English Faculty: Jacqueline Padgett, Associate Professor of English (Program Chair) Margaret Claydon, SND, Professor of English Loretta Shpunt, Professor of English Liza Child, Assistant Professor of English Sondra Raspberry, Instructor of English Description The English Program provides all students with the opportunity to become familiar with English as an effective tool in speaking and writing, to explore the range of literature in English from the earliest periods to the present, and to develop facility in original writing in various genres. Embracing the interdisciplinarity of Trinity's curriculum and its focus on gender, race, and ethnicity, the courses offered by the English Program invite students to study the rich traditions of and the current challenges to the standard canon of literary works. Thus, the Program encourages students to focus on texts whether printed, filmed, electronically published, or performed; on gender issues in literature; and on literary treatments of social concerns. The Program proposes to students the study of literary traditions, of literature by and about women, and of literature written in English by members of diverse cultures in the United States and across the globe. Requirements for the major are carefully selected to ensure that each student be able to construct a dynamic program of study built on a core of courses chosen to provide an understanding of literary genres, of themes and movements, and of major figures. Consistent with the mission Trinity College, the English Program stresses depth of study rather than breadth; the development of the ability to analyze, criticize, and synthesize the structures and ideas encountered in texts; the viewing of literature as the reflection of diverse cultures; the understanding of literature as a sociological and political event and as a commentary on human values, particularly values related to justice, gender, and race. Through research projects and participation in seminars and class discussions, students develop the ability to reason, write, and speak persuasively. In their capstone experience in the senior year, the Program's faculty members encourage English majors to view themselves as independent researchers. The English Program supports both a major and a minor in the Weekday and Weekend College Programs. Major Requirements Major Authors Requirement (6 credits) BOTH of the following courses, which examine the work of writers whose ideas and achievements have shaped and are shaping English and American literature: ENG 215 Major Authors I ENG 216 Major Authors II Major Figures Requirement (6 credits) TWO courses specifically devoted to the work of one author or a limited set of authors; acceptable courses include: ENG 303 Seminar on Toni Morrison ENG 323 Seminar on Kate Chopin ENG 332 Chaucer ENG 333 Shakespeare I: Love and Marriage ENG 334 Shakespeare II: Power, Politics, and Prejudice ENG 347 Novels of Jane Austen ENG 447 The Bronte Sisters Major Genres and Movements Requirement (6 credits) TWO courses which explore literary genres or specific movements and concerns in literature; acceptable courses include: ENG 319 Satire in the 18th Century ENG 321 Romanticism ENG 343 English Drama to 1642 ENG 355 American Short Fiction ENG 362 Women in Fiction ENG 363 African American Women Writers ENG 365 Women in Contemporary American Film Additional Requirements (15 credits) ONE English course or literature course in another language with a primary focus on gender, race, and/or ethnicity TWO additional English courses at the 200-level or higher ONE course as an internship or practicum with an emphasis on writing or research in a professional context (courses in disciplines such as publishing, journalism, or technological applications of English may satisfy this requirement) ONE approved FLC Level II course emphasizing interdisciplinary learning Senior Colloquium (3 credits) ENG 497 Senior Colloquium Minor Requirements Major Authors Requirement (6 credits) BOTH of the following courses: ENG 215 Major Authors I ENG 216 Major Authors II Major Figures Requirement (3 credits) ONE course specifically devoted to the work of one author or a limited set of authors (see above) Electives (9 credits) THREE additional courses in the English program beyond the 100-level Program Policies Advanced Placement: The English Program accepts AP credit for major and minor requirements and in lieu of certain English courses. CLEP Policy: Students interested in receiving credit for CLEP