Spring 2025 Course Offerings
- ENGL 105 & ENGL 105L: Comp I
- ENGL 115: English Comp II
- ENGL 201: Intro to Rhetoric and Writing
- ENGL 206: Intro to British Lit II
- ENGL 210: Intro to American Lit
- ENGL 215: Intro to Fiction
- ENGL 220: Intro to Poetry & Drama
- ENGL 226: Advanced Comp
- ENGL 301: Intro to Linguistics
- ENGL 325: Technical Writing
- ENGL 420/620: 17th Cent. British Lit
- ENGL 475/675: American Novel to 1900
- ENGL 485/685: World Lit
- ENGL 489: Capstone
- ENGL 490/690: Studies in English
- GERM 101: German I
- GERM 102: German II
- SPAN 101: Spanish I
- SPAN 102: Spanish II
- SPAN 201: Spanish III
- SPAN 205: Advanced Grammar
English 115: English Composition II
Dr. James Curtis, Sarah Mazur
- A writing course that further develops the writing, research, and critical reading skills acquired in ENGL 105. Students will engage with a variety of writing genres and rhetorical modes, including analysis, description, and evaluation; students will also learn how to write collaboratively. Course content and writing projects will be oriented around a theme of the instructor’s choosing.
English 115: English Composition II — Monsters in Society
Brandi Spelbring
Online (AP1/1C) and in-person
- We will explore the concept of monstrosity as we envision it individually and as a society. Exploring imaginary/unreal monsters, as well as the monstrosity in our society. Monsters evoke a feeling like few other experiences. We often turn monsters into hilarious spoofs or adorable creatures. Yet, we still want to be scared–did anyone walk away from It unscathed? We also experience multiple levels of monstrosity in films such as Get Out. We see that monsters and the monstrous are always around us. What can monsters tell us about ourselves and society?
English 115: English Composition II — Extremism in Rhetoric
Dr. Spencer Bostwick
Online (Full semester) and in-person
- Do you notice the demonization of people who disagree with you on either side in politics? Do you have a knee-jerk reaction to whether a new technology is good or bad? Very often we gravitate towards extreme stance on issues that trigger us emotionally. However, we live in a world of people with diverse viewpoints shaped by their own experiences with any given issue. You may find your greatest opponent on one issue is your closest ally on another. Just as people do not fit ethnicity-based, gender-based, sexuality-based, ability-based, or any other type of stereotype, the same is true for ideas. One can believe that we rely too much on technology while still agreeing that a computer makes it easier to write papers. In this course, you will learn about logical fallacies and the dangers of “straw” people: caricatures of people based what you believe they think, and learn to critique the specifics of an argument without condemning a person for having different convictions.
English 115: English Composition II — Writing the World
Dr. Dorie LaRue
- English 115 is designed and taught thematically with an emphasis on contemporary readings and media that illuminate and expand upon the theme of global issues with freedom to choose individual topics. Each week students discuss and engage in a variety of activities focusing on argumentation, interpretation, analysis, rhetorical strategies, structure, and style to develop stylistic maturity and sophistication. Students practice their writing via numerous documented essays, a blend of research and personal reaction, as well as longer projects in which they can practice oral and technical communication skills and the ethical use of AI through multimedia presentations.
English 201: Introduction to Rhetoric and Writing Studies
Professor Sean Miller
- This foundational course for the Writing in Multiple Media concentration introduces students to the formal study and practice of rhetoric, as well as covering trends in the field and major theories. Students learn fundamental tools for rhetorical practice and criticism, such as the rhetorical canons, genre theory, stasis theory, and more. The course also provides students with individualized exploration of career paths in rhetoric
English 206: Survey of British Literature II
Dr. Jonathan Gill
- This course surveys the major figures of British literature from the past two centuries up to the present. We read and analyze plays, monster novels, Romantic and Victorian poetry, and the richly experimental writings from the Modernist period. Along the way, we play trivia games, listen to music, and watch videos. This course will develop students’ critical thinking skills, ability to craft a well-informed interpretation of a text, and close-reading techniques. Students will learn to analyze texts with consideration for genre and form, cultural and historical context, wordplay, and implication. We will cover such topics as tradition, love in its various forms, the role of art, and humankind’s place in the world.
English 210: Introduction to American Literature
Dr. James Curtis
Online (Full semester) and in-person
- The study of major American authors from the colonial through the modern periods. Emphasizes such writers as Edwards, Franklin, Whitman, Hawthorne, Dickinson, Twain, Eliot, and Faulkner.
English 215: Introduction to Fiction
Cleatta Morris
Online (AP2/1D) and in-person
- This course focuses on the short story and novel genres with particular emphasis on the journey of the hero. Students enjoy an eclectic collection of short stories (classic to contemporary, comedy, suspense, fantasy, science fiction, Western, war, and more) and the novel The Hobbit. We explore the importance of literature, how it both reflects and influences society by looking at the cultural and historical aspects of the works. Along the way, we examine how writers use characterization, plot, symbolism/archetypes, theme, setting, point of view, and other elements of storytelling to explore what it means to be human and to entertain and engage the audience.
