Language Track

With an emphasis on the English language, the Language track introduces students to the field of linguistics and the questions of how people use language and what they must know to do so. English is studied as a formal system and as a human and social phenomenon. Students become familiar with the tools and methods of the major linguistic fields and learn how they can be applied to matters of practical concern. In accordance with the department’s mission, the relationship between language and culture is highlighted and explored in terms of its manifestations and implications.

The major in English provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for those who wish to pursue a graduate degree in English literature, linguistics, or a related field. In addition, the major imparts the intellectual and analytical skills necessary to make balanced critical judgments and to further develop the ability to write the English language persuasively, with point and effect. Such skills are essential to success in a variety of professions for which the major in English can provide excellent preparation, including law, administration, business, and teaching.

General Education Requirements (6 units):

All students majoring in English must complete the following courses in the Humanities (Literature) section of General Education:

1. LIT 101 Introduction to American Literature (3)
2. LIT 301 Advanced Composition (3)
3. LIT 201 Introduction to Literary Studies (3)
4. LANG 201 Study of Language (3)

English major requirements (42 units)

Shared Lower Division (6 units)

Shared Upper Division (12 units)

A. LIT: Take the following two courses

1. ENGL 300A English Literature I (3)
2. ENGL 300B English Literature II (3)

B. CRIT: Choose at least one course

1. ENGL 340 Literary Theory and Criticism (3)
2. ENGL 345 Critical Reading, Writing and Analysis of Literary Forms (3)

C. LANG: Choose at least one course

1. LANG 320 Structure of Modern English (3)
2. LANG 340 Language and Literature (3)

Language Track (15 units)

Choose four courses (12 units) from:

1. LANG 350 Phonology (3)
2. LANG 370 Semantics and Pragmatics (3)
3. LANG 410 Sociolinguistics (3)
4. LANG 430 English Syntax (3)
5. LANG 450 History of the English Language (3)
6. LANG 480 Psycholinguistics (3)

Capstone for LANG track: LANG 490 Language, Power and Identity (3)

Electives for both tracks (6 units)

Choose two from the following or other upper-division courses in the major not otherwise taken:

1. LANG 470 Multilingualism (3)
2. TESOL 510 Theories of Teaching and Learning Second Languages (3)
3. ENGL 326 Women Writers (3)
4. ENGL 465 Prose and Poetry of the Victorian Age (3)
5. ENGL 425 History of the English Novel (3)

Comprehensive Capstone for English Major (3 units):

ENGL 495 Writing Culture: Literary Imagination and Cultural Identity (3)