B.A. in English

Students who fulfill degree requirements in the English major at Saint Rose combine their interests in reading, analyzing, writing, and performing by taking courses in all of the following areas, culminating in Senior Seminar, English Portfolio, and an internship.

Literature/Theory

Our literature courses offer choices that focus on a wide range of cultures and ethnicities, such as American, African-American, Asian-American, English, Irish, and postcolonial, and African. We also offer courses in literary theory, film theory and the study of specific genres. Our courses span time periods from the earliest world literature to medieval and renaissance Europe, to contemporary works in all genres. All English majors take ENG 112 Introduction to Literary Studies, two 200-level literature courses, and three 300-level literature classes as well as a course in literary theory/criticism. Students finish with a capstone seminar in which they research and write a paper under the mentorship of a full-time faculty member.

Creative/Expository Writing

Our writing courses run the gamut of all genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, playscript, screenplay, and new media writing. All students take ENG 105 Expository Writing, Oral Communication, and Research, one 200-level writing course, and one 300-level writing course. Students who wish to may then complete a senior writing project under the mentorship of a full-time faculty member. English majors can also complete a Writing Minor, giving themselves additional professional expertise by adding a few more writing courses.
 

Drama/Performance

Students choose from a range of acting courses, theatre arts, history of drama, and oral interpretation of literature. Students interested in learning about production may also take ENG 290 Drama Production and Performance. English majors can also expand their background and expertise in drama by completing a Drama Minor. All students are welcome to audition to perform in or work backstage on campus drama productions.

Film/New Media

Students have courses in film theory and specific genres, such as horror and teen film, to choose from. We also offer writing courses in film and new media and screen writing. English majors can also complete a Film and New Media Studies Minor by taking additional courses in film and new media in a range of disciplines to get them ready for the newest careers.
 

Senior Seminar and English Portfolio

English majors complete their English requirements through a Senior Seminar. This course, a bridge between undergraduate and graduate study, provides students with the opportunity to research and prepare a substantial literary research paper. Students also submit assignments to fulfill their English Portfolio requirements in the same semester in which they complete their English Senior Seminar.

English Internship

Senior English majors also complete a professional internship which provides students with the practical experience of applying the knowledge and skills of their course work at professional sites, such as newspapers, public relations offices, schools, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, theaters, and other professional contexts. For more information, consult English Internships and Careers and English Internship Procedures and Forms.