Program in English, Rhetoric, and Spanish

Website: https://twu.edu/english-rhetoric-spanish/

Interim Chair: Dr. Ashley Bender, Associate Professor
Location: CFO 906
Phone: 940-898-2324
Fax: 940-898-2297
E-mail: abender@twu.edu

The English, Rhetoric, and Spanish program offers a dynamic and adaptable B.A. in English and minors in English and Spanish. The English major has four tracks: Literature, Rhetoric and Writing, Social Justice, and 7-12 Teacher Certification to serve students' varying needs. All four tracks in the Bachelor of Arts in English provide students with a strong foundation in language skills, critical thinking, and appreciation of literature. Many courses are taught in the department's cutting-edge Digital Composition Lab, where students learn to use multimodal tools to enhance their learning and build marketable skills. Students are encouraged to gain professional experience by working in the Write Site or at The Lasso, or by interning in other venues. Information on internships is available through the TWU Pioneer Center. Students interested in careers in journalism may participate in TWU's Mayborn School of Journalism partnership program with the University of North Texas, which allows students to enroll in the state's only accredited school of journalism as part of their TWU program.

With a B.A. in English, students can prepare for careers in writing and editing, teaching, and a variety of careers that value communication and critical thinking skills. In addition, this degree provides an excellent foundation for graduate and professional programs. The department also offers graduate studies leading to the M.A. in English and the Ph.D. in Rhetoric.

The Mayborn Partnership, open only to English majors, allows students to earn minors focused on broadcast journalism, news writing/editing, photojournalism, advertising, or public relations. This program requires students to take courses at the University of North Texas. Additional information on the program and advising is available from the department.

The English minor offers an excellent way for TWU students majoring in other fields of study to develop and demonstrate to employers that they have mastered highly-valued critical thinking, writing, and oral communication skills. It requires 18 semester credit hours of coursework, including one upper-division writing course. Students should select courses in consultation with the English minor advisor.

The department offers a range of face-to-face, online, and hybrid courses to allow our working, commuting, and parenting students the opportunity to balance rigorous academic coursework with their busy lives. While our online offerings provide the flexibility to meet a variety of student needs, the program is not intended to be a fully online program and cannot be completed through online classes only. Undergraduate students majoring in English or another field who expect to pursue graduate study in English are encouraged to confer with their advisors during their junior and senior years in order to coordinate undergraduate and graduate programs.

For information concerning the Master of Arts degree in English and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Rhetoric, see the Graduate Catalog.

Undergraduate Degrees Offered

Graduate Courses

Please refer to the Graduate Catalog for information regarding graduate courses.

Admissions

All applicants must meet the general undergraduate admission requirements. The following degrees have additional secondary admission criteria:

Faculty

BARKER, JAMIE, Senior Lecturer of English, B.A., Otterbein College; M.A., Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Ph.D., Indiana University of Pennsylvania

*BENDER, ASHLEY B., Associate Professor of English, B.A., University of North Texas; M.A., University of North Texas; Ph.D., University of North Texas

*BENNER, WILLIAM, Associate Professor of Spanish, B.S., College of Charleston; M.A., University of South Carolina; Ph.D., Tulane University

*BROWN, MATTHEW C., Associate Professor of English, B.A., University of Florida; B.S., University of Florida; M.A., University of Toronto; Ph.D., University of Notre Dame

*BUSL, GRETCHEN L., Associate Professor of English, B.A., Mount Holyoke College; Ph.D., University of Notre Dame

*CASPER, VIVIAN C., Associate Professor of English, B.A., Washburn University; M.A., Rice University; Ph.D., Rice University

*FEHLER, BRIAN, Professor of English, B.A., Texas Wesleyan University; M.A., Texas Christian University; Ph.D., Texas Christian University

*HOERMANN-ELLIOTT, JACQUELYN, Associate Professor of English, B.A., University of Missouri Kansas City; M.A., Iowa State University; Ph.D., Texas Christian University

*JETER, GAGE, Assistant Professor, B.S., Utah State University; M.Ed., University of Central Oklahoma; Ph.D., University of Oklahoma

*LACKEY, DUNDEE C., Associate Professor of English, B.F.A., Texas State University; M.A., Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi; Ph.D., Michigan State University

