English and Communication Studies (ENCS)

Division of Modern Languages and Literatures

Literary study is a way to understand not just literature but life and culture. To that end majors in English and Communication Studies follow a course of study that allows them to explore a variety of written and visual forms and to study major texts in depth. They learn to read with an awareness of cultural context, to think clearly and accurately about texts, and to carry this precision into their own writing and speaking.

The Department of English and Communications Studies coordinates academic majors in four fields of concentration: English, English and Communication Studies, English with Secondary Licensure, and English as a Second Language with K-12 Licensure. In addition the Department coordinates academic minors in two fields of concentration: English and Communication Studies.

Major Requirements

The major in English consists of 39 credit hours of course work distributed across four categories.

Requirements for a major in English:

  1. Three courses are required: ENCS 300, ENCS 305, ENCS 400

    9 credit hours

  2. At least one course is required from each of the following groups:

    - ENCS 210, ENCS 211, ENCS 212
    - ENCS 330, ENCS 331
    - ENCS 240*, ENCS 241, ENCS 260, ENCS 340, ENCS 341, ENCS 350
    - ENCS 360, ENCS 450
    9 credit hours

  3. At least three courses are required from the following group. At least one of these courses must focus on British literature (ENCS 301 or 302), at least one must focus on American literature (ENCS 310 or 311), and at least one must focus on literature written before 1850 (ENCS 301 or 310):

    - ENCS 301, ENCS 302, ENCS 310, ENCS 311, ENCS 320
    9 credit hours

  4. Four other ENCS courses are required at the 200 level or above. Courses listed under categories 2 and 3 above may count toward this requirement. Please note, however, that no single course may count toward two requirements; that is, a single course may count toward either the category 2 or category 3 requirement or the category 4 requirement but not toward both.

    12 credit hours

Requirements for a major in English and Communication Studies:

The major in English and Communication Studies consists of 39 credit hours of course work distributed across four categories. In addition, the major requires THE 106 as a required related course.

  1. Three courses are required: ENCS 300, ENCS 305, ENCS 400

    9 credit hours

  2. At least one course is required from each of the following groups:

    - ENCS 210, ENCS 211, ENCS 212
    - ENCS 330, ENCS 331
    - ENCS 240*, ENCS 241, ENCS 260, ENCS 340, ENCS 341, ENCS 350
    - ENCS 360, ENCS 450
    9 credit hours

  3. At least three courses are required from the following group. At least one of these courses must focus on British literature (ENCS 301 or 302), at least one must focus on American literature (ENCS 310 or 311), and at least one must focus on literature written before 1850 (ENCS 301 or 310):

    - ENCS 301, ENCS 302, ENCS 310, ENCS 311, ENCS 320
    9 credit hours

  4. Four other ENCS courses are required at the 200 level or above, at least three of which must come from the following group. Courses listed under categories 2 and 3 above may count toward this requirement. Please note, however, that no single course may count toward two requirements; that is, a single course may count toward either the category 2 or category 3 requirement or the category 4 requirement but not toward both:

    -ENCS 240*, ENCS 241, ENCS 260, ENCS 340, ENCS 341, ENCS 350, ENCS 360, ENCS 450, ENCS 490**

    12 credit hours

    *ENCS 240 is a 1 credit hour course that must be taken three times to satisfy this requirement.
    **ENCS 490 may be taken for either 3 or 6 credit hours; only 3 credit hours, however, may count toward the major in English and Communication Studies.

* ENCS 240 is a 1 credit hour course that must be taken three times to satisfy this requirement.
**ENCS 490 may be taken for either 3 or 6 credit hours; only 3 credit hours, however, may count toward the major in English and Communication Studies.

Minor Requirements

English. The minor in English consists of 18 credit hours (six ENCS courses) at the 200 level or above. At least three of the courses must be at the 300 or 400 level.

