English

Lynda Maus, Rolvaag 526A
507-786-3200

wp.stolaf.edu/english

The English Department offers three majors: the English major; a modified version of English major for students who wish to receive a teaching license (the English major with Communication Arts/Literature Teaching Licensure); and a major in Creative Writing. While each of these paths is distinct, they share a commitment to the study of literature. Literature is one of the most compelling ways humans have reflected on their lives and the world around them, imagined different worlds, and communicated with each other. It offers the pleasures of artistic expression combined with the rewards of empathy and insight, knowledge and inspiration.

In their study of literature, our students dig deeply and range widely. Each semester, the department offers a variety of courses, including courses in American, British, and Anglophone literature (English-language literature from Africa, Asia, and Caribbean); creative writing workshops in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and other genres; and courses in areas of professional writing such as journalism and business writing. Students have considerable flexibility in shaping their course of study to their individual interests and aspirations.

The three majors offered by the English Department are easily and frequently combined with other majors and are compatible with study abroad and away programs and courses. Many courses taken elsewhere can fulfill major credit.

With their emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and communication, each of our three majors prepares students for a variety of futures--as scholars and educators; journalists and lawyers; leaders in business, politics, publishing, and the non-profit sector; video game designers and filmmakers; and, of course, novelists, poets, and other professional writers.

Overview of English and Creative Writing Majors

The English Department offers three distinct majors: a ten-course English major (or "graduation major"), a modified version of the standard major for students who wish to receive a teaching license (the English major with Communication Arts/Literature Teaching Licensure), and a major in Creative Writing.

The standard English major requires ten courses: ENGL 185, one course in each of three specified categories (American literature, Anglophone literature, and British literature), one course that fulfills the department’s antiracism requirement, and five electives. Among the courses taken at level II, at least one must be in literature before 1800. Among the ten courses required for the major, at least two must be at level III, and at least one of these level III courses must be in literary studies. Independent research cannot count as one of a student’s two level III major requirements.

The English major with Communication Arts/Literature Teaching Licensure requires eight courses in the English Department and additional coursework in other departments. The eight required courses in the English Department are ENGL 150, ENGL 185, ENGL 205, ENGL 242, a Shakespeare course, a course in Anglophone literature, and two electives. Among the eight English courses required for the major, at least one must be a level III offering in literary studies. Independent research cannot count for a student’s level III literary studies requirement. Other required courses include LNGST 250, THEAT 120, and FMS 160. Students should consult the Education Department for further information and clarification of requirements.

The creative writing major requires ten courses. This major requires a minimum of five courses in creative writing: two level II creative writing workshops (from among English 291, 292, and 293), English 150 or one additional level II creative writing workshop, and two level III advanced creative writing workshops (from among English 371, 372, and 373). It also requires a minimum of three courses in literary studies: English 185 and a minimum of one course in two of three categories (American, Anglophone, and British). In addition to these eight courses, students must complete a minimum of two electives in creative writing and/or literary studies. Among the courses taken in literary studies, at least one must be in literature before 1800. Among the ten courses required for the major, one course must fulfill the English Department’s antiracism requirement.

OLE Core Curriculum

Many English courses carry OLE Core curriculum attributes in Creativity and Writing Across the Curriculum. Some carry Global Histories and Societies, Power and Race, or Ethical Reasoning in Context attributes.

Intended Learning Outcomes for the English Major (the standard major and the modified version for students pursuing a teaching license)

Intended Learning Outcomes for the Creative Writing Major

Distinction

See Academic Honors

In the Fall Semester of 2021, the English Department faculty voted to discontinue the awarding of distinction in the English department. This decision was the culmination of conversations over several years–conversations that acquired greater urgency as the department began a more rigorous and wide-ranging discussion of equity, inclusion, and antiracism during the 2020-2021 academic year. In making this decision, the English Department joined several other St. Olaf departments and programs that have made the same decision in recent years. The department also joined a number of other departments and programs that have not offered distinction for many years.

Special Programs

Special programs include semester and full-year study in England at Oxford, Lancaster, and East Anglia; study in Scotland at Aberdeen; semester and full-year study in Ireland at Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and National University of Ireland Galway; January term study in the Caribbean; January term theater study in London; and internships in writing. (See The Smith Center for Global Engagement for further information.) Generally speaking, students can use a maximum of two courses taken during study abroad and away to fulfill requirements in the English major (aside from St. Olaf January term study abroad and away programs). Students who are interested in applying additional off-campus study coursework toward the English major should consult with the Department Chair prior to their departure.

Recommendations for Graduate and Professional Study

Students planning on graduate study in English should take the graduation major and additional courses for a total not to exceed 14. The graduate school requirements for programs leading to an M.F.A. in creative writing, a Ph.D. in literary studies or comparative literature, or a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition are significantly different. Students interested in pursuing one of these paths should choose an academic advisor with relevant expertise and plan their coursework carefully. In recent years, English majors have been accepted for graduate study in literature at schools including Berkeley, Chicago, Princeton, Toronto, Minnesota, Washington, and Wisconsin; department majors have gone to graduate study in creative writing at schools including Boston University, George Mason, Iowa, and the New School.