English Major

Chair: Heather Hicks, Ph.D.
Office Location: 402 Saint Augustine Center
Telephone: 610-519-4630
Website

About

The English department believes that skillful, self-aware reading, writing, and thinking provide a foundation for meaningful living. We seek to develop forms of analysis and expression that are both critical and creative and that help us comprehend the multiple cultural practices and values of the twenty-first century. Villanova English majors acquire a broad understanding of Anglophone literary history as well as familiarity with the major genres of the tradition. A department of accomplished scholars, we focus on undergraduate education and make our majors the center of pedagogy. While preserving the value of literature as a cultural form, we cultivate in our students the analytical skills necessary for negotiating today’s rapidly changing world.

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

There is no prerequisite to the major, but we strongly recommend that you take English 3001 (Foundational Literature in English I) early, since it will introduce you to writers, texts, and issues that are crucial to most subsequent courses.

Required Major Courses (33 credits)

English majors take a range of courses, from required courses (chosen from a number of possibilities) that provide a sense of the historical range and diversity of literature in English to electives covering contemporary writers, film, creative writing, and many more topics. Students can also form tracks (such as Professional Writing, World Literature, or Race and Ethnicity) within the major. English courses are particularly well-suited to helping students become better readers, writers, and analytical thinkers; because of those skills, and because of the breadth of literature, English courses are valuable in all aspects of our lives.

Program Notes:

  • “Special Topics” signifies that the specific focus of the course varies by semester.

Course
Title
Credits
Post-1800 Literature Course  +
6
English Electives 1800 and Above  +
15
Sub-Total Credits
33

Core Curriculum Requirements (44 credits)

Course
Title
Credits
Mathematics or Statistics (1 course)  +
3
Natural Science (2 courses with laboratory)  +
8
Literature and Writing Seminar (1 course)  +
3
History (1 course)   +
3
Social Sciences (2 courses)  +
6
Fine Arts (1 course)  +
3
Upper-Level Theology (1 course)  +
3
Language Requirement  +
Diversity Requirement (2 courses)  +
Sub-Total Credits
44

Free Elective Requirement (45 credits)

Students with an English primary major have forty-five (45) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 33 credits
  • Core Credits: 44 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 45 credits
  • Total Required Credits: 122 Credits

Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare English as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements. 

Total Credits:
33

 

Disclaimer:
The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Summer 2024 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived catalog available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

Overview

Program

Type

Bachelor of Arts

Curriculum Guide

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