Communication Studies. The interdisciplinary minor in Communication Studies consists of 18 credit hours of coursework distributed as follows. The internship (ENCS 490), though not required, is strongly recommended:

- THE 106
- ENCS 330 or 331
- Two courses** from ENCS 240, ENCS 241, ENCS 340, ENCS 341, ENSC 350, ENCS 360, ENCS 450
- Two courses** from BUS 351, ENCS 240*, ENCS 241, ENCS 340, ENCS 341, ENCS 350, ENCS 360, ENCS 450, ENCS 490***

* ENCS 240 is a 1 credit hour course that must be taken three times to satisfy this requirement.
** This course may count for credit in either grouping 3 or grouping 4 but not in both.
***ENCS 490 may be taken for either 3 or 6 credit hours; only 3 credit hours, however, may count toward the major in English and Communication Studies.

Teacher Education Program in English

Requirements for a major in English with Secondary Licensure:

The major in English with Secondary Licensure consists of 39 credit hours of course work distributed across the following four categories:

  1. Seven courses are required: ENCS 300, ENCS 305, ENCS 308, ENCS 330, ENCS 331, ENCS 344, ENCS 400

    21 credit hours

  2. At least one course is required from each of the following groups:

    - ENCS 210, ENCS 211, ENCS 212
    - ENCS 240*, ENCS 241, ENCS 260, ENCS 340, ENCS 341, ENCS 350, ENCS 360
    6 credit hours
    * ENCS 240 is a 1 credit hour course that must be taken three times to satisfy this requirement.

  3. At least three courses are required from the following group. At least one of these courses must focus on British literature (ENCS 301 or 302), at least one must focus on American literature (ENCS 310 or 311), and at least one must focus on literature written before 1850 (ENCS 301 or 310):

    - ENCS 301, ENCS 302, ENCS 310, ENCS 311, ENCS 320
    9 credit hours

  4. One other ENCS course is required at the 200 level or above. Courses listed under categories 2 and 3 above may satisfy this requirement. Please note, however, that no single course may count toward two requirements; that is, a single course may count toward either the category 2 or category 3 requirement or the category 4 requirement but not toward both.

    3 credit hours

Secondary Licensure requires, in addition, the following professional courses: *ENCS 308.1, *ENCS 331.1, EDU 200, EDU 200.1, EDU 200.3, EDU 325, EDU 375, SPED 211.1, SPED 211 or SPED 353 or *SPED 367, PSY 233, *PSY 315, PE 223, *EDU 400, *EDU 494.3, *EDU 494 and an additional fieldwork in British or American literature.

* Requires admission to Teacher Education

The following courses, which may be taken as part of the general education requirement, also are recommended: BIO 101, 102; HIST 101 or 102; HIST 141 or 142; POL 201 or 202; SOC 308; and take two from the following: ART 100; MUS 111; THE 106.

Students seeking teacher licensure must obtain at least a grade of C in each and all professional education and specialty area courses. No Pass/Fail grades will be accepted. Students are required to complete all professional/specialty courses prior to student teaching.

For information on additional teacher education requirements, procedures, and timelines, consult the section of the Catalog entitled Education, as well as the Teacher Education, Student Orientation, and Fieldwork Experiences Handbooks available from the English Coordinator to the Teacher Education Program. Copies are also on reserve in the library. Students desiring SDPI licensure should be aware that graduation with licensure will require more than the minimum 124 semester hours.

Courses in English and Communication Studies

ENCS 100 Introduction to Academic Discourse (6)

In this course students should acquire the textual knowledge and develop the textual skills required for entrance to ENCS 101. This course emphasizes the complementary relationships among reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. Entering students may be required to take this course upon the recommendation of the Admissions Office or the English faculty or upon receiving an unsatisfactory score on the freshman preregistration essay. Offered every Fall Semester.

ENCS 101 Academic Discourse I (3)

In this course students should acquire the textual knowledge and develop the textual skills that will enable them to do academic work at the college level. The course emphasizes the complementary relationships among reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in ENCS 100 or a passing score on the freshman preregistration essay. Required for General Education (or ENCS 104). Offered every semester.

