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English Program

As an English major or minor, you will learn to think critically and write well. You will study great works of literature, ranging from ancient poetry to twenty-first century fiction, and you will learn to express your ideas in clear, precise language.

Many BHSU English majors become highly-successful high school and middle school teachers. Others go into writing, editing, publishing, advertising, public relations, or journalism. Still others continue their education in English graduate programs, law school, and other professional programs.

We encourage all BHSU students to become involved in readings and lectures sponsored by the English program. We also invite submissions to the Bellman Awards for outstanding undergraduate writing, and to our creative publication, Three Peaks Review, which is sponsored by the English Club.

Reasons to Choose BHSU

A talented, diverse, and experienced group of faculty who are committed to student success
Many options for English majors, including Writing Concentrations and Professional Writing Certificates
Multiple opportunities outside of the classroom, including writing competitions and Three Peaks Review
Paid work experience as a consultant in the BHSU Writing Center

Quick Sells

The English major delivers a broad study of literature and culture in Britain, America, and beyond, but also provides students with the freedom to choose electives and intensive seminars that fit their interests and passions.
In 2016, The Wall Street Journal’s report on the NACE findings, noted that “those with degrees in English and in foreign languages brought home bigger paychecks, with starting salaries rising 14.3% and 13.6% respectively,” and that “behind the numbers is a growing desire among employers for hires with strong communication skills.”
English Education Placement is at 100% for those seeking employment after graduation.
English majors have the opportunity to apply to become student researchers for the Veterans Legacy Program.
Students have the opportunity to pursue internships at regional organizations such as Matthews Opera House and Sanford Lab.
Students are eligible for paid positions as writing consultants in the Writing Center.

New to BHSU

THE CREATIVE WRITING MINOR: this 18-credit minor provides students interested in the field of creative writing a comprehensive plan of study and training, both in genre and form and technique. Students also have the opportunity to publish their creative writing and/or work on the editorial board of Three Peaks Review, BHSU’s student-run literary journal.

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FIND YOUR CAREER

English majors are trained for diverse careers:
» Advertising Executive
» Author
» Bookstore Manager
» Columnist
» Communications Director
» Copywriter
» Creative Writer
» Editor
» Entertainment Agent
» Entrepreneur
» Grant & Proposal Writer
» Journalist
» Librarian
» PR Specialist
» Publisher
» Sales
» Social Media Manager
» Teacher
» Technical Writer
» Translator

Campus Involvement

Three Peaks Review

Open to all students at BHSU, this campus organization (formally known as English Club) provides students with the chance to run or contribute to BHSU’s literary journal.
Contact Matthew.Bauman@BHSU.edu to learn how to become involved.

Bellman Awards

The Bellman Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Writing is a competition open to any student who has a passion for writing. Awards are given in three categories: Composition, Literature, and General Writing. All submissions must be work produced at BHSU during the respective academic year. To learn more visit:
www.BHSU.edu/BellmanAwards.

Writing Resources

BHSU is proud to offer services for students who need assistance with their writing. The Writing Center is open during the fall and spring semester. Assistance is available during every step of writing. Whether students need help with their outlines, original ideas, or simple revision, the Writing Center has it all. The goals of the Writing center are to:

Enable students to compose more fluently
Assist students in writing and revising their work
Assist students with further development of your critical thinking skills
Help students become stronger and more diverse writers
Acquaint students with the conventions and expectations of academic writing

Walk-ins are welcome as space allows. To make an appointment visit BHSU.edu/WritingCenter. The Writing Center is located on the first floor of the E.Y. Berry Library and is open various times Monday-Friday, and Sunday.

HELPFUL LINKS

MARTIN FASHBAUGH

Martin.Fashbaugh@BHSU.edu • 605.642.6726 BHSU.edu/English

Cami Wenk
CLASS OF 2016,
ENGLISH TEACHER IN BELLE FOUCHE, SD

Currently working on her Masters in Education in Technology and Customized Learning, Wenk said, “I would choose BHSU’s ENGL department because all the professors are fantastic. They have different teaching styles and give learners the opportunity to explore some different areas of interest. I know that they were also working to get more diversity within their teaching materials, which was awesome.”

