secondary education teachers must meet minimum standards in a subject area in order to acquire an endorsement to teach in that subject area. Check with an education advisor for current requirements.

The Writing Center

The Writing Center, with its own director and student consultants, offers writing assistance to all students at Seattle University. The Writing Center is managed by the English Department.

Writing And Research Skills

These courses help students from all majors hone their writing skills and develop mature habits of drafting and revision in preparation for upper-division writing assignments in the core or the major. Prerequisites for 200-level writing courses are English 110 or equivalent transfer credit. 300-level writing courses are designed for writers in any discipline who wish to learn advanced strategies for producing effective prose in a variety of academic, civic, or professional contexts. Prerequisites are English 110 or equivalent transfer credit, plus junior standing or permission of instructor.

ENGL 101 - Basic Writing 
ENGL 210 - Intermediate College Writing 
ENGL 211 - Writing the Research Paper 
ENGL 212 - Scientific/Technical Writing 
ENGL 213 - Grammar and Editing 
ENGL 214 - Academic Writing Seminar 
ENGL 308 - Advanced Writing: Argument and Persuasion 
ENGL 309 - Composition Theory and Practice for Teachers 
ENGL 390 - Tutoring Writing: Theory and Practice