English 215: Introduction to Fiction
Dr. Dorie LaRue
- English 215 is an introductory level literature course designed with the goal to aid students in acquiring the skills necessary to understand, critically analyze, and enjoy the literary genre of fiction. Students will engage with the more advanced cognitive aspects of fiction through an exploration of elements such as plot, point of view, setting, characters, and imagery. In addition to these theoretical skills, students will also read below the surface of the texts in this class for their historical, ethical, psychological, social, and philosophical value, developing insight in how literature gives us a window into both the experiences of others and wider appreciation for the human condition. Essays are a blend of documentation and subjective reaction. Some use of AI allowed with parameters. Our research paper plan is a blend of AI with parameters and original creativity.
English 220: Introduction to Poetry and Drama
Cleatta Morris
Online (AP1/1C) only
- This course focuses on two seemingly divergent genres of literature: poetry and drama. We explore the historical and cultural roots of drama with the classic Oedipus, Rex and trace the development of the tragic hero through Hamlet, Death of a Salesman, and other modern plays. Students will see how poetry naturally developed from drama as they examine various ways to interpret the medium.
English 226: Advanced Composition — Unlocking the Power of Words in the Digital Age
Dr. Dorie LaRue
- English 226 is an advanced composition course which includes the study of classical and contemporary rhetorical theory with emphasis upon the aims and modes of contemporary discourse. It includes practice in techniques of invention, organization, and style. This course is designed to enhance students’ writing and research skills beyond the introductory level. Building on the foundations of first-year composition, Advanced Composition focuses on developing proficiency in expository writing, critical analysis, and argumentation. Students will engage in intensive practice with various forms of writing, including essays, articles, proposals, and technical reports, and a focus on research and writing processes. Some research with AI allowed with parameters. Opportunities to learn how to use the latest AI tools.
English 301: Introduction to Linguistics
Dr. Matthew Pollock
Online (AP2/1D) only
- This online, accelerated version of ENGL301 introduces students to key concepts related to language, focusing on the components that make up human speech. This includes examining speech sounds (phonetics and phonology), individual units of meaning (morphology, semantics), the way meaning is developed in utterances (syntax), and how all these components are affected by speech goals and social realities of the linguistic context in which speech is produced (pragmatics and sociolinguistics). Students will come to understand how language is structured and develop the skills necessary to understand the influence of regional variation, linguistic power, and identity on the way language changes around us every day.
English 325: Technical Writing
Kristie Weeks
Online (AP2/1D) and in-person
- In a world where information is abundant yet often confusing, effective technical writing stands out as an essential skill. This class will guide you in transforming complex concepts into clear, accessible communication. You’ll create instructional guides, develop career-related materials, write a researched proposal, and design a website to learn the nuances of online content creation. Whether your career path leads to engineering, IT, healthcare, or any field that requires precise communication, this course will equip you with the essential skills to thrive. You’ll explore:
- Principles of Clarity: Master the fundamentals of clear communication and learn how to structure documents for maximum impact.
- Audience Analysis: Develop techniques for understanding and addressing the needs of diverse readers.
- Document Design: Learn document design principles to ensure your documents are informative and engaging.
- Real-World Applications: Participate in practical projects that mimic real-world scenarios.
- Join us for an engaging experience that will empower you to communicate information clearly and confidently!
English 325: Technical Writing
Cleatta Morris
Online (AP1/1C) only
- This course focuses on professional writing in the workplace. Emphasis is placed on audience and purpose to create clear, effective documents. Students will develop their writing, research, and critical thinking skills through practical application of grammar, mechanics, tone, organizational patterns, and audience analysis to craft such documents as letters, memos, promotional material, reports, and proposals.
English 420/620: Seventeenth-Century British Literature
Dr. Jonathan Gill
Evening class
- The seventeenth century is among the most eventful and tumultuous periods in British history. Britain is grappling with the ramifications of the Protestant Reformation, and the country is on the verge of civil war. Meanwhile, new cosmological discoveries disrupt the sense of humanity’s position and purpose within the world. This course will trace how British writers respond to these crises of knowledge. We will primarily follow two currents of seventeenth-century British literature: Jacobean theater and Metaphysical Poetry. These writers critically interrogate and renegotiate the realms of (a) self, (b) the physical world, and (c) metaphysical reality. We will question how tragedy and poetry become mechanisms of thought and reflection on the human experience while examining how these mechanisms comment on cultural crisis.
ENGL 475/675: The American Novel to 1900
Dr. Evan Reibsome
- A study of developments in the novel from the beginnings to 1900. Emphasizes such writers as Cooper, Hawthorne, Melville, Twain, James, Howells, and Crane.
