Majoring in English provides students with a wealth of intellectual and practical learning, a foundation to future success. In today's high-technology, interconnected world, the ability to read carefully, think imaginatively, understand others, and communicate across all types of platforms and formats is essential.
Students in the English major at UWM get to choose a track and focus their studies on an area of particular interest:
- Literature and Cultural Theory - where the reading and analysis of literature is emphasized
- Rhetoric and Writing - a broad field that includes writing for different genres
- Creative Writing - ideal for students who love fiction and poetry
- Professional and Technical Writing - with an emphasis on business documentation
- Media, Cinema, and Digital Studies - includes the many forms of communicating through media such as film, tv, games, and the web
Can't choose? In the open focus track of the major, students take a little bit of everything.
In small classes, our students learn to understand the power and possibilities of the English language across the centuries and around the world. Students learn to think critically, write persuasively, argue logically, delve deeply into history, and explore their own creativity. Students are challenged to examine their own assumptions, sharpen their writing, and learn how to read and understand even the most difficult works, from fiction to philosophy.
Course of Study – Bachelor of Arts Degree
Complete 120 credits including 90 credits in the College of Letters & Science and with 36 of the 90 credits in L&S upper-level (numbered above 300) courses. The College requires that students must complete in residence at UWM at least 15 credits in upper-division (numbered 300 or above) courses in their major. Students are also required to complete University-wide General Education Requirements and the specific L&S requirements listed below.
To complete a major, students must satisfy all the requirements of the major as stated in this catalog. Students who declare their majors within five years of entering the UW System as a degree candidate may satisfy the requirements outlined in any catalog issued since the time they entered. Credits used to satisfy the major also may be used to satisfy other degree requirements.
University General Education Requirements (GER)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Oral and Written Communication | ||
| Part A | ||
| Achieve a grade of C or better in the following course: | ||
| ENGLISH 102 | College Writing and Research (or equivalent) | |
| Part B | ||
| Course designated as OWC-B; may be completed through a major-specific course requirement | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Part A | ||
| Earn at least 3 credits with a grade of C or higher in one of the following courses or an equivalent course, or achieve a placement code of at least 30 on the mathematics placement test (or other appropriate test, as determined by the Mathematical Sciences Department) | ||
| Mathematical Literacy for College Students II | ||
| Contemporary Applications of Mathematics | ||
| Introduction to College Algebra | ||
| Algebraic Literacy II | ||
| Introduction to Logic - Critical Reasoning 1 | ||
or PHILOS 111 | Introduction to Logic - Critical Reasoning | |
| College Algebra | ||
Or equivalent course | ||
| Part B | ||
| Course designated as QL-B; may be completed through a major-specific course requirement | ||
| Arts | ||
| Select 3 credits | 3 | |
| Humanities | ||
| Select 6 credits | 6 | |
| Social Sciences | ||
| Select 6 credits | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| Select 6 credits (at least two courses including one lab) | 6 | |
| UWM Foreign Language Requirement | ||
| Complete Foreign Language Requirement through: | ||
Two years (high school) of a single foreign language | ||
Two semesters (college) of a single foreign language | ||
Or equivalent | ||
| UWM Cultural Diversity Requirement | ||
| One course from the Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences must also satisfy UWM's Cultural Diversity requirement | ||
- 1
Math 111 and Philosophy 111 are jointly offered and count as repeats of one another. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.
College of Letters & Science Requirements
I. English Composition Requirement
Students must satisfy the English Composition Requirement with one of the following options:
1) Completing ENGLISH 102 with a grade of C or higher; or
2) by placing beyond ENGLISH 102 on the English Placement Test (EPT) (or other assessment as determined by the English Department); or
3) transferring a course of at least 2.5 equivalent credits from another institution that is equivalent to English 102, or a UWM higher-level expository writing course, with a grade of C or higher.
Note: This requirement is the same as the University General Education Requirement for Oral and Written Communication Part A. The College of Letters & Science does not have a specific requirement for a writing course beyond English 102, but students must complete the university-wide requirement for Oral and Written Communication Part B listed above.