examinations should contact the program chair. Grades in Major and Minor Courses: Students are required to earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major or minor in English. Pass/No Pass: The pass/no pass grading option is not accepted in courses to be applied for the major or minor in English. Senior Assessment: All majors are required to take ENG 497 Senior Colloquium in English. Students also complete an independent supervised comprehensive paper. Study Abroad: Students are encouraged to plan their studies to allow for the possibility of study abroad. TELL Policy: Students with substantial experiential learning are encouraged to apply for TELL credit in English. Transfer Credits: Students may apply transfer credit in English toward the major and minor in English if the transferred courses parallel courses required for the major or minor. Transfer students who elect an English major must complete a minimum of 12 credits in English major courses at Trinity College, of which three must be in ENG 497. Similarly, transfer students who elect an English minor must complete a minimum of 6 credits in English courses at Trinity College. Course Descriptions ENG 103 Grammar and Writing Workshop 3 cr Reviews structures of English grammar, usage, style, and skills appropriate to writing at the college level. ENG 105 Introduction to College Writing 3 cr Serves students who wish to work toward competence and fluency in writing. Core, I-E ENG 107 College Composition 3 cr Develops skills necessary for effective writing of thesis-centered essays at the college level, including descriptive, analytical, critical, and argumentative essays. Research and documentation techniques included. FLC, Area I, Level 1 Core, I-W ENG 195 Approaches to Poetry 3 cr Teaches both the appreciation and analysis of the rich and diverse tradition of American poetry with attention to form, to marginalization of or mainstreaming of writers, and to social and ethical concerns raised in the texts. FLC, Area II and III, Level 1 Core, I-L ENG 196 Approaches to Fiction 3 cr Introduces the study of prose fiction, both classic and contemporary, and its multicultural contexts; focus on gender and history. FLC, Area II and III, Level 1 Core, I-L   ENG 199 Freshman Honors Seminar 3 cr Provides students with the opportunity to explore the concept of "voice" in contemporary American culture. Small group discussions will critically examine selected readings and films; students will write essays responding to issues raised in class. Final project is an oral presentation. FLC, Area III, Level 1 ENG 200 Multiculturalism and Literature in the US 3 cr Examines largely contemporary writings by writers representing the diverse cultures in the US with a consideration of the ways in which difference or the other may be constructed. Core, I-L ENG 201 Instruction in Writing and Peer Tutoring 2 cr Introduces students to contemporary Writing Center theory. Allows students to evaluate that theory critically and determine which aspects will shape their developing methods as they tutor students in the college's Writing Center. ENG 215 Major Authors I 3 cr Studies varied authors from the early periods of English literature to provide students with the necessary tools for literary analysis and with a sense of the literary history of Britain and of Ireland. FLC, Area III, Level 1 Core, I-L ENG 216 Major Authors II 3 cr Studies varied American and British/Irish authors from 1800 to the 20th century in order to promote students' skills in literary analysis and their knowledge of the literary history of the United States and Britain/Ireland. FLC, Area III, Level 1 Core, I-L ENG 251 American Literature I 3 cr Studies varied major works and authors from the earliest American writing through the late nineteenth century. ENG 252 American Literature II 3 cr Studies major literary works in a variety of genres from the late 1800s through the 20th century, including poetry, fiction, and drama. ENG 254 Introduction to African American Literature I 3 cr Familiarizes students with African American literature from its earliest expressions in the United States through the 19th century. FLC, Area II, Level 1 Core, I-L ENG 255 Introduction to African American Literature II 3 cr Familiarizes students with African American literature from the late 19th century through the Harlem Renaissance and on to later 20th century writing. ENG 285 Hemingway and Fitzgerald 3 cr Analyzes the work of Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald in relation to the early twentieth century. Core, I-L ENG 290 Bible as Literature 3 cr Reviews the literary genres, themes, and images in the Hebrew Bible and in the New Testament and relates them to works which re-tell or revise Biblical narratives. Core, I-E ENG 302 Existentialist Literature 3 cr Considers the literary expression of existentialism and the notion of absurdity in European and U.S. literature. Core, I-L   ENG 303 Seminar on Toni Morrison 3 cr Examines the seven novels and selected essays of Toni Morrison, with special interest in the literary commentary on race and oppression. FLC, Area II and III, Level 2; Seminar II   ENG 305 Films of the 1970s: Changing Society 3 cr Considers and analyzes some of the major films of the decade, with emphasis on the ways in which these works reflect social changes. FLC, Area VI, Level 2 Core, I-E ENG 306 The American Family on Film 3 cr Considers film as "composed realism" and provides a sociological overview of the American family as portrayed in films, such as Ordinary People, Crooklyn, My Family (Mi Familia), Moonstruck, Fiddler on the Roof, and others. Core, I-E ENG 310 Narrative and Media 3 cr Explores the ways in which storytelling and voice are central to culture through a study of film, television, music, print, and speech. Core, I-E ENG 311 American Mystery Novels 3 cr Provides students the opportunity to develop critical analyses of contemporary mysteries by such authors as Hillerman, Kellerman, Grafton, Sanford, Wilson, Block, and others. Core, I-E ENG 314 Film as Social Criticism 3 cr Explores the use of film to illuminate and comment on social problems in contemporary culture. Problems presented in films include addiction, war, racism, and AIDS. ENG 315 Arthurian Literature 3 cr Studies Arthurian history, legend, and literature from its earliest sources to contemporary writings and film. FLC, Area III, Level 2 Core, I-E ENG 319 Satire in the 18th Century 3 cr Addresses the form and techniques of satire as well as the ways in which satire functioned in the 18th century as a commentary on politics, on literature, on human price and excess, and on women. Texts include Swift's A Modest Proposal and Gulliver's Travels, dramatic satires by Dryden, works by Fielding and Defoe, and others. Core, I-E ENG 321 Romanticism 3 cr Studies Romanticism as expressed in several genres, especially poetry, and in its attention to intellectual, artistic, and political concerns in texts of late 18th and early 19th century British literature. FLC, Area III, Level 2 Core, I-L ENG 323 Seminar: Kate Chopin 3 cr Analyzes the major and minor works of Louisiana writer Kate Chopin, including The Awakening, and evaluates her work in the context of Southern literature and of literature by and about women. FLC, Seminar II Core, I-E   ENG 330 Masters of Darkness: Gothic Fiction 3 cr Studies the psychological and cultural implications of works such as Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and others. Core, I-E ENG 332 Chaucer 3 cr Explores The Canterbury Tales in the context of Chaucer's time, including a brief study of 14th century language and the emergence of poetic genres. Core, I-L ENG 333 Shakespeare I: Love and Marriage 3 cr Analyzes selected plays of Shakespeare on love and marriage, with an emphasis on the comedies. FLC, Area III and IV, Level 2 Core, I-L ENG 334 Shakespeare II: Power, Politics, and Prejudice 3 cr Studies selected plays of Shakespeare on historical figures, events, politics, and prejudice, with emphasis on the tragedies. FLC, Area III, Level 2 Core, I-L ENG 335 Shakespeare and Feminist Criticism 3 cr Considers feminist readings and criticism of selected Shakespearean works and ways in which that criticism asks the reader to explore gender expectations historically and now. Core, I-L ENG 340 Hopkins, Yeats, and Eliot 3 cr Analyzes the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins, William Butler Yeats, and T. S. Eliot. Core, I-L ENG 343 English Drama to 1642 3 cr Focuses on the contested representation of gender in the plays of selected canonical writers and recently rediscovered playwrights in early modern England. Core, I-L ENG 347 Novels of Jane Austen 3 cr Analyzes the novels of Jane Austen and selected filmed adaptations to evaluate the ways in which the novels may be said to yield a critique of the gender expectations of a conservative ideology. Core, I-L ENG 348 Modern Drama 3 cr Examines modernist and postmodernist dramatic genres and the