*LITTON, ALFRED GUY, Associate Professor of English; Executive Director of Honors Programs, B.A., University of Arkansas; M.A., University of Central Arkansas; Ph.D., University of South Carolina, Columbia

MENDEZ, SIERRA, Assistant Professor, B.A., Texas A&M University; M.A., University of North Texas; Ph.D., University of Texas

RODRIGUEZ MOONEY, ANGELA, Assistant Professor, B.A., Universidade Estadual Paulista; M.A., University of New Orleans; Ph.D., Tulane University

*SCOTT, GRAHAM R., Associate Professor of English, B.A., California State University, San Bernardino; M.A., University of California, Riverside; Ph.D., University of California, Riverside

*WEST, M. GENEVIEVE, Professor of English, B.A., Mississippi State University; M.A., Mississippi State University; Ph.D., Florida State University

Asterisk (*) denotes Graduate Faculty status.

Courses

Contact hours identified in the course descriptions are based on a 15-week term. Students who enroll in Summer or mini-terms are expected to meet the same total number of contact hours as a 15-week term.

ENG 1003. Introduction to Writing. Required of all freshmen who do not meet entrance requirements for ENG 1013. Includes intensive instruction and exercise in syntax, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary development. English 1003 does not satisfy any English core requirement, and hours earned will not count toward graduation requirements. Three lecture hours a week.

ENG 1013. Composition I. (TCCN ENGL 1301) Writing as a method of inquiry situated within particular discourse communities; primary research and flexible composing processes across genres and rhetorical situations. Prerequisites: A passing score on, or exemption from, placement exam. Three seminar hours a week. Satisfies three hours Communication Core (10). Credit: Three hours.