II. Mathematics and Formal Reasoning
To satisfy the Mathematics and Formal Reasoning Requirement, students must satisfy the following two requirements:
1. Achieve a placement code of at least 30 on the mathematics placement test (or other appropriate test, as determined by the Mathematical Sciences Department) or earn at least 3 credits with a grade of C or higher in one of the following courses or an equivalent course:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 102 | Mathematical Literacy for College Students II | 3 |
| MATH 103 | Contemporary Applications of Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 105 | Introduction to College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 108 | Algebraic Literacy II | 3 |
| MATH 111 | Introduction to Logic - Critical Reasoning 1 | 3 |
| or PHILOS 111 | Introduction to Logic - Critical Reasoning | |
| MATH 116 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 175 | Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers I | 3 |
- 1
Math 111 and Philosophy 111 are jointly offered and count as repeats of one another. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.
Note: This requirement is the same as the University General Education Requirement for Quantitative Literacy Part A, listed above.
2. Complete one course (at least 3 credits) at the 200 level or above chosen from courses in Mathematics, PHILOS 211, or Letters and Science statistics courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | ||
3 or more credits in any 200-level or above Math course | ||
| Introduction to Statistics in African and African Diaspora Studies | ||
| Introduction to Anthropological Statistics | ||
| Biostatistics | ||
| Economic Statistics | ||
| Quantitative Analysis in Geography | ||
| The Quantitative Analysis of Historical Data | ||
| Elementary Statistical Analysis | ||
| Elementary Logic | ||
| Political Data Analysis | ||
| Survey Research | ||
| Psychological Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Thinking in Sociology | ||
Note: This requirement is NOT the same as the University General Education Requirement for Quantitative Literacy Part B. To complete the BA, students must take one of the L&S approved courses. Not all of the courses listed here will satisfy the QL-B requirement.
III. Foreign Language Requirement
Placement testing may be used to satisfy all or part of this requirement. Language courses (including American Sign Language) other than English taken in high school may be used to satisfy all or part of this requirement. One year of high school language equates to one semester of college work.
Completion of the L&S Language Requirement also satisfies the university-wide Foreign Language GER, but not vice versa.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Completed in one of the following ways: | 0-18 | |
Successful completion of the 4th semester of college work or equivalent in one language other than English (including American Sign Language) | ||
Successful completion of the 3rd semester of college work or equivalent in one language other than English (including American Sign Language) PLUS the 2nd semester of college work or equivalent in another language other than English (including American Sign Language) | ||
IV. International Requirement
See Approved Courses for the L&S International Requirement for course options.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Completed in one of the following ways: | 9 | |
Complete 3 courses (min. 9 cr) in a single foreign language (not including literature-in-translation or American Sign Language) at the 3rd semester level and above | ||
Complete 3 non-language courses (min. 9 credits) with an international content chosen from at least 2 curricular areas. | ||
Complete 9 credits in combination of the two options above. | ||
V. Breadth Requirement
Along with completing the University General Education Requirements of 3 credits in the Arts (A); 6 credits in the Humanities (HU), Social Sciences (SS), and Natural Sciences (NS/NS+); and a course with the Cultural Diversity (CD/+) designation, L&S students must complete the Breadth requirement.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts | ||
| Select 3 credits | 3 | |
| Humanities | ||
| Complete 12 credits of L&S courses with Humanities Breadth designation; no more than 6 credits from a single subject area. * | 12 | |
| Social Sciences | ||
| Complete 12 credits of L&S Courses with Social Science Breadth designation; no more than 6 credits from a single curricular area. * | 12 | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| Complete 12 credits of L&S Courses with Natural Sciences Breadth designation, including at least one laboratory or field course; no more than 6 credits from a single curricular area. * | 12 | |
| Cultural Diversity | ||
| Complete 3 credits in a course with Cultural Diversity (CD) designation. ** | 3 | |
- *
Students should check their course selections carefully with the list of approved L&S Breadth Courses. Students are advised to select at least 6 credits worth of courses in each of the Humanities, Social Science, and Natural Sciences areas that can satisfy both the campus-wide General Education Requirements and the L&S Breadth requirement.
- **
Students are advised to select a course that satisfies the Cultural Diversity requirement as well as a Humanities or Social Science breadth/GER requirement.
VI. The Major
The College of Letters and Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA in all credits in the major attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work. Individual departments or programs may require higher GPAs for graduation. Some departmental majors require courses from other departments. Contact your major department for information on whether those credits will count as part of the major GPA. The College requires that students must complete in residence at UWM at least 15 credits in upper-division (numbered 300 or above) courses in their major.
