Academic Programs Catalog

College of Arts and Letters

Department of English

Justus J. Nieland, Chairperson


Undergraduate Program

The Department of English offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English or in Film Studies. Students may also choose a concentration in creative writing, a concentration in popular culture studies, or pursue teacher certification in secondary education. The Department also offers minors relating to creative writing, film, and popular culture studies as well as courses across the entire historical range of literatures written in English, including courses in period, genre, cultural studies, film studies, creative writing and literary theory. Students have access to numerous opportunities for professional preparation, including internships and career advising.
 


English

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in English

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the English major is met by completing one of the following: English 360, 362, 364, 368, 413, or 499. These courses are referenced in item 3. below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. The following courses (34 to 40 credits):
    (1) One of the following courses (1 credit):
    AL 250 Career Exploration Strategies for Arts and Letters Students 1
    AL 460 Advanced Career Strategies 1
    (2) Both of the following courses (6 credits):
    ENG 210 Introduction to Literary Studies 3
    ENG 280 Introduction to Literary Theories 3
    (3) One of the following Tier II writing courses in English (3 or 4 credits):
    ENG 360 Studies in Postcolonial and Diaspora Literature (W) 3
    ENG 362 Studies in Modern/Contemporary Literature (W) 3
    ENG 364 Studies in 18th-/19th-Century Literature (W) 3
    ENG 368 Studies in Medieval/Early Modern Literature (W) 3
    ENG 413 Critical Questions in Language and Composition (W) 4
    ENG 499 Senior Thesis Research (W) 3
    (4) One of the following courses on diversity in literature or film (3 credits):
    ENG 350 Readings in African, African American, or African Diaspora Literature 3
    ENG 351 Readings in Chicano and Latino Literatures 3
    ENG 352 Readings in Asian/Asian American/Asian Diaspora Literature and Visual Culture 3
    ENG 353 Readings in Women Writers 3
    ENG 354 Readings in Native American Literature 3
    ENG 355 Readings in Sexuality and Literature 3
    ENG 356 Readings in Jewish Literature 3
    ENG 360 Studies in Postcolonial and Diaspora Literature (W) 3
    ENG 448 Seminar in Gender and Literature 3
    ENG 449 Seminar in Race, Ethnicity, and Literature 3
    ENG 450 Seminar in African American Literature 3
    ENG 460 Seminar in Global and Postcolonial Literature 3
    ENG 466 Seminar in Literatures of the Pacific Rim 3
    ENG 482 Seminar in Feminist Literary and Cultural Theory 3
    FLM 450 Studies in Ethnic Film 3
    FLM 451 Studies in Postcolonial Cinema 3
    FLM 452 Studies in Film, Gender, and Sexuality 3
    If English 360, 450 or 460 is used to fulfill this requirement it may not be used to fulfill requirement 3. a. (2) below.
    (5) One of the following courses in literature before 1800 (3 credits):
    ENG 318 Readings in Shakespeare 3
    ENG 324 Readings in Epic 3
    ENG 368 Studies in Medieval/Early Modern Literature (W) 3
    ENG 441 Seminar in Early American Literature 3
    ENG 454 Seminar in Medieval Literature and Culture 3
    ENG 455 Seminar in Early Modern Literature 3
    ENG 457 Seminar in 18th Century British Literature 3
    If English 368 is used to fulfill this requirement it may not be used to fulfill requirement 3. a. (2).
    (6) One of the following seminars in literature (3 credits):
    ENG 422 Seminar in Genre and Form 3
    ENG 426 Seminar in Drama or Performance Studies 3
    ENG 440 Seminar in Popular Culture Studies 3
    ENG 441 Seminar in Early American Literature 3
    ENG 443 Seminar in 19th Century American Literature 3
    ENG 445 Seminar in 20th and 21st Century American Literature 3
    ENG 448 Seminar in Gender and Literature 3
    ENG 449 Seminar in Race, Ethnicity, and Literature 3
    ENG 450 Seminar in African American Literature 3
    ENG 452 Seminar in 20th and 21st Century British Literature 3
    ENG 454 Seminar in Medieval Literature and Culture 3
    ENG 455 Seminar in Early Modern Literature 3
    ENG 457 Seminar in 18th-Century British Literature 3
    ENG 458 Seminar in 19th-Century British Literature 3
    ENG 460 Seminar in Global and Postcolonial Literature 3
    ENG 462 Seminar I in Transatlantic Literature 3
    ENG 466 Seminar in Literatures of the Pacific Rim 3
    ENG 473A Literature and Medicine 3
    ENG 473B Law and Literature 3
    ENG 475 History of the Book: From Manuscripts to Comics 3
    ENG 478A Literature, Technology, and Representation 3
    ENG 478B Literature and Visual Culture 3
    ENG 481 Seminar in Critical and Cultural Theory 3
    ENG 482 Seminar in Feminist Literary and Cultural Theory 3
    (7) One of the following capstone course requirements (3 credits):
    ENG 484B Critical Questions in Region, School, Movement 3
    ENG 484C Critical Questions in a Literary Period 3
    ENG 484D Critical Questions in a National Literature 3
    ENG 493 English Internship 3
    (8) English electives: Additional credits in English courses as needed to meet the requirement of at least 34, but not more than 40, credits in courses in the major, including no more than 4 credits in a 100-level English course.