English 485: World Literature
Dr. Sam Cannon
- A survey of literature representing Latin American, European, African, Asian, and Middle Eastern cultures. Covers mythology, folklore, and such ancient works as the epic Gilgamesh, as well as works by more modern writers such as Flaubert, Chekov, Ibsen, Marquez, Achebe, and Kawabata.
ENGL 489: Senior Capstone
Dr. Evan Reibsome
- A course designed to encourage majors to synthesize their course of study in order to enlarge their appreciation of the aesthetic, historical, and cultural values of literature. Includes attention to professional issues, graduate school requirements, and career opportunities.
ENGL 490: Studies in English — Rhetorical Theory and Practice
Professor Sean Miller
- This course will focus on rhetoric. ENGL 490 is a variable-topics course for advanced students interested in studying a topic more deeply than regular offerings permit.
ENGL 490: Studies in English — Copy-Editing
Başak Kavaklı
Online (full semester) only
- Basic editorial skills including grammar, style, and markup, plus practice in preserving author voice through the rewrite process. Electronic layout and group decision-making in the publication setting. Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab.
German 101: Elementary German I
Dr. Mark Grüttner
- A study of the fundamentals of German grammar, with special emphasis given to aural-oral practice in the language. Grammar, conversation, aural comprehension, and elementary reading selections. We will approach the German language and culture by engaging in different activities. The main emphasis is on reading, writing, grammatical and cultural understanding. Continuous practice will be assessed through weekly assignments. Regular attendance is essential for academic success in this course. Attendance is essential for academic success in this course.
German 102: Elementary German II
Dr. Mark Grüttner
- Following German 101 or credit by examination, this is a continued study of the fundamentals of German grammar, with special emphasis given to aural-oral practice in the language. Grammar, conversation, aural comprehension, and elementary reading selections. We will approach the German language and culture by engaging in different activities. The main emphasis is on reading, writing, viewing, grammatical and cultural understanding. Continuous practice will be assessed through weekly assignments. Attendance is essential for academic success in this course.
LA 701: Introduction to Liberal Arts
Dr. Helen Taylor
- The Latin word liber means “free” (think of the word “liberation”). In Ancient Rome, the Liberal Arts were those areas of reading and study pursued by men (yes, pretty much only men and only those who were rich and privileged) who had the leisure to read history, or study music, or learn Euclidean geometry for its own sake. By definition the liberal arts did not give you technical skills or train you for a job, but were pastimes for the elite. So why on earth should we study them today? This course looks at the evolution of the liberal arts from classical antiquity to the present day, reading and responding to a variety of texts to estimate their value or worth as part of a graduate school curriculum.
LA 702: Research and Writing in the Liberal Arts
Dr. Evan Reibsome
- A theoretical and practical introduction to research and writing in the disciplines that comprise the Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Spanish 101: Elementary Spanish I
Dr. Matthew Pollock
- The course focuses on introducing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Spanish, while building vocabulary, learning basic rules and terminology of Spanish grammar, and introducing Hispanic cultures in order to communicate in an accurate, effective, and informed manner within a variety of sociocultural situations. You will develop communication skills that include cultural and global literacy and oral presentation competence, which are fostered through a comprehensive focus in class on speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish, while building vocabulary, learning basic rules and terminology of Spanish grammar, and introducing Hispanic cultures in order to communicate in an accurate, effective, and informed manner within a variety of sociocultural situations. You will learn how to talk in the present tense, build beginning sentences in Spanish, learn vocabulary about daily objects, and parse written and spoken Spanish texts.
SPAN 102: Elementary Spanish II
Dr. Sam Cannon
- This course focuses on developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Spanish, while building vocabulary, learning rules and terminology of Spanish grammar, and exploring Hispanic cultures in order to communicate in an accurate, effective, and informed manner within a variety of sociocultural situations. Extending from SPAN 101, this course is focused on further developing and broadening communication skills that include cultural and global literacy and oral presentation competence. These competencies will be fostered through a comprehensive focus in class on speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish, while building vocabulary, learning intermediate rules and terminology of Spanish grammar, and introducing Hispanic cultures in order to communicate in an accurate, effective, and informed manner within a variety of sociocultural situations. You will learn how to talk about professions, holidays and calendar events, weather, and food, and how to develop commands and reflexive statements in Spanish.
SPAN 201: Intermediate Spanish
Dr. Sam Cannon
- This course focuses on reinforcing and expanding speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Spanish, building vocabulary, learning rules and terminology of Spanish grammar, and exploring Hispanic cultures in order to communicate in an accurate, effective, and informed manner within a variety of sociocultural situations. In the course, you will talk about topics related to art, sports, family, and travel. You will learn how to talk about events in the past, and how to apply this grammar to culturally relevant topics.
SPAN 205: Spanish Literature and Grammar
Dr. Sam Cannon
- Readings in classical and contemporary Spanish prose with a focus on advanced grammar in Spanish. Special emphasis on comprehension as well as oral and written expression of the language.