Research Requirement
Within their majors, students must complete a research experience approved by the L&S faculty. A list of courses satisfying the research requirement in each major can be found here.
VII. The Minor
The College of Letters and Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA in all credits in the minor attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all minor credits attempted, including any transfer work.
English Major Requirements
Prospective majors are expected to consult with the associate chair for undergraduate studies in designing a program that satisfies their individual interests, abilities, and ambitions; if appropriate, a particular requirement may be waived to meet a student’s special programmatic needs. English majors intending to continue their studies in graduate school are urged to plan with the coordinator a program that meets graduate school expectations and prepares them for the Graduate Record Exam.
Students entering with advanced standing are required to earn at least 15 credits in English courses numbered 300 and above while in residence at UWM.
Credit Requirements
All courses taken towards the major must be at or above the 300 level unless otherwise noted. Students must complete at least 15 upper-division (numbered 300 and above) credits in the major in residence at UWM. The College requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work.
English majors also must complete one of the following tracks. In each track, in their senior year, majors complete a capstone course or senior seminar. This course includes one or more in-depth writing assignments or projects that include a research component, which satisfies the research requirement for the L&S degree.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Tracks | ||
| Select one of the following tracks: | 36 | |
Track A: Literature and Cultural Theory | ||
Track B: Rhetoric and Professional Writing | ||
Track C: Creative Writing | ||
Track H: Media, Cinema, and Digital Studies | ||
Track O: Open Focus | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Tracks
Track A: Literary and Cultural Theory
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGLISH 215 | Introduction to English Studies | 3 |
| Select one of the following in English literature from before 1900 and one in pre-1800 literature: | 6 | |
| Survey of English Literature, Beginnings to 1500 | ||
| Survey of English Literature, 1500-1660 | ||
| Survey of English Literature, 1660-1798 | ||
| Survey of English Literature, 1798-1900 | ||
| Chaucer | ||
| Shakespeare | ||
| Milton | ||
| Writers in Drama: | ||
| Writers in English Literature, 1500-1660: | ||
| Writers in English Literature, 1660-1798: | ||
| Writers in English Literature, 1798-1900: | ||
| Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Literature: | ||
| Studies in Literature, 1500-1660: | ||
| Studies in Literature, 1660-1800: | ||
| Studies in Literature, 1800-1900: | ||
| Studies in Shakespeare: | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Survey of American Literature to 1865 | ||
| Survey of American Literature, 1865-1965 | ||
| Writers in American Literature, 1500-1900: | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Survey of Current Literary and Cultural Theory | ||
| Classical Film Criticism and Theory | ||
| Theories of Digital Culture: | ||
| Feminist Media Criticism and Theory: | ||
| Theories of Language and Literature: | ||
| The Rhetoric of Argument | ||
| Studies in the History of Literary Criticism: | ||
| Studies in Theory and Criticism: | ||
| Seminar in Critical Theory: | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Survey of Irish Literature | ||
| LGBTQ+ Literature: | ||
| Survey of American Indian Literature | ||
| Survey of Ethnic Minority Literature | ||
| Survey of U.S. Latino/a Literature | ||
| Survey of Asian American Literature | ||
| Survey of African-American Literature to 1930 | ||
| Survey of African-American Literature, 1930 to the Present | ||
| World Literatures Written in English: | ||
| Writers in African-American Literature: | ||
| Women Writers: | ||
| Studies in African-American Literature: | ||
| Studies in Irish Literature: | ||
| Studies in American Indian Literature: | ||
| Studies in Ethnic Minority Literature: | ||
| Studies in World Literature Written in English: | ||
| Studies in U.S. Latino/a Literature: | ||
| Studies in Asian-American Literature: | ||
| Seminar in Irish Literature: | ||