ENG 1023. Composition II. (TCCN ENGL 1302) Writing as a vehicle for argument and analysis; secondary research and representation of information across particular discourse communities. Satisfies three hours Communication Core (10). Prerequisites: ENG 1013 or equivalent with a grade of D or higher. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 2013. English Literary Masterpieces. (TCCN ENGL 2322) Major works of British literature. Works and themes may vary by course section. Satisfies Language, Philosophy, & Culture Core (40). Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 2033. American Literary Masterpieces. (TCCN ENGL 2326) Major works of American literature. Works and themes may vary by course section. Satisfies Language, Philosophy, & Culture Core (40). Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 2043. World Literature to 1600. (TCCN ENGL 2332) Survey of pre-1600 world literature, primarily in translation. Satisfies Language, Philosophy, & Culture Core (40). Satisfies Global Perspectives graduation requirement. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 2053. World Literature, 1600 to the Present. (TCCN ENGL 2333) Survey of post-1600 world literature, primarily in translation. Satisfies Language, Philosophy, & Culture Core (40). Satisfies Global Perspectives graduation requirement. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 2073. Mythology. A survey of world mythologies and their cultural influences on global and historical perspectives. Satisfies Language, Philosophy, & Culture Core (40). Satisfies Global Perspectives graduation requirement. Three lecture hours. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 2153. Introduction to Literature. (TCCN ENGL 2341) Introduction to the genres of fiction, poetry, and drama, with a focus on interpretation. Texts and themes may vary by course. Satisfies Language, Philosophy, & Culture Core (40). Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 2393. Introduction to Literature by Women. Introduction to important works of literature by women. May be organized by theme, topic, genre, ethnic group, or nationality. Satisfies three hours Language, Philosophy, & Culture Core (40) or Component Area Option (90). Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3013. British Literature to 1760. A survey of the development of earlier British literature within historical and cultural contexts. Requires research with primary and secondary sources. Prerequisite: ENG 1023. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3023. British Literature from 1760 to Present. A survey of the development of later British literature within historical and cultural contexts. Requires research with primary and secondary sources. Prerequisite: ENG 1023. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3033. Introduction to the Study of World Literature. Study of ancient, classical, medieval, and modern literature, with a stress on the intercultural relationships reflected through the translation and transmission of texts. Satisfies Global Perspectives graduation requirement. Prerequisite: ENG 1023. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3043. Drama. Intensive study of the genre of drama. Prerequisite: ENG 1023. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3053. Fiction. Intensive study of fiction. Prerequisite: ENG 1023. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3063. Poetry. Intensive study of the genre of poetry. Prerequisite: ENG 1023. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3073. Literature by Women. Advanced examination of literature by women. Organized by theme, topic, or genre. May be repeated when topic varies. Prerequiste: ENG 1023. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3113. Introduction to English Studies. An introduction to English studies, with attention to literary, expository, and professional writing; research practices appropriate to the field with varied texts. Prerequisite: ENG 1023 with a grade of C or higher. Co-requisite: Must be taken before or concurrently with first 3000-level literature course. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3123. Creative Writing. Fundamentals and techniques of creative writing, exploring genres such as fiction, poetry, drama, and creative nonfiction. Intensive practice in reading and writing in the genre(s) selected by the instructor. May be repeated for for up to nine hours credit when the topic varies. Prerequisites: ENG 1023 and six additional hours of English. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3153. Multicultural Literature. Study of literature which reflects the experience of various cultural groups. Focus on particular themes, genres, historical periods, or cultural groups. May be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisite: ENG 1023. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3203. Advanced Grammar and Composition. Concentration on the basic terminology and procedures of English grammar, rhetoric, and composition, with intensive practice. Prerequisites: ENG 1023. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3233. Advanced Expository Writing. An investigation into expository genres employed by a range of public and professional discourse communities, building on audience analysis to determine how those communities compose within genres to achieve their purposes. Prerequisites: ENG 1023 and six additional hours of English. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3253. Technical Writing. Theoretical and practical technical communication practices. Emphasis on writing, editing, analyzing, collaborating, designing, and presenting skills that transfer to the workplace. Prerequisites: ENG 1023 and six additional hours of English. Will not substitute for a sophomore literature course. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3273. Film and Literature. Intensive study of film and its relation to other forms of literature. Prerequisites: ENG 1023. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3283. American Literature: Colonial through Romantic. Survey of earlier American literature development within historical and cultural contexts. Research with primary and secondary sources. Prerequisites: ENG 1023. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3293. American Literature: Realism to the Present. Survey of later American literature development within historical and cultural contexts. Research with primary and secondary sources. Prerequisites: ENG 1023. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3363. Introduction to Linguistics. Introduction to the techniques and practice of recent linguistic theory, including the structural and generative approaches to English syntax and grammar. Prerequisite: ENG 1023. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 3433. Professional Writing. Strategies for individual and collaborative practice in selected workplace genres. Prerequisites: ENG 1023 and six additional hours of English. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 4353. Topics in American Literature. Intensive investigation of a topic related to genre, style, period, or theme of American Literature. May be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisite: ENG 1023 and Junior standing. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 4363. Digital Rhetoric. Analysis, theory, production, and pedagogy of digitally-mediated texts. Prerequisites: ENG 1023 and Junior standing. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 4373. Grant Writing. Preparation of funding proposals including identifying appropriate funding sources, completing a needs assessment, identifying goals and objectives, outlining methods, developing evaluation and sustainability plans, and creating a budget. Prerequisites: ENG 1023 and Junior standing. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 4423. Topics in British Literature. Directed investigation of a topic related to genre, style, period, or theme in British Literature. May be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites: ENG 1023 and Junior standing. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 4433. Topics in World Literature. Directed investigation of a topic related to genre, style, period, or theme in world/global literature. May be repeated when topic varies. Satisfies Global Perspectives graduation requirement. Prerequisites: ENG 1023 and Junior standing. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 4443. Major Authors. Intensive study of the work(s) of major literary figures. May be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites: ENG 1023 anhd Junior standing. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 4453. Genre Studies. Intensive investigation of a genre or sub-genre of literature. May be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites: ENG 1023 and Junior standing. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 4463. Literary Theory and Criticism. Survey of theory and practice of literary criticism. Prerequisites: ENG 1023 and Junior Standing. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 4473. Topics in Writing and Rhetoric. Directed investigation of advanced rhetorical and composition practices within a selected field or mode. May be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites: ENG 1023 and Junior Standing. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 4483. Methods of Teaching English. Effective English Language Arts teaching methods for engagement in reading, language, composition, multimodalities, and technology. Application of research-based instructional strategies for designing culturally responsive curriculum and developing as a collaborative, professional educator. 15 observation hours over the course of the semester. Prerequisites: ENG 1023 and Junior Standing. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 4903. Special Topics. Varied topics of literature: a period, specific authors, specific themes. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Prerequisites: ENG 1023 and Junior Standing. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 4911. Independent Study. Detailed study of a specialized topic in English. May be repeated for credit when the topic of investigation varies. Prerequisites: Nine hours of English or permission of instructor. Credit: One hour.

