English Major
![]() |
Bethany's English major emphasizes reading, writing, and interpretive skills. As a student in this program you will encounter a wide array of literature including fiction, poetry, and non-fiction from around the world and throughout history. Through hours of discussion and analysis you will become capable of interpreting texts and build important research and critical thinking skills. You'll learn to recognize what is relevant and summarize that information for the use of others. Most importantly, you'll come to appreciate a more complex and expansive view of the way literature reveals humankind's nature especially in light of the Gospel.
While a major in English prepares you well for careers in writing, editing, journalism, publishing, and graduate studies, it can also prepare you for careers in many other fields. Graduates of the English program demonstrate superior comprehension, decision making, research and writing skills that are highly valued by employers and are also suited for careers in the fields of marketing, public relations, management, and business administration.
Entry into the Major
Students wishing to major in English must pass the following courses with at least a C+.
- COMM110 College Composition
- ENGL200 Introduction to Literary Studies*
Students who seek state licensure for secondary level (grades 5-12) teaching of English must first meet all requirements for "Entry into the Education Major" (see Education Majors). Then, students are required to take the courses listed below with an asterisk AND the courses listed under "State of Minnesota Teaching Licensure in Communication Arts and Literature."
Core Requirements
The English major consists of 33 credits. At least 18 credits must be 300-400 level courses.
Required:
- ENGL220 Non-Western Literature*
- ENGL306 Shakespeare*
- ENGL350 Literary Criticism*
- ENGL495 Senior Seminar in Literature*
Three of the following:
- ENGL211 American Literature I (to 1865)
- ENGL212 American Literature II (1865 to Present Day)*
- ENGL304 British Literature: 17th and 18th Centuries*
- ENGL305 British Literature: Romantics and Victorians*
One of the following:
- COMM320 Language, Thought, and Meaning
- ENGL320 The English Language*
Major Electives
Choose a minimum of two of the following:
- COMM210 Advanced Composition*
- COMM213 Introduction to Creative Writing
- COMM313 Advanced Creative Writing
- ENGL201 Survey of Classical Greek Literature
- ENGL202 Survey of Roman Literature
- ENGL203 Survey of Medieval and Renaissance Literature
- ENGL204 Survey of Modern European Literature
- ENGL205 Introduction to Fiction
- ENGL206 Introduction to Poetry and Drama
- ENGL335 African-American Literature
- ENGL360 Contemporary Poetry
- ENGL370 Christian Writers
- ENGL480 Topics in Literature and Language
- THTR310 Theatre History and Literature I
- THTR311 Theatre History and Literature II
- THTR420 Dramatic Theory and Criticism
Required Minor or Concentration
The student majoring in English must also fulfill the requirements for a concentration within the Liberal Arts major or a minor offered by Bethany. Any of the concentrations or minors offered by Bethany are acceptable for this requirement with the exception of an English concentration or an English minor.
State of Minnesota Teaching Licensure In Communication Arts and Literature
In addition to the English major requirements students who seek state licensure for secondary level (grades 5-12) teaching of Communication Arts and Literature are required to take the courses listed above with an asterisk AND the following courses:
- COMM102 Journalism Practicum, Newspaper and/or COMM104 Journalism Practicum, Literary Magazine (A total of 2 Journalism Practicum credits are required. Courses are repeatable.)
- COMM240 Introduction to Mass Media
- COMM317 Composition Theory and Practice
- EDUC200 Educational Foundations
- EDUC210 Linguistics for Professionals
- EDUC370 Introduction to the Exceptional Learner
- EDUC401 Educational Technology and Media
- EDUC450 Curriculum Planning and Assessment
- EDUC455 Classroom Management
- EDUC499 Teaching Internship and Seminars
- ENGL327 Adolescent Literature
- ENGL444 Methods In Teaching 5-12 English
- HIST403 Native American Culture and Government
- HLTH206 Advanced First Aid
- HLTH311 Drug Education
- PSYC220 Human Growth and Development
- PSYC360 Educational Psychology and Human Relations
- SOCL330 American Minorities
- THTR101 Introduction to Theatre