| Seminar in Literature by Women: | ||
| Seminar in Literature and Sexuality: | ||
| Seminar in African-American Literature: | ||
| Seminar in American Indian Literature: | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Fiction Workshop | ||
| Poetry Workshop | ||
| Advanced Writing Workshop | ||
| Topics in Advanced Communications: | ||
| Creative Nonfiction for Publication | ||
| Editing and Publishing | ||
| Rhetoric and Professional Writing | ||
| Technical Documentation | ||
| Project Management for Professional Writers | ||
| Advanced Research Writing | ||
| Advanced Workshop in Fiction | ||
| Advanced Workshop in Poetry: | ||
| Select one of the following capstone seminars (satisfies L&S research requirement): | 3 | |
| Seminar in the Art of Literature: | ||
| Seminar in the Literature of England: | ||
| Seminar in Irish Literature: | ||
| Seminar in American Literature: | ||
| Seminar in Modern Literature: | ||
| Seminar in Literary History: | ||
| Seminar in Critical Theory: | ||
| Seminar in Literature and Culture: | ||
| Seminar in Literature by Women: | ||
| Seminar in Literature and Sexuality: | ||
| Seminar in Literature and the Other Arts: | ||
| Seminar in African-American Literature: | ||
| Seminar in American Indian Literature: | ||
| Seminar in Rhetoric and Professional Writing: | ||
| Honors Seminar: | ||
| 9 credits in English electives are required for the major. Students can take 9 credits at the 300 level and above, or 6 credits at the 300 level and above, and 3 credits in a 200-level literature course selected from the following: | 9 | |
| English Writers to 1800 | ||
| English Writers, 1800 to the Present | ||
| American Writers: 1900 to the Present | ||
| Introduction to Modern Literature: | ||
| Introduction to Literature by Women: | ||
| The Life, Times, and Work of a Literary Artist: | ||
| Literature and Human Experience: | ||
| Literature and Contemporary Life: | ||
| Fantasy in Literature: | ||
| Science Fiction: | ||
| Introduction to Poetry: | ||
| Introduction to Short Stories: | ||
| Introduction to Drama: | ||
| Introduction to the Novel: | ||
| Introduction to Cultural Studies: | ||
| Literary Forms and Genres: | ||
| Introduction to American Indian Literature: | ||
| Introduction to Ethnic Minority Literature: | ||
| Introduction to World Literatures Written in English: | ||
| Introduction to U.S. Latino/a Literature: | ||
| Introduction to Asian-American Literature: | ||
| Introduction to African-American Literature: | ||
| Modern Irish Language and Literature in Translation | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Track B: Rhetoric and Professional Writing
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| ENGLISH 215 | Introduction to English Studies | 3 |
| ENGLISH 240 | Rhetoric, Writing, and Culture: | 3 |
| ENGLISH 310 | Writing, Speaking, and Technoscience in the 21st Century | 3 |
| ENGLISH 633 | Seminar in Rhetoric and Professional Writing: (subtitle) (capstone seminar experience) (satisfies L&S research requirement) | 3 |
| Select 18 credits in Rhetoric, Professional Writing, and Media Studies (only 6 credits may be at the 200-level) | 18 | |
| Business Writing | ||
| Technical Writing | ||
| Health Science Writing | ||
| Game Culture | ||
| Media and Society: | ||
| Introduction to English Linguistics | ||
| Language, Power, and Identity | ||
| Professional and Technical Communications Research | ||
| Writing for Nonprofits | ||
| Topics in Advanced Communications: (Rhetorical History and Theory) | ||
| The Rhetoric of Argument | ||
| Advanced Writing Workshop | ||
| Creative Nonfiction for Publication | ||
| Rhetoric and Professional Writing | ||
| Technical Documentation | ||
| Project Management for Professional Writers | ||
| Editing and Publishing | ||
| Information Design | ||
| Grant Writing | ||
| Technical Editing | ||
| Global Business Communications | ||
| Technical Communications Theory and Practice | ||
| Internship in the Humanities | ||
| Select 6 credits in Diversity and Community Studies | 6 | |
| World Cinema: | ||
| LGBTQ+ Literature: | ||
| Survey of American Indian Literature | ||
| Survey of Ethnic Minority Literature | ||
| Survey of U.S. Latino/a Literature | ||
| Survey of Asian American Literature | ||
| Survey of African-American Literature to 1930 | ||
| Survey of African-American Literature, 1930 to the Present | ||
| World Literatures Written in English: | ||
| Writers in African-American Literature: | ||