Creative Writing Concentration
The creative writing concentration is available to students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in English except those students seeking teacher certification. Students interested in the concentration should consult with their advisor. Students who elect this concentration must complete the following courses, all of which will count toward the 34 to 40 credits in the Bachelor of Arts in English degree. The concentration will be noted on the student's transcript.

1. The following foundational courses (4 credits):
ENG 320D Methodologies of Literary History: History and Theory of Creative Writing 3
ENG 200 Creative Writing Community 1
ENG 320D replaces the literary history requirement in item 3. a. (2) above.
2. Two of the following introductory courses (6 credits):
ENG 223 Introduction to Creative Non-Fiction Writing 3
ENG 226 Introduction to Creative Writing 3
ENG 227 Introduction to Playwriting 3
ENG 228 Introduction to Fiction Writing 3
ENG 229 Introduction to Poetry Writing 3
FLM 334 Introduction to Screenwriting (W) 3
One of these courses may be used to satisfy the requirement referenced in item 3. a. (6) above, as well as the requirements for the creative writing concentration.
3. Two of the following advanced courses (6 credits):
ENG 423 Advanced Creative Non-Fiction Writing 3
ENG 428 Advanced Fiction Writing 3
ENG  429 Advanced Poetry Writing 3
FLM 434 Advanced Screenwriting (W) 3
4. One creative writing elective, drawn from either 3. a. (3) or 3. a. (4) above, or one of the following complementary courses
(3 credits):
ENG 323 Readings in Nonfiction 3
ENG 325 Readings in Graphic Narrative 3
ENG 326 Readings in Drama and Performance Studies 3
ENG 328 Readings in Novel and Narrative 3
ENG 329 Readings in Poetry and Poetics 3
ENG 342 Readings in Popular Literary Genres 3
ENG 392 Special Topics in English: Creative Writing 3
ENG 475 History of the Book: From Manuscripts to Comics 3
ENG 483 Seminar in Literary Editing and Publishing 3
ENG 484E Creative Writing Capstone 3
FLM 337 Topics in Film Form 3
FLM 355 Studies in Film Genres 3
TE  458 Reading, Writing, and Teaching Poetry 3
WRA 320 Technical Communication (W) 3
WRA  355 Writing for Publication Workshop 3
WRA  370 Introduction to Grammar and Editing (W) 3
WRA  453 Grant and Proposal Writing 3
WRA  471 Rhetoric of Grammar 3
WRA 480 Publication Management II 3
5. One creative writing focused capstone course from among the following (3 or 4 credits):
ENG 483 Seminar in Literary Editing and Publishing 3
ENG 484E Creative Writing Capstone 3
ENG 489H Senior Honors Independent Project 4
ENG  493 English Internship 4

Popular Culture Studies Concentration
The Popular Culture Studies concentration is available to students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in English except those students seeking teacher certification. Students interested in the concentration should consult with their advisor. Students who elect this concentration must complete the following courses, all of which will count toward the 36 to 40 credits in the Bachelor of Arts in English degree. The concentration will be noted on the student’s transcript.

