English: Rhetoric and Writing (B.A.)

The English programs at West Liberty University prepare students for many pathways beyond graduation, especially those that benefit from a graduate’s ability to read, think, and write critically. Many majors prepare students for specific careers, but majoring in English opens countless doors for students who are especially interested in studying the ways in which language and literature shape the world around them. Along the way, English majors grow into the types of graduates employers are looking for and, perhaps more importantly, individuals with the skills needed to continue to grow as global citizens and lifelong learners.

The English: Rhetoric and Writing major is specifically designed for students who want to experience the traditional benefits of an English degree while taking more courses specifically designed to cultivate their skills as writers. While all English majors at WLU take the same core classes, Writing majors focus much of their upper-level coursework around topics related to composition theory, grammar, creative writing, professional writing, linguistics, and logic. This major is ideal for any student interested in pursuing a career that necessitates strong writing skills, be it in publishing, journalism, academia, or a legal field. Ultimately, like all English majors, students majoring in Writing gain a deeper insight into the human experience while cultivating concrete skills related to research, analysis, and communication.

Requirements

Required Courses

ENG 200Foundations in English Studies

3

ENG 260Intro to Creative Writing

3

ENG 275Structure of English

3

ENG 277Editing & Proofreading

3

ENG 315Multicultural Studies in Lit

3

ENG 374Professional Writing

3

ENG 385Advanced Composition

3

ENG 400Composition Theory

3

ENG 495Senior Seminar

3

LING 315Sociolinguistics

3

PHIL 210Logic & Critical Thinking

3

Choose 9 hours from the following:

ENG 305Ren & Early 17th Cent Literature

3

ENG 309Chaucer

3

ENG 311Shakespeare

3

ENG 312Am Colonial & Revolut Lit

3

ENG 314American Romantic Lit

3

ENG 316Am Realistic & Naturalist Lit

3

ENG 318Am Modern & Postmod Lit

3

ENG 330Appalachian Literature

3

ENG 386Restoration & 18th Century Lit

3

ENG 390British Romantic Literature

3

ENG 391Victorian Literature

3

ENG 392Modern British Literature

3

ENG 490World Literature I

3

ENG 492World Literature II

3

Choose 3 hours from the following:

BIO 301Writing in Biological Sciences

3

COM 231News Writing & Reporting

3

COM 322Writing for Media

3

COM 359Writing for Web/Social Media

3

COM 362Podcasting: Story, Prod & Pub

3

COM 415Public Relations Writing

3

CEP 443Fundraising & Grant Writing

3

GBUS 220Business Communications

3

Choose 6 hours from the following:

Any 300-400 ENG

Choose 6 hours from the following:

Any FREN

3

Any SPAN

3

Choose 3 hours from the following:

Any PHIL

Any REL

Any PHIL except PHIL 210: Logic and Critical Thinking

Choose 3 hours from the following:

ENG 360Creative Writing-Poetry

3

ENG 361Creative Writing: Fiction

3

ENG 362Creative Writing-Nonfiction

3