| Women Writers: | ||
| Studies in African-American Literature: | ||
| Studies in American Indian Literature: | ||
| Studies in Ethnic Minority Literature: | ||
| Studies in World Literature Written in English: | ||
| Studies in U.S. Latino/a Literature: | ||
| Studies in Asian-American Literature: | ||
| The Story Experience | ||
| Seminar in Literature by Women: | ||
| Seminar in Literature and Sexuality: | ||
| Seminar in African-American Literature: | ||
| Seminar in American Indian Literature: | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Track C: Creative Writing
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGLISH 215 | Introduction to English Studies | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Creative Writing | ||
| Writing Fiction: Structure and Technique | ||
| Writing Poetry: Forms, Styles, Voices | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| Special Topics in Creative Writing: | ||
| Fiction Workshop | ||
| Poetry Workshop | ||
| Literary Journal Production | ||
| Poetry and the Creative Process | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| The Art of Fiction: | ||
| The Development of the Novel: | ||
| The Development of the Short Story | ||
| Forms of Experimental Literature: | ||
| Film and Literature | ||
| The Development of Drama: | ||
| Comedy: | ||
| Tragedy: | ||
| Modern Drama: | ||
| The Art of Poetry: | ||
| The Development of Poetry: | ||
| Survey of Current Literary and Cultural Theory | ||
| Readings for Writers: | ||
| Literature and the Other Arts: | ||
| Studies in Theory and Criticism: | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Survey of English Literature, Beginnings to 1500 | ||
| Survey of English Literature, 1500-1660 | ||
| Survey of English Literature, 1660-1798 | ||
| Chaucer | ||
| Shakespeare | ||
| Milton | ||
| Writers in English Literature, 1500-1660: | ||
| Writers in English Literature, 1660-1798: | ||
| Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Literature: | ||
| Studies in Literature, 1500-1660: | ||
| Studies in Literature, 1660-1800: | ||
| Studies in Shakespeare: | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Survey of English Literature, 1798-1900 | ||
| Survey of English Literature: 1900 to the Present | ||
| Survey of Irish Literature | ||
| Survey of American Literature to 1865 | ||
| Survey of American Literature, 1865-1965 | ||
| Survey of Contemporary American Literature | ||
| LGBTQ+ Literature: | ||
| Survey of American Indian Literature | ||
| Survey of Ethnic Minority Literature | ||
| Survey of U.S. Latino/a Literature | ||
| Survey of Asian American Literature | ||
| Survey of African-American Literature, 1930 to the Present | ||
| World Literatures Written in English: | ||
| Writers in Drama: | ||
| Writers in English Literature, 1798-1900: | ||
| Writers in English Literature, 1900 to the Present: | ||
| Writers in American Literature, 1500-1900: | ||
| Writers in American Literature, 1900 to the Present: (subtitle) | ||
| Writers in African-American Literature: | ||
| Women Writers: | ||
| Studies in Literature, 1800-1900: | ||
| Studies in Literature, 1900 to the Present: | ||
| Studies in African-American Literature: | ||
| Studies in Irish Literature: | ||
| Studies in American Indian Literature: | ||
| Studies in Ethnic Minority Literature: | ||
| Studies in World Literature Written in English: | ||
| Studies in U.S. Latino/a Literature: | ||
| Studies in Asian-American Literature: | ||
| American Indian Literature, Culture, and Creative Arts | ||
| Select 3 credits in an upper-level English elective | 3 | |
| ENGLISH 615 | Advanced Workshop in Fiction (capstone experience) (satisfies L&S research requirement) | 3 |
| or ENGLISH 616 | Advanced Workshop in Poetry: | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Please Note: In order to register for the ENGLISH 615 or ENGLISH 616 capstone (see below), students must have completed successfully two 400-level workshops (ENGLISH 414, ENGLISH 415, ENGLISH 416) as follows:
- Prerequisites for ENGLISH 615 fiction capstone: ENGLISH 415 and one of the following: a second section of ENGLISH 415 or ENGLISH 414 or ENGLISH 416.
- Prerequisites for ENGLISH 616 poetry capstone: ENGLISH 416 and one of the following: a second section of ENGLISH 416 or ENGLISH 414 or ENGLISH 415.
- Students may not take the two required 400-level workshops in the same semester, and they may not take either of them concurrently with ENGLISH 615/ENGLISH 616.