ENCS 102 Academic Discourse II (3)

In this course students continue to acquire the textual knowledge and develop the textual skills that will enable them to do academic work at the college level. The course emphasizes the complementary relationships among reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. In particular, students learn techniques of formal presentation, methods of research and argument, and strategies for using information technologies. Required for General Education. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in ENCS 101 or 104. Offered every semester.

ENCS 104 Transitions (3)

In this course, designed for adult students, students should acquire the textual knowledge and develop the textual skills that will enable them to do academic work at the college level. This course emphasizes the complementary relationships among reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. May be substituted for ENCS 101. Required for General Education (or ENCS 101). Offered every semester.

ENCS 105 Review of English Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics (1)

This practical workshop includes a review of English grammar, usage, and mechanics (basic editing, punctuation, capitalization, etc.). This class will meet twice a week. No prerequisites. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. May not be repeated for credit. Offered every semester.

ENCS 200 Introduction to Literature (3)

This course introduces students to the college-level study of literature. By focusing on a thematically arranged selection of literary texts, students will develop their ability to read closely and to understand the relations between literary texts and a variety of historical and/or literary contexts. Satisfies Literature requirement for General Education. Prerequisite: ENCS 102 or equivalent. Offered every semester.

ENCS 210 Topics in Comparative Literature (3)

This course provides a comparative introduction to world literature in translation, including African, Asian, European, and North and South American literatures. Selected major works from various regions are analyzed with an emphasis on understanding how literature can express the particular values, ideas, and traditions of different cultures. Satisfies Literature requirement for General Education, and for education majors, the world component. Prerequisite: ENCS 102 or equivalent. Offered Spring Semester 2003 and Fall Semester 2003.

ENCS 211 Origins of World Drama (3)

This course provides an introduction to the literary study of dramatic works in their cultural contexts, from the ancient Greeks to 1800. Selected plays from several different regions of the world are read (in English translation) with an emphasis on understanding how drama expresses the particular values, ideas, and traditions of a culture. Satisfies the Literature requirement for General Education, and for education majors, the world component. Prerequisite: ENCS 102 or equivalent. Offered Spring Semesters, 2004 and 2006.

ENCS 212 Modern World Drama (3)

This course provides an introduction to the literary study of modern dramatic works in their cultural contexts, from 1800 to the present. Selected plays from several different regions of the world are read (in English translation) with an emphasis on understanding how drama expresses the particular values, ideas, and traditions of a culture. Satisfies the Literature requirement for General Education, and for education majors, the world component. Prerequisite: ENCS 102 or equivalent. Offered Fall Semesters, 2004 and 2006.

ENCS 240 Publications (1)

This course applies the principles of the editorial process to student publications on campus, which serve as a public laboratory for students to practice and refine their knowledge and skills as editors and writers. Students are required to hold positions on either the student newspaper or the literary magazine. The course provides students with hands-on experience in editorial management, writing, reporting, editing, page design, and distribution. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Placement in ENCS 101 or 104 or equivalent. Offered every semester.

ENCS 241 Introduction to Journalism and Communications Studies (3)

This course offers an introduction to journalism and communication studies, looking at the elements of news writing and major trends in the mass media. Instruction emphasizes interviewing and reporting on events along with discussion of basic press law and the role and responsibility of the media in American politics and society. Students are encouraged to submit their story assignments to college and local publications. Prerequisite: ENCS 102 or equivalent. Offered every Spring Semester.

ENCS 260 Introduction to Film (3)

This course introduces students to the study of cinema as both a language and an art form. It examines historically the various landmark genres and schools of filmmaking, while also exposing students more generally to the aesthetic, political, and ideological dimensions of the medium. Screenings will span the silent and sound eras, as well as fiction and documentary, with a focus on American and English language films. A significant emphasis will be placed on the students' written and oral responses to viewing. Same as CIN 260. Prerequisite: ENCS 102 or equivalent. Satisfies Literature General Education requirement. Offered alternate Spring Semesters, 2004 and 2006.

