English Language and Literature, Bachelor of Arts
College: College of Liberal Arts
Department: Languages and Literature
Student Type: Traditional Undergraduate
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Campus: Lisle Campus
Requirements - Major
English Language and Literature majors must complete at least 39 semester credit hours within the program, with a grade of “C” or better, including:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LITR 2298 | Advanced Academic and Nonfiction Writing | 3 |
| LITR 2299 | Introduction to Literary Analysis | 3 |
| Select two of the following Pre-1800 courses: | 6 | |
| Medieval Literature | ||
| American Literature I | ||
| British Literature I | ||
| Literature of the Early Modern Period | ||
| Shakespeare | ||
| Major Authors and Genres I | ||
Other department approved courses | ||
| Select one of the following Diversity LITR courses: | 3 | |
| World Literatures | ||
| U. S. Multiethnic Literature | ||
| African-American Literature | ||
| Gender and Literature | ||
| Global/Postcolonial Literature and Theory | ||
| Theories of Gender in Literary Analysis | ||
| LITR 4399 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Program Electives | 21 | |
| Total Hours | 39 | |
Of the 39 semester credit hours, 18 semester credit hours must be at the 3000 level or higher, including at least 6 at the 4000 level. Successful completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, LITR 2298 Advanced Academic and Nonfiction Writing or LITR 2299 Introduction to Literary Analysis is required for enrollment in most 3000 and 4000 level courses. Senior standing and successful completion (grade of C or better) of both LITR 2298 Advanced Academic and Nonfiction Writing and LITR 2299 Introduction to Literary Analysis are prerequisites for LITR 4399 Senior Seminar.
English Language and Literature majors are also required to undertake coursework in language or linguistics. Students have the option of:
- completing coursework in Spanish through SPAN 2202 Intermediate Spanish II; or coursework in Arabic through ARBC 2201 Intermediate Arabic I (including, if available, relevant labs); or coursework in Chinese through CHIN 2201 Intermediate Mandarin I (including, if available, relevant labs);
- demonstrating oral and written intermediate-mid level proficiency (as defined by ACTFL) in Spanish, or any other Category I languages (according to the Foreign Service Institute); or oral and written intermediate-low level proficiency (as defined by ACTFL) in Arabic, Chinese, or any other language not considered a Category I language by the Foreign Service Institute (FSI);
- completing two department-approved courses in linguistics (periodically offered); of which one must be at the 3000 or 4000 level.
Note: proficiency may only be assessed through formal, officially recognized exams (OPIc, STAMP, etc.). Placement exams may not be used to establish proficiency regardless of level. Language or linguistics proficiency coursework does not count toward the 39 semester credit hours for the major.
English Language and Literature major for pre-law students
While stating that no single major is recommended for admission to law school, the “Statement on Prelegal Education of the Association of American Law Schools” emphasizes the absolute necessity for the “need to master, at the undergraduate level, advanced writing skills and effective oral communication. Lawyers must be able, in drafting instruments, to convey meaning clearly and effectively. In oral and written advocacy, he or she must be capable of communicating ideas convincingly and concisely. Truly, the law-trained man or woman, to perform effectively the tasks expected, must be a precisionist in the use of language.”
Students interested in law school who choose English Language and Literature as a major are advised to take, in addition to their major requirements, the following courses, many of which may meet various general education requirements:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL 2260 | Social & Political Philosophy | 3 |
| or PHIL 3355 | Existentialism | |
| History course | 3 | |
| ECON 2101 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ACCT 1111 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 3 |
| PLSC 1102 | American Government | 3 |
| MGT 1150 | Business Statistics I | 3 |
| Biology General Education elective | 3 | |
Requirements - Teaching License
Students who desire to be licensed to teach English Language Arts at the secondary level (grades 9-12) are to declare themselves as English Language and Literature majors and Education minors and register with the Benedictine University Education program as teaching licensure candidates. Advising is then a joint responsibility of the Department of Languages and Literature and the School of Education.
Students pursuing teacher licensure must complete the requirements for a major in English Language and Literature, with their coursework to include LITR 2255 American Literature I, LITR 2256 American Literature II, and LITR 4307 Modern English Language. They must also fulfill the requirements of the Teacher Licensure Program in Education, which includes the education minor (see Education [Elementary Education, Special Education and Minors in Education and Special Education] section).
Students who desire a Secondary Education minor should consult with the Education program to plan their program of studies for certification.
Requirements - Other
Advanced Courses in English Language and Literature
Where appropriate, prerequisites for 3000 and 4000 level LITR courses may be waived with permission of the instructor and departmental approval. Students seeking a waiver of a prerequisite should consult their advisor for details. A waiver of a prerequisite for any 3000 or 4000 level course does not constitute a waiver of prerequisite for any other course, or of any course requirement for the major or minor.
Majors and Minors Only Sections
Selected 2000-level LITR courses may periodically be offered in a special format designed for English Language and Literature majors and minors only. Registration for these sections is restricted to majors and minors in English Language and Literature and, in some cases (to be indicated in the semester course schedule), in appropriate cognate programs approved by the department for that course (e.g. Gender Studies, Education, Communication Arts, Writing and Publishing, Film Studies). In semesters where a particular course is offered in both major and minor only and in regular formats, English Language and Literature majors and minors (and other eligible students, as stated above) will not be eligible to enroll in the non-major and minor only section.
Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society
Eligible Benedictine University undergraduate students may apply for membership in the Alpha Theta Xi Chapter of the International English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta. Eligibility requirements are
as follows:
- Candidates must have sophomore standing at Benedictine University.
- All inductees will be required to complete five hours of service related to the discipline each semester. Approval of service by the English Language and Literature faculty is required, as is formal verification of completion. Service may consist of on or off-campus experience.
- All candidates must have successfully completed a minimum of two college Literature/English courses at the 2000 level or above to be considered for membership in the society. Transfer courses can be submitted as evidence of completion, subject to approval by English Language and Literature program faculty.
- Candidates do not need to major or minor in English Language and Literature.
- Candidates must maintain a 3.300 GPA in English Language and Literature and a 3.000 overall GPA in order to remain eligible.
Eligibility of chapter members will be reviewed each semester to ensure that members are in good standing. There is a $60.00 induction fee, which covers lifetime membership in Sigma Tau Delta. Membership benefits include opportunities for internships, writing awards, and participation in regional conferences and events. Members also receive a Certificate folder.
Students in the English Language and Literature program will achieve the following student learning outcomes (SLO):
Student Learning Outcome 1: Identify and discuss significant writers, periods, genres, and literary traditions in cultural context.
• University SLO: 1. Disciplinary Competence and Skills
Student Learning Outcome 2: Construct clear, effective critical arguments that are supported by appropriate textual evidence.
• University SLO: 2. Critical and Creative Thinking Skills
Student Learning Outcome 3: Perform effective, sustained close readings of poetry, drama, fiction, and other genres.
• University SLO: 5. Analytical Skills
Student Learning Outcome 4: Use and synthesize concepts, terms, and methodologies from critical and theoretical writing to analyze literary works.
• University SLO: 5. Analytical Skills
Student Learning Outcome 5: Propose, design, and complete written projects appropriate to different rhetorical situations.
• University SLO: 3. Communication Skills