Track H: Media, Cinema, and Digital Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGLISH 215 | Introduction to English Studies | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Film Studies | ||
| Introduction to Television Studies | ||
| Game Culture | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Survey of English Literature, Beginnings to 1500 | ||
| Survey of English Literature, 1500-1660 | ||
| Survey of English Literature, 1660-1798 | ||
| Survey of English Literature, 1798-1900 | ||
| Survey of English Literature: 1900 to the Present | ||
| Survey of Irish Literature | ||
| Survey of American Literature to 1865 | ||
| Survey of American Literature, 1865-1965 | ||
| Survey of Contemporary American Literature | ||
| The Art of Fiction: | ||
| The Development of the Novel: | ||
| The Development of the Short Story | ||
| Forms of Experimental Literature: | ||
| LGBTQ+ Literature: | ||
| World Literatures Written in English: | ||
| Language, Power, and Identity | ||
| Special Topics in Creative Writing: | ||
| Fiction Workshop | ||
| ENGLISH 390 | Classical Film Criticism and Theory | 3 |
| or ENGLISH 391 | Television Criticism and Theory | |
| Select 12 credits in media, cinema, and digital studies (including at least 3 credits from each area and no more than 3 credits in 200-level courses): | 12 | |
| Media | ||
| Writing about Film and Television | ||
| Introduction to Television Studies (if not selected above) | ||
| Media and Society: | ||
| Television Criticism and Theory | ||
| Entertainment Industries: | ||
| Feminist Media Criticism and Theory: | ||
| Special Topics in Creative Writing: (Zines and Self-Publishing) | ||
| Topics in Advanced Communications: (with appropriate subtitle) (Contact Track H Coordinator) | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Film and Television Studies: (with appropriate subtitle) | ||
| Cinema | ||
| Writing about Film and Television | ||
| Introduction to Film Studies (if not selected above) | ||
| Women and Film | ||
| Topics in Film, Television and Digital Studies: | ||
| World Cinema: | ||
| Studies in Film and Television Authorship: | ||
| Film and Literature | ||
| Cinema, Television, and Genre: | ||
| Classical Film Criticism and Theory | ||
| Theories of Digital Culture: | ||
| Special Topics in Creative Writing: (Screenwriting – Story/Structure) | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Film and Television Studies: (with appropriate subtitle) | ||
| Global Jewish Film and Television: | ||
| Global Cinema and Media: | ||
| Screening Sexuality: | ||
| Seminar in Contemporary Cinema and Media: (if not selected as capstone) | ||
| Digital Studies | ||
| Theories of Digital Culture: | ||
| Game Culture (if not selected above) | ||
| Topics in Film, Television and Digital Studies: (Cinema and Digital Studies) | ||
| Special Topics in Creative Writing: (Animated Texts) | ||
| Technical Documentation | ||
| Literature and the Other Arts: (From Dada to the Web) | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Film and Television Studies: (with appropriate subtitle) | ||
| Select 6 credits in upper-level electives | 6 | |
| FILMSTD 690 | Seminar in Contemporary Cinema and Media: (capstone seminar experience) (satisfies L&S research requirement) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Track O: Open Focus
At least 3 credits in literature must be in a period before 1900. They can be taken in American Literature, British Literature or any other literature course in the English department. Students can take up to 9 credits in 200-level English courses to satisfy the 36 credits for the major. This includes ENGLISH 215 which is a requirement and non-substitutable. ENGLISH 192 can be substituted for 3 of the 9 credits in 200-level courses.