ENCS 300 Methods of Literary Study (3)

This course introduces students to the major in English and Communication Studies and to the terms, critical approaches, and research methodologies necessary for the serious study of literary texts. Required for English and English and Communication Studies majors. Prerequisite: 200-level literature course or permission of instructor. Offered Fall Semesters, 2003 and 2005.

ENCS 301 Topics in British Literature I (3)

This course invites students to explore the foundations of English literature, ranging from the heroic adventures of Beowulf to the epic battle between Satan and God in Milton's Paradise Lost. We will use a topic involving the human condition as our guide into the imaginative universe of quest literature, the epic, the romance, courtly love poetry, and tales of knights and pilgrims. Prerequisite: 200-level literature course. Offered Fall Semesters, 2003 and 2005.

ENCS 301.1, 302.1, 310.1, 311.1, 320.1 Fieldwork Component (1)

Required for all students seeking teacher licensure in English education. Offered every semester.

Early fieldwork is a series of involved experiences sequentially planned to allow developmental opportunities for prospective teachers in actual classroom situations. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation for fieldwork assignments.

ENCS 302 Topics in British Literature II (3)

Both chaos and order mark the start of our literature, which begins with the English Civil War and the Restoration of 1660, and ends with the early Modernists of World War I. What we call the novel was invented during this period, so we will read several classic novels. The course will also teach students how to read and understand a variety of poetic forms, from satire and mock-epic to the Romantic lyric. Prerequisite: 200-level literature course. Offered Fall Semesters, 2004 and 2006.

ENCS 305 Shakespeare (3)

This course explores a selection of Shakespeare's comedies, histories, and tragedies in their historical, cultural, and literary contexts. Attention is given to the plays' theatrical as well as their literary qualities. Required for English and English and Communications Studies majors. Prerequisite: 200-level literature course. Offered Fall Semesters, 2004 and 2006.

ENCS 308 Pedagogy of English (9-12) (3)

This course is designed to assist students in developing methods and techniques for teaching Language Arts/English at the middle school or secondary level. Study includes procedures and materials related to reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing skills. Adaptations for special populations are considered. Required for secondary licensure. Prerequisite: ENCS 102 or equivalent and admission to the Teacher Education Program. Offered Fall Semesters, 2003 and 2005.

ENCS 310 Topics in American Literature I (3)

This course examines various aspects of American Literature from its beginnings to 1865, with a particular emphasis on understanding how the values, ideas, and traditions of American culture were formed and then transformed by early American writers. Prerequisite: 200-level literature course. Offered Spring Semesters, 2003 and 2005.

ENCS 311 Topics in American Literature II (3)

This course examines various aspects of American Literature from the end of the American Civil War to the beginning of World War I, with an emphasis on understanding how the ideas and values expressed in Realism and Naturalism influenced American culture. Prerequisite: 200-level literature course. Offered Spring Semesters, 2004 and 2006.

ENCS 320 Topics in Twentieth-Century British and American Literature (3)

This course explores British and American literature of the twentieth century, emphasizing the relations between literary texts and their historical, cultural, and literary contexts. The focus of the course will vary from offering to offering. Possible foci include such topics as the Emergence of Modernism, the Emergence of Postmodernism, Literary Responses to War, Contemporary Short Fiction, the Literature of Protest, and Gender and Race. Prerequisite: 200-level literature course. Offered Spring Semesters, 2004 and 2006.

ENCS 330 Modern English (3)

This course is a study of English linguistics emphasizing grammar through the traditional, structural and transformational approaches. It includes phonetics, phonemics, morphemics, syntax, semantics, dialectology, linguistic geography and usage. It is designed to provide student competency in teaching grammar for the secondary schools and is required for secondary licensure in English. Prerequisite: ENCS 102 or equivalent. Offered Fall Semesters, 2004 and 2006.

ENCS 331 Introduction to Linguistics (3)

This course covers the basic principles of language study, including a history of the English language. Among the topics covered are word origins; linguistic developments; the study of dialect, structure, and meaning; and the social use of language in its oral and written forms. This course will examine the influence of power, race, class, and gender on the development of languages through and across time. Required for secondary licensure in English. Prerequisite: ENCS 102 or equivalent. Offered Fall Semesters, 2003 and 2005.