English Minors

Minor in English - 24 semester hours

Core Curriculum:

3 ENGL 221 British Literature I
3 ENGL 241 American Lit I
3 ENGL 426 History & Structure of English
3 ENGL 200/300/400 Elective ( Except 201)
3 ENGL 300/400 Elective

Electives (choose two):

ENGL 211 World Lit
ENGL 222 British Literature II
ENGL 242 American Lit II

Take one of the following courses:

ENGL 379 Technical Communication
ENGL 401 Advanced Writing
ENGL 476 Creative Writing: Fiction
ENGL 478 Creative Writing: Poetry
ENGL 483 Advanced Creative Writing

Minor in English - Teaching 24 semester hours

3 ENGL 221 British Literature I
3 ENGL 241 American Literature I
3 ENGL 304 Fundamentals of English Grammar
3 ENGL 412 Composition for the English Teacher
3 ENGL 426 History/Structures of English
3 ENGL 484 Literary Criticism
3 SEED 424 7-12 Language Arts Methods

Electives (choose one):

ENGL 211 World Lit I
ENGL 212 World Lit II
ENGL 222 British Literature II
ENGL 242 American Literature II

Minor in Creative Writing—18 semester hours

* ENGL 283 Introduction to Creative Writing

* ENGL 482 Creative Writing II

* ENGL 483 Advanced Creative Writing

Take two of the following:

* ENGL 475 Creative Writing: Non-Fiction

* ENGL 476 Creative Writing: Fiction

* ENGL 478 Creative Writing: Poetry

Take one of the following:

* ENGL 115 American Indian Oral Literature

* ENGL 210 Introduction to Literature

* ENGL 211 World Lit I

* ENGL 212 World Lit II

* ENGL 214 Intro to American Indian Literature

* ENGL 221 British Literature I

* ENGL 222 British Literature II

* ENGL 241 American Lit I

* ENGL 242 American Lit II

* ENGL 248 Women in Literature

* ENGL 256 Literature of the American West

* ENGL 320 The Non-Western Novel

* ENGL 406 Adolescent Literature

* ENGL 411 Bible as Literature

* ENGL 431 Shakespeare I

* ENGL 432 Shakespeare II

* ENGL 468 Contemporary Fiction

* ENGL 490 Seminar

* ENGL 492 Topics

Minor in Professional Writing - 18 semester hours

ENGL 283 - Intro to Creative Writing
ENGL 379 - Technical Communication
ENGL 401 - Advanced Writing
SPCM 455 - Visual Culture

Electives (choose two):

BADM 344 - Managerial Communications
ENGL 304 - Fundamentals of English Grammar
ENGL 476 - Creative Writing: Fiction
ENGL 478 - Creative Writing: Poetry
ENGL 483 - Advanced Creative Writing
ENGL 486 - Rhetorical Theory & Practice
ENGL 491 - Independent Study
LING 403 - Introduction to Linguistics
WRTG 479 - Professional Technical Writing
WRTG 492 - Topics
WRTG 494 - Internship
MCOM 320 - Freelance Writing
OR
MCOM 330 - Writing for Digital Media

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - 19 semester hours

ENGL 304 - Fundamentals of English Grammar
ENGL 409 - Teaching English as a Second Language
ENGL 426 - History/Structures of English
LING 403 - Introduction to Linguistics
MFL 420 - K-12 Foreign Language Methods

Electives (choose one):

GER 101—Introductory German I
GER 102—Introductory German II
FREN 101—Introductory French I
FREN 102—Introductory French II
LAKL 101—Introductory Lakota I
LAKL 102—Introductory Lakota II
RUSS 101—Introductory Russian I
RUSS 101—Introductory Russian II
SPAN 101—Introductory Spanish I
SPAN 102—Introductory Spanish II

English Education

Required Core - 42 semester hours

ENGL 221 British Literature I
ENGL 222 British Literature II
ENGL 241 American Lit I
ENGL 242 American Lit II
ENGL 304 Fundamentals of English Grammar
ENGL 406 Adolescent Literature
ENGL 412 Composition for the English Teacher
ENGL 484 Literary Criticism
ENGL 200/300/400 Elective (except 201, 210)(1 course)
SEED 424 7-12 Language Arts Methods
ENGL 490/492 Electives (2 courses)