Students must also complete a 3 credit capstone seminar at the 600 level (612, 615 - 616, 620 - 633, 685, 690), which may be in any of the areas listed below.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGLISH 215 | Introduction to English Studies | 3 |
| American Literature | 3 | |
| Select one of the following courses in American Literature | ||
| American Writers to 1900 | ||
| American Writers: 1900 to the Present | ||
| Literary Forms and Genres: | ||
| Literature and the Other Arts: | ||
| Introduction to American Indian Literature: | ||
| Introduction to Ethnic Minority Literature: | ||
| Introduction to World Literatures Written in English: | ||
| Introduction to U.S. Latino/a Literature: | ||
| Introduction to Asian-American Literature: | ||
| Introduction to African-American Literature: | ||
| Survey of American Literature to 1865 | ||
| Survey of American Literature, 1865-1965 | ||
| Survey of Contemporary American Literature | ||
| Survey of American Indian Literature | ||
| Survey of Ethnic Minority Literature | ||
| Survey of U.S. Latino/a Literature | ||
| Survey of Asian American Literature | ||
| Survey of African-American Literature to 1930 | ||
| Survey of African-American Literature, 1930 to the Present | ||
| Writers in American Literature, 1500-1900: | ||
| Writers in American Literature, 1900 to the Present: | ||
| Writers in African-American Literature: | ||
| Studies in African-American Literature: | ||
| Studies in American Indian Literature: | ||
| Studies in Ethnic Minority Literature: | ||
| Studies in U.S. Latino/a Literature: | ||
| Studies in Asian-American Literature: | ||
| Seminar in American Literature: | ||
| Seminar in African-American Literature: | ||
| Seminar in American Indian Literature: | ||
| British Literature | 3 | |
| Select one of the following courses in British Literature | ||
| English Writers to 1800 | ||
| English Writers, 1800 to the Present | ||
| Survey of English Literature, Beginnings to 1500 | ||
| Survey of English Literature, 1500-1660 | ||
| Survey of English Literature, 1660-1798 | ||
| Survey of English Literature, 1798-1900 | ||
| Survey of English Literature: 1900 to the Present | ||
| Chaucer | ||
| Shakespeare | ||
| Studies in Shakespeare: | ||
| Seminar in Rhetoric and Professional Writing: | ||
| Milton | ||
| Writers in Drama: | ||
| Writers in English Literature, 1500-1660: | ||
| Writers in English Literature, 1660-1798: | ||
| Writers in English Literature, 1798-1900: | ||
| Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Literature: | ||
| Studies in Literature, 1500-1660: | ||
| Studies in Literature, 1660-1800: | ||
| Studies in Literature, 1800-1900: | ||
| Seminar in the Literature of England: | ||
| Minority, Women's or World Literature | 3 | |
| Select one of the following courses in Minority, Women’s or World Literature | ||
| Introduction to Literature by Women: | ||
| Introduction to American Indian Literature: | ||
| Introduction to Ethnic Minority Literature: | ||
| Introduction to World Literatures Written in English: | ||
| Introduction to U.S. Latino/a Literature: | ||
| Introduction to Asian-American Literature: | ||
| Introduction to African-American Literature: | ||
| Modern Irish Language and Literature in Translation | ||
| Survey of Irish Literature | ||
| LGBTQ+ Literature: | ||
| Survey of American Indian Literature | ||
| Survey of Ethnic Minority Literature | ||
| Survey of U.S. Latino/a Literature | ||
| Survey of Asian American Literature | ||
| Survey of African-American Literature to 1930 | ||
| Survey of African-American Literature, 1930 to the Present | ||
| World Literatures Written in English: | ||
| Writers in African-American Literature: | ||
| Women Writers: | ||
| Studies in African-American Literature: | ||
| Studies in Irish Literature: | ||
| Studies in American Indian Literature: | ||
| Studies in Ethnic Minority Literature: | ||
| Studies in World Literature Written in English: | ||
| Studies in U.S. Latino/a Literature: | ||
| Studies in Asian-American Literature: | ||
| Seminar in Irish Literature: | ||
| Seminar in Literature and Culture: | ||
| Seminar in Literature by Women: | ||
| Seminar in Literature and Sexuality: | ||
| Seminar in African-American Literature: | ||
| Seminar in American Indian Literature: | ||
| Theory and Criticism | 3 | |
| Select one of the following courses in Theory and Criticism | ||
| Survey of Current Literary and Cultural Theory | ||
| Classical Film Criticism and Theory | ||
| Television Criticism and Theory | ||
| Entertainment Industries: | ||
| Theories of Digital Culture: | ||
| Feminist Media Criticism and Theory: * | ||
| Studies in the History of Literary Criticism: | ||
| Studies in Theory and Criticism: | ||
| Seminar in Critical Theory: | ||
| Rhetoric, Professional, Technical or Creative Writing | 6 | |
| Select two of the following courses in Rhetoric, Professional, Technical or Creative Writing | ||
| Strategies for Academic Writing | ||
| Business Writing | ||
| Technical Writing | ||
| Health Science Writing | ||
| Global Englishes | ||
| Grammar and Usage | ||
| Writing in the Professions: | ||
| Introduction to Creative Writing | ||
| Rhetoric, Writing, and Culture: | ||
| Writing, Speaking, and Technoscience in the 21st Century | ||
| Introduction to English Linguistics | ||
