OBJECTIVES

The department offers a full and varied curriculum in literary history, critical theory, dramatic literature, theatre history, and literary culture. Its courses enable students to immerse themselves in literary works that reflect the values and aspirations of our diverse cultural traditions.

Qualified majors may apply for admission to the honors program in English for an opportunity to do advanced independent work.

The department also offers a minor in English and American literature.

 Students should consult the department’s Web site (english.fas.nyu.edu) at registration time for a list of courses that satisfy the requirements outlined below and for more detailed descriptions of the particular courses offered in a given term.

MAJOR IN ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATURE

A minimum of 10 4-point courses, distributed as follows:

Four required core courses: V41.0200, V41.0210, V41.0220, V41.0230. V41.0200 should be the first course taken in the major; it may be taken concurrently with either V41.0210 or V41.0230. The department recommends that V41.0210 be taken before either V41.0220 or V41.0230.

One course in critical theories and methods. The following courses may be used to fulfill this requirement: V41.0130, V41.0710, V41.0712, V41.0715, V41.0730, V41.0735, V41.0749, V41.0755, V41.0970.

One course in British literature before 1800. The following courses may be used to fulfill this requirement: V41. 0143, V41.0307-0310, V41.0320, V41.0400, V41.0410-11, V41.0415, V41.0440, V41.0445, V41.0450, V41.0500, V41.0505, V41.0510, V41.0512, V41.0515, V41.0717, V41.0950, V41.0951-53, G41.1060-61.

One seminar, usually taken in the senior year. Students must complete the four core courses to be eligible to enroll in seminars.

The remaining courses may be drawn from any combination of intermediate courses, advanced courses, or seminars.

MINOR

Minor in English and American Literature: V41.0200, plus at least three additional 4-point courses offered by the department.

HONORS PROGRAM

The requirements consist of a junior honors seminar (either V41.0905 or 0906); a senior thesis, written on a topic of the student’s choice in an individual tutorial course (V41.0925) and directed by a member of the Department of English faculty; and a year-long colloquium (V41.00926) for thesis writers taken during the senior year.

Students should apply for admission to the honors program when they have no more than four and no fewer than three semesters until graduation. Applications are available on the department’s undergraduate Web site and at the department offices.

RESTRICTIONS ON CREDIT TOWARD THE MAJOR AND THE MINOR

Courses used to satisfy requirements for the English major or minor may not be used to satisfy the requirements for any other major or minor. Independent study courses and internships do not count toward any of the department’s major or minor programs. Transfer students must complete at least half of the required courses for the major and minor programs at the College. Students must receive a C+ or better in V41.0200 to proceed with the major.

STUDY ABROAD

The Department of English encourages its majors to take advantage of NYU’s many opportunities for study abroad. The department’s Summer in London program offers courses that may be used to fulfill major requirements, as well as courses in British politics, creative writing, and the history of British art and architecture. A list of both V41 and non-V41 courses offered by the various NYU Study Abroad programs that may be counted toward specific requirements for the major can be found on the department’s Web site each term. English majors should consult a departmental adviser before making plans to study abroad.

ACCELERATED BACHELOR’S/MASTER’S PROGRAM

The English department offers qualified students the opportunity to earn an accelerated master’s degree in conjunction with the bachelor’s degree. Please see the description of the program in the section on “Pre-professional, Accelerated, and Specialized Programs” in this bulletin. Interested students should consult the director of undergraduate studies once they have completed 48 credits. To be considered, students must submit applications to the College Advising Center before they have completed 96 credits or six semesters, whichever comes first.

STUDENT ORGANIZATION

The English and Dramatic Literature Organization (EDLO): Students organize and manage their own informal discussions as well as lectures, readings, and parties. All students interested in literature and drama, including nonmajors, are welcome to participate.