Choose 1:

ENGL 211 World Lit I (gen ed)
ENGL 212 World Lit II (gen ed)

Choose 1:

ENGL 431 Shakespeare
ENGL 432 Shakespeare II

Pre-Professional Teaching Core - 18 semester hours

EDFN 338 Foundations of American Education
EDFN 295 Practicum: Pre-Admission Teaching
EPSY 302 Educational Psychology
EPSY 428 Child & Adolescent Development
INED 411 South Dakota Indian Studies
PSYC 101 General Psychology (gen ed)
SPED 100 Intro to Persons with Exceptionalities

Professional Secondary Ed Teaching Core - 26 semester hours

EDFN 365 Computer Based Technology & Learning
EDFN 375 Methods of Technology Integration
EDFN 440 Classroom Management
MLED 480 Middle Level Methods
SEED 408 Planning, Managing, & Assessing the 7-12 Diverse Classroom
SEED 450 7-12 Reading & Content Literacy
SEED 488 7-12 Student Teaching
SEED 495 Practicum
EDFN 475 Human Relations

Gen Ed Requirements - 30 semester hours

ENGL 101
ENGL 201
SPCM - Gen Ed - Speech (1 class) - 3 semester hours
MATH - Gen Ed - Mathematics (1 class) - 3 semester hours
Gen Ed - Social Science (2 classes from different subjects) - 6 semester hours
Gen Ed - Arts & Humanities (2 classes from different subjects or a foreign language sequence) - 6 semester hours
Gen Ed - Natural Sciences & Lab (2 classes/corresponding labs) - 6-8 semester hours

Electives

A minor is NOT required with this major but electives are required to total 120 hours, of which 36 hours must be 300-400 level courses.

English

Required Core - 45 semester hours

3 ENGL 221 British Literature I
3 ENGL 222 British Literature II
3 ENGL 241 American Lit I
3 ENGL 242 American Lit II
3 ENGL 401 Advanced Writing
3 ENGL 484 Literary Criticism
3 ENGL 200/300/400 Elective (Except 201,210)
3 ENGL 300/400 Elective
12 ENGL 490/492 Topics or Seminar

Choose 1:

3 ENGL 211 World Lit I (gen ed)
3 ENGL 212 World Lit II (gen ed)

Choose 1:

3 ENGL 426 History & Structures of English
3 LING 403 Intro to Linguistics

Choose 1:

3 ENGL 431 Shakespeare I
3 ENGL 432 Shakespeare II

Gen Ed Requirements

ENGL 101
ENGL 201
SPCM - 3 semseter hours
MATH - 3 semester hours
Gen Ed - Social Science (2 classes from different subjects) - 6 semester hours
Gen Ed- Arts & Humanities (2 classes from different subjects or a foreign language sequence) - 6 semester hours
Gen Ed - Natural Sciences & Lab (2 classes/corresponding labs) - 6-8 semster hours

Restricted Elective - 3 semester hours

ENGL 214 Introduction to American Indian Literature
ENGL 244 American Indians in Film and Social Media
ENGL 248 Women in Literature
ENGL 256 Literature of American West
ENGL 320 The Non-Western Novel
ENGL 406 Adolescent Literature
ENGL 411 Bible as Literature
ENGL 453 American Renaissance
ENGL 468 Contemporary Fiction
ENGL 476 Creative Writing: Fiction
ENGL 478 Creative Writing: Poetry
ENGL 482 Creative Writing II
ENGL 483 Advanced Creative Writing
ENGL 486 Rhetorical Theory & Practice

Supportive Electives

Take one course from the following prefixes. Your choice may not be used to satisfy a General Education or Major requirement, and must be from outside your major discipline:
AIS/LAKL, ANTH, GEOG, HIST, POLS, PSYC, SOC, SPCM
Take one course from the following prefixes. Your choice may not be used to satisfy a General Education or Major requirement, and must be from outside your major discipline:
ART, ARTH, ENGL, FREN, GER, HUM, MCOM, PHIL, RUSS, SPAN, THEA

Minor
A minor is required with this major plus electives to total 120 hours, of which 36 hours must be 300-400 level courses.