| History of the English Language | ||
| Theories of Language and Literature: | ||
| Survey of Modern English Grammar | ||
| Language, Power, and Identity | ||
| Special Topics in Creative Writing: | ||
| Fiction Workshop | ||
| Poetry Workshop | ||
| Literary Journal Production | ||
| Advanced Business Writing | ||
| Professional and Technical Communications Research | ||
| Writing for Nonprofits | ||
| Strategic Writing for Organizations | ||
| Advanced Writing Workshop | ||
| Topics in Advanced Communications: | ||
| The Rhetoric of Argument | ||
| Creative Nonfiction for Publication | ||
| Editing and Publishing | ||
| Rhetoric and Professional Writing | ||
| Technical Documentation | ||
| Project Management for Professional Writers | ||
| Advanced Research Writing | ||
| Information Design | ||
| Writing Center Tutoring Practicum | ||
| Grant Writing | ||
| Technical Editing | ||
| The Composing Process: | ||
| Global Business Communications | ||
| Technical Communications Theory and Practice | ||
| Internship in the Humanities | ||
| Poetry and the Creative Process | ||
| Advanced Workshop in Fiction | ||
| Advanced Workshop in Poetry: | ||
| Seminar in Rhetoric and Professional Writing: | ||
| Media, Cinema, and Digital Studies | 6 | |
| Select two of the following courses in Media, Cinema, and Digital Studies | ||
| Writing about Film and Television | ||
| Introduction to Film Studies | ||
| Introduction to Television Studies | ||
| Classic Dramas in Film: | ||
| Game Culture | ||
| Women and Film | ||
| Topics in Film, Television and Digital Studies: | ||
| World Cinema: | ||
| Studies in Film and Television Authorship: | ||
| Film and Literature | ||
| Media and Society: | ||
| Cinema, Television, and Genre: | ||
| Classical Film Criticism and Theory | ||
| Television Criticism and Theory | ||
| Entertainment Industries: | ||
| Theories of Digital Culture: | ||
| Feminist Media Criticism and Theory: * | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Film and Television Studies: | ||
| Global Jewish Film and Television: | ||
| Global Cinema and Media: | ||
| Screening Sexuality: | ||
| Seminar in Contemporary Cinema and Media: | ||
| English Electives | 9 | |
| 9 credits in English electives are required for the major. | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
- *
This course is listed in more than one category. It may count in only one category.
Cross-listed Courses
The following courses offered by other departments may be used to fulfill the requirements of the undergraduate major or minor in English. Only 3 credits in courses from Communication, Theatre, Women's and Gender Studies, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Studies, and Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies will count toward the English major:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMMUN 300 | Interviewers and Interviewing | 3 |
| COMMUN 313 | Human Communication and Technology | 3 |
| COMMUN 410 | Organizational Communication Technology | 3 |
| JAMS 306 | Feature and Magazine Article Writing: | 3 |
| JAMS 562 | Media Studies and Culture | 3 |
| LGBT 599 | Selected Topics in LGBT Studies: | 3 |
| THEATRE 359 | Playwriting | 3 |
| WGS 301 | Queer Theory | 3 |
Related Courses
The following courses offered by other departments may be of interest to students in English, but may not be used to fulfill the requirements of the undergraduate major or minor in English:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMMUN 105 | Business and Professional Communication | 3 |
| JAMS 201 | Media Writing | 3 |
| JAMS 231 | Publication Design | 3 |
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors, and success coaches. Letters and Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional College Advisors and Faculty Advisors. L&S College Advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental Faculty Advisors focus on the major.
College Advisors are located in Holton Hall and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College Advisors will:
- assist you in defining your academic and life goals;
- help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals;
- assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures;
- provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate; and
- monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty Advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a Faculty Advisor when you declare your major. Faculty Advisors are an important partner and will:
- help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department;
- explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences; and
- serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their College Advisor and Faculty Advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
Honors in the Major
English majors need to meet the following three criteria in order to graduate with Honors in the Major:
- Minimum 3.000 cumulative GPA on all UWM graded credits attempted;
- Minimum 3.500 GPA on all credits attempted that count toward the major; and
- Minimum 3.500 GPA on all advanced (300+) credits that count toward the major.
Students who meet these criteria should apply to the coordinator of undergraduate studies.
College of Letters and Science Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.