ENG 4913. Independent Study. Directed study of a specific focus in literature. Readings, conferences, special projects. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Prerequisites: Nine hours of English or permission of instructor. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 4951. Internship. Supervised practical experience in an agency or organization related to the intellectual and career interests of students interested in journalism, mass media, writing, editing, and other related professional fields. Minimum of 50 practicum hours on-site or remote. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of department. Credit: One hour.

ENG 4952. Internship. Supervised practical experience in an agency or organization related to the intellectual and career interests of students interested in journalism, mass media, writing, editing, and other related professional fields. Minimum of 100 practicum hours on-site or remote. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of department. Credit: Two hours.

ENG 4953. Internship. Supervised practical experience in an agency or organization related to the intellectual and career interests of students interested in journalism, mass media, writing, editing, and other related professional fields. Minimum of 150 practicum hours on-site or remote. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of department. Credit: Three hours.

ENG 4983. Senior Capstone in English. Application and enrichment of skills and knowledge in preparation for entering the workforce or post-baccalaureate programs. Prerequisite: 18 hours upper-division English. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

SPAN 1013. Elementary Spanish I. (TCCN SPAN 1411) For students with no previous instruction in Spanish. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

SPAN 1023. Elementary Spanish II. (TCCN SPAN 1412) Continuation of SPAN 1013. Prerequisite: SPAN 1013. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

SPAN 2033. Intermediate Spanish I. (TCCN SPAN 2311) Grammar, composition, oral-aural practice, and readings. Development of skills in interpersonal communication, presentational speaking and writing, interpretive listening, and interpretive writing. Prerequisite: SPAN 1023 or equivalent. Three lecture hours a week.

SPAN 2043. Intermediate Spanish II. (TCCN SPAN 2312) Continuation of SPAN 2033 with progressively more advanced work. Grammar, composition, oral-aural practice, and readings. Development of skills in interpersonal communication, presentational speaking and writing, interpretive listening, and interpretive writing. Prerequisite: SPAN 2033 or permission of instructor. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

SPAN 2913. Independent Study. Directed study of a specific topic in Spanish. May be repeated when the topic varies. Credit: Three hours.

SPAN 3153. Spanish Grammar, Composition, and Literature I. The development of writing and reading skills and vocabulary in Spanish. Prerequisites: SPAN 1013, SPAN 1023, SPAN 2033, and SPAN 2043 or permission of the instructor. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

SPAN 3163. Spanish Grammar, Composition, and Literature II. Continuation of SPAN 3153. Prerequisites: SPAN 2043, or permission of the instructor. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

SPAN 3173. Spanish for Professions. Instruction and practice in understanding and speaking Spanish encountered in various professions, business, community health, criminal justice, social work, sociology, OT, PT, oral healthcare workplace and mass communications. Prerequisites: SPAN 1043, SPAN 2043, or permission of instructor. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

SPAN 3273. Spanish for the Professions II. Advanced examination of and practice in interpreting and translation for a variety of professional settings in fields such as health care, business, or the law. Prerequisite: SPAN 2033, SPAN 2043, and SPAN 3173, or permission of the instructor. Three seminar hours a week.

SPAN 4203. Latin American Women Writers and Filmmakers. Critical analysis of film and literature by women in Latin America with a focus on the post-dictatorship period and the countries of Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. Advanced literary and filmic analysis as a means of building speaking, reading, critical thinking, and writing skills. Prerequisite: Completion of 36 undergraduate hours. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

SPAN 4903. Special Topics. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

SPAN 4911. Independent Study. Credit: One hours.

SPAN 4913. Independent Study. Credit: Three hours.

SPCH 1013. Oral Communication. (TCCN SPCH 1311) Theory and practice of oral communication and research including interpersonal, small group, and public speaking. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

SPCH 4913. Independent Study. Detailed study of specialized topics in speech. Prerequisite: Junior standing. May be repeated for credit when the topic of investigation varies. Credit: Three hours.