Majors and Minors

Major / Minor Details

English (Major, Minor) | BA

  • English
  • School: SAS
  • Program Code: 350
  • Degree Type: BA
  • Program Type: Minor, Major
  • Program Summary: English is a dynamic, evolving field, always committed to the reexamination of older traditions and the exploration of newer ones. You will gain both historical understanding and critical skills through an inventive array of course electives and specialized options. Our English program is regularly ranked among the top 20 programs in the United States, and our English faculty are active leaders and participants in many of the university’s strongest interdisciplinary centers, including the Center for Cultural Analysis, the Center for Historical Analysis, and the Institute for Research on Women. Our department is committed to excellence in written expression, to the interdisciplinary study of culture, and to the promotion of creative writing and multimedia composition. The English department sponsors many lectures, readings, and conferences.

  • None

  • None

  • English (350) majors or minors who are minoring in Creative Writing (351) cannot use Creative Writing classes to meet the English major/minor requirements.

  • We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

    Your schedule will look something like this:

    College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits)

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

     Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) 

     Total Credits: 15-16

     

  • Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule: 

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes

    Principles of Literary Study

    01:359:201

    3

    		 English-Theories and Methods

    The Cultural History of Now

    01:358:275

    3

    		 English-Literature
    Introduction to Multimedia Composition 01:351:209 3 English-Creative Writing
    Introduction to Creative Writing 01:351:211 3 English-Creative Writing

     

  • Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

    Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Introduction to Myth 01:195:244 3 Comparative Literature (195)
    Gender and Consumption 01:988:317 3 Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies (988)
    Script Analysis 07:966:371 2 Theater Arts (966)
    Introduction to Criminal Justice 01:202:201 3 Criminal Justice (202)
    Any World Language   3-4 See Course Planning Sheet for languages offered

     

  • The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects.

    To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

    1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.
    2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments:
      • Cinema Studies (175)
      • Criminal Justice (202)
      • Social Justice (904)
      • Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (988
    3. In Section Status, deselect Closed
    4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering.

    Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
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