ENCS 331.1 Fieldwork Component (1)

Required for all students seeking teacher licensure in English education. For course description, see ENCS 301.1. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Program. Offered Fall Semesters, 2004 and 2006.

ENCS 340 Business and Administrative Communication (3)

This workshop provides extensive practice in business and administrative communication for professionals using computer technology to produce different types of correspondence, formal written reports and oral presentations, and effective resumes and job application letters. Prerequisite: ENCS 102 or equivalent. Offered every semester.

ENCS 341 Creative Writing (3)

This practical workshop uses the principles of creative writing, including study of diction, style, description, narration, dialogue, characterization, plotting, vision and marketing in stories, poetry and drama, to produce student manuscripts. Prerequisite: ENCS 102 or equivalent. Offered Spring Semesters, 2004 and 2006.

ENCS 344 Literature for Adolescents (3)

This course provides an overview of nineteenth- and twentieth-century literature for adolescents, tracing the literary, social and cultural forces that have influenced its development. This course will emphasize extensive reading, paying special attention to the relationship between texts and the developmental stages of adolescence. Required for middle grades language arts and secondary English licensure. Satisfies Literature General Education requirement. Prerequisite: ENCS 102 or equivalent. Offered Fall Semesters, 2004 and 2006.

ENCS 350 Web Authoring: The Rhetoric of Electronic Textuality (3)

This course introduces students to the principles of electronic textuality and Web authoring. Students will explore ideas about how online writing and virtual communication change the way we read, write, and even experience our reality. We will examine different rhetorical and media theories regarding the relations among virtuality, textuality, and materiality, as well as how these concepts can be applied to different situations, social contexts, and audiences. As part of the course, students will learn basic HTML (hypertext markup language), construct their own Web pages, and participate in various online communities. All classes will meet in a computer lab. Prerequisite: ENCS 102 or equivalent. Offered Spring Semesters, 2003 and 2005.

ENCS 360 World Cinema (3)

This course introduces students to the scholarly study of cinematic works from nations and communities outside the United States. Both art and commercial films from around the globe, including Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa, will be screened in order to expose students to divergent cinematic styles, as well as to culturally and politically formed modes of expression. A significant emphasis will be placed on the students' written and oral responses to viewing. Same as CIN 360. Prerequisite: ENCS 102 or equivalent. Satisfies the Global Perspective and Literature. General Education requirements: Offered Spring Semesters, 2003 and 2005.

ENCS 400 Senior Seminar (3)

This course is a retrospective, integrative seminar designed to allow seniors to further the skills and consolidate the knowledge acquired during their years as English and Communication Studies majors. Intensive study of a genre, a major figure, or a special topic will involve the students in frequent discussions in a small class setting, a variety of oral presentations, and individual research projects culminating in a substantial paper. Required of all English and English and Communication Studies majors. Prerequisite: Senior standing. Offered every Spring Semester.

ENCS 443 Theory, Problems, and Pedagogy of Reading and Writing for the English Language Learner (3)

The course examines the teaching of contemporary British and American written discourse. Focus will be on reading and composition theory; curriculum; purpose, audience, structure, and development of texts; modes of discourse; assessment; evaluation; direct instruction and interventions; and issues particular to English language learning students from various language typologies and at various levels of competency in written and spoken English. Special populations, exceptionalities, and technology will also be addressed. Prerequisite: ENCS 102.

ENCS 450 Special Topics (3)

This course explores special topics in English and Communication Studies. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: 200-level ENCS. Offered periodically based on student need.

ENCS 490 Internship in Communication Studies (3-6)

The internship provides the opportunity for advanced students to apply their theoretical knowledge while acquiring practical skills in the field of communication studies. Three credit hours of internship may count toward the major in English and Communication Studies or the minor in Communication Studies. Prerequisite: faculty approval. Offered every semester as needed.