English Program Requirements

The English Language and Literature program leading to the baccalaureate degree gives the student a firm background and skills in reading, writing, and criticism—tools that are vital for effective work in many segments of society. The program also provides a solid foundation for graduate study in a number of disciplines. The major immerses the student in the cultural wealth of literature written in or translated into English.

The major offers three tracks: language and literature, writing, and Pennsylvania certification for teaching grades 7-12 English. Applicants should have compiled a minimum GPA of 2.5 overall, and 2.7 in English courses. Certification requires a GPA of 3.0. 130 credits are required for graduation.

Language and Literature Track

Course Requirements:

Credit Requirements
Total specified credits: 63 credits
Core plus elective credits: 67 credits
Graduation total: 130 credits
  • Speech 105: Public Speaking
  • Either Writing 211: Creative Writing or
    Writing 213: Advanced Exposition
  • English 218 & 219: American Literature I & II
  • English 220 & 221: English Literature Survey I & II
  • English 235: Shakespeare
  • Two additional 200-Level English courses
  • Five additional 300-Level English or Humanities courses

Supporting Requirements:

  • Concentration area: Four courses to be chosen from one area other than the major (two courses at the 200-level or higher; two courses at the 300-level or higher). The chosen area must be approved by the program advisor. 12 credits total.
  • Religion (upper level): 9 credits

Writing Track

Course Requirements:

Credit Requirements
Total specified credits: 63 credits
Core plus elective credits: 67 credits
Graduation total: 130 credits
  • Speech 105: Public Speaking
  • English 220 & 221: English Literature Survey I & II
  • English 218 & 219: American Literature I & II
  • Writing 211: Creative Writing, Writing 213: Advanced Exposition, & one additional writing course
  • English 235: Shakespeare
  • English 320: The English Language
  • Two additional 300-level English or Humanities courses
  • English 490 & 491: Senior Writing Project*

Supporting Requirements:

  • Concentration area: Four courses to be chosen from one area other than the major (two courses at the 200-level or higher; two courses at the 300-level or higher). The chosen area must be approved by the program advisor. 12 credits total.
  • Religion (upper level): 9 credits

* The senior writing project involves a major effort in some area of writing to be produced under the supervision of an advisor. The project could include a collection of short fiction, poems, or essays, critical analysis, a segment of a novel or play, or some other project that reflects the student’s best focused efforts in writing. The project involves the student over a two-term period of the senior year.

Pennsylvania Secondary Education Certification Track

English Course Requirements:

  • Speech 105: Public Speaking
  • Writing 211: Creative Writing
  • Writing 213: Advanced Exposition
  • English 218 & 219: American Literature I & II
  • English 220 & 221: English Literature Survey I & II
  • Two of:
    • English 215: Great Books I, Classical Literature
    • English 216: Great Books II, Renaissance and Neoclassical Literature of Western Culture
    • English 217: Great Books III, 19th and 20th Centuries
  • English 235: Shakespeare
  • English 320: The English Language
  • Three additional 300-Level English or Humanities courses

Supporting Requirements:

  • Upper-Level Religion (6 credits)
  • Electives including philosophy; social science; fine arts or music; physical education; and 6 credits of foreign language (26 credits)

Additional Required Courses:

  • Writing 101: Expository Writing
  • Writing 202: Writing About Literature
  • Speech 105: Public Speaking
  • Math 130: Statistics
  • One additional Math course
  • English 204: Communications: Modern Film and the Mythological Hero’s Journey

Education Courses at Bryn Athyn College:

  • Education 204: Human Development
  • Education 225: Seminar in Observation and Teaching
  • Education 245: Content Area Literacy
  • Education 301/501: Foundations of Education
  • Education 311: Special Education
  • Education 340: Educational Psychology
  • Education 401: General Methods and Classroom Management

Education Courses at Holy Family University:

  • EDUN 331: General Secondary Education Methods and Technology
  • EDUN 332: Secondary Education/Curriculum Content Area
  • EDUN 412: Supervised Field Experience (6 credits)
  • EDUN 414: Secondary Education Seminar

For certification, students must pass national teaching exams (PRAXIS) and earn a 3.0.

Contact:

Rev. Thane P. Glenn, PhD, Head of English Major
267-502-4844, thane.glenn@brynathyn.edu