concerns these dramas show for social issues, philosophical theories, and intellectual trends. Core, I-L ENG 350 Images of Men in Contemporary Film 3 cr Views and analyzes contemporary films featuring stereotypical images of men in Western culture and the revisions of those images in certain films. FLC, Area I, Level 2 Core, I-E ENG 355 American Short Fiction 3 cr Analyzes selected short fiction by American writers and the history, traditions, and revisions of short fiction genres in texts ranging from the early 19th-century through contemporary fiction. FLC, Area III, Level 2 Core, I-L ENG 361 Contemporary American Fiction 3 cr Considers the issues explored by contemporary American writers and the challenges they make to traditional fictional genres, including the novel. FLC, Area III, Level 2 Core, I-L   ENG 362 Women in Fiction 3 cr Studies the representation of women in American fiction by women writers of the 20th century. FLC, Area II, Level 2 Core, I-L ENG 363 African American Women Writers 3 cr Examines the history and images of African Americans, especially women, in selected works by African American women writers ranging from Zora Neale Hurston to Toni Morrison. FLC, Area II and III, Level 2 Core, I-L ENG 365 Women in Contemporary American Film 3 cr Examines the stereotypical images of women in contemporary American film, including images of the Madonna, the temptress, the witch, and the virgin. FLC, Area I, Level 2 Core, I-L ENG 368 Literature of Fantasy 3 cr Studies selected works of fantasy by American and British writers and the literary construction of the fantastic and of utopias/dystopias. Core, I-L ENG 369 African American Women in Film 3 cr Considers the images of African Americans presented in film and especially in the work of African American actors, directors, screenwriters, and producers. Core, I-E ENG 371 Creative Writing 3 cr Introduces students to the writing of fiction and poetry with an emphasis on critical analysis of student work and of readings in the modern and postmodern periods. Core, I-E ENG 372 Creative Writing: Fiction 3 cr Concentrates on the critical analysis of student writing in fiction, with readings of American short stories. Core, I-E ENG 373 Creative Writing: Poetry 3 cr Concentrates on the critical analysis of student writing in poetry, with readings in contemporary American poetry. Core, I-E ENG 380 Internship 2-3 cr Offers experiences in fields related to the English major, primarily in research, teaching, and writing or publishing in professional contexts. ENG 384 Business Writing 3 cr Familiarizes students with basic types of standard business writing, including memos, letters, resumes, reports, and manuals, and with techniques appropriate to such writing. Core, I-E ENG 386 Drama Production I 3 cr Introduces students to techniques for acting, improvisation, directing, producing, and analyzing drama, usually leading to a staged dramatic reading or the presentation of a play to the community. Core, I-E ENG 397 Literary and Critical Theory 3 cr Introduces psychoanalytic literary criticism, Marxist literary criticism, feminist literary criticism, and multicultural literary criticism through practical interpretation of influential novels and poems. Core, I-E ENG 403 Milton Seminar: Literature and Politics in the Seventeenth Century 3 cr Examines the poetry and prose of John Milton, with special attention to his major epic, Paradise Lost; evaluates Milton's works in the context of the political and religious upheavals of the seventeenth century. Attention will also be given to contemporary critical reception, especially in terms of reader response theories as well as the feminist reaction to and recovery of Milton. FLC, Area III and IV, Level 2   ENG 447 The Bronte Sisters 3 cr Probes the poetry and novels of Anne Bronte, Charlotte Bronte, and Emily Bronte; their links to biography; and their exploration of women's lives and roles, with consideration of intertextuality as evidenced in the works of film directors, poets, and novelists which turn on the Bronte sisters themselves and their works, such as Jean Rhys's Wide Sargasso Sea. Core, I-E ENG 493 Independent Study 3 cr Offers guidance to seniors who seek to study a selected topic in literature independently. ENG 497 Senior Colloquium 3 cr Encourages the English majors to synthesize their studies in English and other fields; helps students prepare for the senior comprehensive examination in English; required of every English major. FLC, Seminar III