Bachelor of Arts Degree
The Department of English offers a 30-credit Consolidated BA in English. Students can choose between two areas of emphasis: Literature or Linguistics and Communication.
The BA in English allows students the flexibility to choose from the complete array of courses offered by our undergraduate program while also preparing students for the professional world or advanced studies in one of the specific areas of emphasis: Literature, Linguistics, or Communication.
The study of Literature in English teaches students to appreciate and analyze the literary and cultural products of the Anglophone world. Through the study of writing (creative and academic), literature, drama, and film, courses under this area of emphasis explore a wide range of time periods, geographical spaces, and topics: Shakespeare’s tragedies, Caribbean cultures, frontier narratives, Disability Studies, ecology and literature, queer cinema, Postmodernism, immigrant and diaspora experiences, the Harlem Renaissance, and a long list of others.
Our emphasis in Communication teaches students to negotiate cultural signals in face-to-face communication, to create positive group dynamics, and to become comfortable and effective speaking in public. Linguistics is the science of language study, providing students with the vocabulary to understand the rules by which language is formed and the insight to explain the processes by which language changes and the social implications of those changes. Courses under the Linguistics and Communication emphasis address everything from syntax to language and gender to intercultural communication to creole languages to communication and popular culture.
The undergraduate major in English requires 15 credits of core courses and 15 credits in the area of emphasis. Students continue to take the required 36 credits in General Education as well as the 45 credits of courses in the College of Humanities.
Students can also choose English as a 30-credit Second Concentration in both areas of emphasis.
NOTE: English Majors who enrolled prior to the 2021-2022 academic yearmay remain under the previous degree requirements or may move to the Consolidated BA via a written request.
REQUIRED COURSES FOR ALL ENGLISH MAJORS: BA DEGREE
| CORE COURSES | MENU OF OPTIONS | CREDITS |
| One Writing Course | INGL 3231: Expository Writing I INGL 3232: Expository Writing II INGL 3291: Writing About Literature I INGL 3175: Poetry Writing INGL 3236: Scientific Writing INGL 3237: Journalistic Writing INGL 3238: Intro. To Creative Writing INGL 3286: Creative Writing: Fiction | 3 |
| One Linguistics Course | INGL 3224: Introductory Readings in Language NGL 4205: Study of Language* INGL 4206: Grammar of Modern English: Sentence and Clause Structure INGL 4208: Development of Modern English *Students in Linguistics and Communication emphasis should take INGL 4205. | 3 |
| One Communication Course | INGL 3065: Intercultural Communication INGL 3256: Interpersonal Communication INGL 3257: Public Speaking INGL 3275: Theories of Communication | 3 |
| One Literature Course | INGL 3001: British Literature Survey I INGL 3002: British Literature Survey II INGL 3251: American Literature Survey I INGL 3252: American Literature Survey II INGL 3229: Caribbean Experience in Literature INGL 3259: The Immigrant Experience in Literature INGL 3285: Puerto Rican Literature in English INGL 4256: U.S. Latino/a Literature | 3 |
| One 4000 Level Elective Course in Area of Emphasis | Choose from Full Menu of 4000 level courses: See Undergraduate Course Catalog [provide link] | 3 |
| Total Credits in Core Courses | 15 |
Required Courses for each area of Emphasis
AREA OF EMPASHIS: LITERATURE
| REQUIREMENTS | MENU OF OPTIONS | CREDITS |
| One Course in British or American Literature | INGL 3001: British Literature Survey I INGL 3002: British Literature Survey II INGL 3251: American Literature Survey I INGL 3252: American Literature Survey II Excess courses in this category may be used as electives. | 3 |
| One Course in Literature from Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Latin America or from the Diaspora | INGL 3229: Caribbean Experience in Literature INGL 3259: The Immigrant Experience in Literature INGL 3285: Puerto Rican Literature Written in English INGL 4256: U. S. Latino/a Literature Excess courses in this category may be used as electives. | 3 |
| Electives in Literature or Writing | Students can count a maximum of 3 credits of electives in academic or creative writing courses. NOTE: Students should consult with their advisor to select electives that best suit their academic and career goals. | 9 |
| Area of Emphasis | 15 | |
| Core Courses | 15 | |
| Total Credits for BA | At least 6 of the 30 credits must be from 4000- level courses. | 30 |
AREA OF EMPHASIS: LINGUISTICS AND COMMUNICATION
| REQUIREMENTS | MENU OF OPTIONS | CREDITS |
| One Introductory Course in Linguistics or Communication | INGL 3275: Theories of Human Communication INGL 4205: The Study of Language | 3 |
| One Research Course | INGL 4230: Human Communication Research INGL 4237: Linguistics Research | 3 |
| Electives in Linguistics or Communication | Any 3000 or 4000 Level Courses in Linguistics or Communication | 6 |
| One Elective Course in English | Any 3000 or 4000 level course offered in English, College of Humanities | 3 |
| Area of Emphasis | 15 | |
| Core Courses | 15 | |
| Total Credits for BA | At least 6 of the 30 credits must be from 4000 level courses. | 30 |
SUMMARY OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
| General Education Requirements | 36 |
| Core Requirements at the College Level | 45 |
| Requirements for the Major in English | 30 (15 core + 15 in area of emphasis) |
| Free Electives | 18 |
| Total Number of Credits for Graduation | 129 |
Credit Evaluation Forms
Requirements for Literature Emphasis
Requirements in Literature – Prior to 2021
Requirements for Linguistics and Communication Emphasis
Requirements for Emphasis in Linguistics and Communication – Prior to 2021
For information on admissions for undergraduates, please visit the UPRRP Admissions webpage.