1. The following foundational course (3 credits):
ENG 340 Theory and Methods of Popular Culture Studies  3
This course will fulfill the requirement of 3. a. (1) above in lieu of ENG 280.
2. Both of the following courses (6 credits):
ENG 342 Readings in Popular Literary Genres 3
ENG 440 Seminar in Popular Culture Studies 3
ENG 342 can be used to satisfy the requirement referenced in item 3. a. (6) above as well as this requirement.
3. One of the following options, either a. or b. (3 credits):
a. One of the following courses:
ENG 325 Readings in Graphic Narrative 3
ENG 342 Readings in Popular Literary Genres 3
ENG 440 Seminar in Popular Culture Studies 3
Content repeated in any of these courses must be different from content previously taken to fulfill a requirement for the degree.
b. One of the following courses approved by the advisor for the concentration or associate chairperson to ensure sufficient popular culture content:
ENG 308 Readings in Literature for Young Adults 3
ENG 314 Readings in North American Literatures 3
ENG 315 Readings in British Literatures 3
ENG 316 Readings in Irish Literature and Culture 3
ENG 317 Readings in African and Caribbean Literatures 3
ENG 318 Readings in Shakespeare 3
ENG 323 Readings in Non-Fiction 3
ENG 324 Readings in Epic 3
ENG 326 Readings in Drama and Performance Studies 3
ENG 328 Readings in Novel and Narrative 3
ENG 329 Readings in Poetry and Poetics 3
ENG 350 Readings in African, African American, or African Diaspora Literature 3
ENG 351 Readings in Chicano and Latino Literatures 3
ENG 352 Readings in Asian/Asian American/Asian Diaspora Literature 3
ENG 353 Readings in Women Writers 3
ENG 354 Readings in Native American Literature 3
ENG 355 Readings in Sexuality and Literature 3
ENG 356 Readings in Jewish Literature 3
ENG 360 Studies in Postcolonial and Diaspora Literature (W) 3
ENG 362 Studies in Modern/Contemporary Literature (W) 3
ENG 364 Studies in 18th and 19th Century Literature (W) 3
ENG 368 Studies in Medieval/Early Modern Literature (W) 3
ENG 391 Special Topics in English 3
ENG 422 Seminar in Genre and Form 3
ENG 426 Seminar in Drama or Performance Studies 3
ENG 441 Seminar in Early American Literature 3
ENG 443 Seminar in 19th Century American Literature 3
ENG 445 Seminar in 20th and 21st Century American Literature 3
ENG 448 Seminar in Gender and Literature 3
ENG 449 Seminar in Race, Ethnicity, and Literature 3
ENG 450 Seminar in African American Literature 3
ENG 452 Seminar in 20th and 21st Century British Literature 3
ENG 454 Seminar in Medieval Literature and Culture 3
ENG 455 Seminar in Early Modern Literature 3
ENG 457 Seminar in 18th-Century British Literature 3
ENG 458 Seminar in 19th-Century British Literature 3
ENG 460 Seminar in Global and Postcolonial Literature 3
ENG 462 Seminar in Transatlantic Literature 3
ENG 466 Seminar in Literatures of the Pacific Rim 3
ENG 473A Literature and Medicine 3
ENG 473B Law and Literature 3
ENG 478A Literature, Technology, and Representation 3
ENG 478B Literature and Visual Culture 3
ENG 481 Seminar in Critical and Cultural Theory 3
ENG 482 Seminar in Feminist Literary and Cultural Theory 3
ENG 492 Seminar in English 3
ENG 492H Honors Seminar in English 3
4. One of the following capstone experience options, either a. or b. (4 credits):
a. One of the following courses:
ENG 489H Senior Honors Independent Project 4
ENG 490 Independent Study 4
ENG 499 Senior Thesis Research (W) 4
b. The following course:
ENG 493 English Internship 4
Students must obtain approval by the advisor or associate chairperson for enrollment in any of these courses to ensure sufficient popular culture studies content.
Either capstone experience may satisfy requirement 3. a. (7) above.


English Education Concentration
The English Education concentration is available to students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in English and seeking secondary education teacher certification. Students interested in the concentration should consult with their advisor. Students who elect this concentration must complete the following courses, all of which will count toward the 36 to 40 credits in the Bachelor of Arts in English degree. The concentration will be noted on the student’s transcript.

1. The following introductory course (3 credits):
ENG 302 Introduction to English Language Studies 3
2. The following genre course (3 credits):
ENG 308 Readings in Literature for Young Adults 3
3. The following seminar (4 credits):
ENG 408 Critical Literacies and Communities 4
4. The following capstone course (3 credits):
ENG 413 Critical Questions in Language and Composition (W) 3

Film Studies

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Film Studies offers students in-depth education in the disciplinary understanding of film as a medium and in the critical analysis of films as interpretable texts. Students will gain an understanding of aspects of cinematic aesthetics, film grammar, the history of film, cultural contexts of film, and theoretical and critical approaches in film studies.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Film Studies
 

  1. The University requirements for bachelor’s degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Film Studies.

    The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Film Studies major is met by completing one of the following courses: Film Studies 334, 400, 434, 435B, 460, 480, or 499. Those courses are referenced in item 3. below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
    1. The following requirements for the major (36 to 40 credits):
                     
      a. All of the following courses (9 credits):
      FLM 200 Film Collective 1
      FLM 230 Introduction to Film Studies 4
      FLM 260 Introduction to Digital Film and Emergent Media 4
      b. All of the following courses (12 credits):
      FLM 300 Classical Film and Media Theory 3
      FLM 301 History of Film after Midcentury 3
      FLM 380 Classical Film and Media Theory 3
      FLM 381 Contemporary Film and Media Theory 3
      c. One of the following courses (3 credits):
      FLM 450 Studies in Ethnic Film 3
      FLM 451 Studies in Postcolonial Cinema 3
      FLM 452 Studies in Film, Gender, and Sexuality 3
      d. One of the following capstone courses (3 credits):
      FLM 400 Seminar in the History of Film (W) 3
      FLM 460 Seminar in Digital Film and Emergent Media (W) 3
      FLM 480 Seminar in Film and Media Theory (W) 3
      FLM 493 Film Studies Internship 3
      e. Complete 9 to 13 credits in courses from the following:
      ENG 231 Film and Literature 4
      ENG 478A Literature, Technology, Representation 3
      ENG 478B Literature and Visual Culture 3
      FLM 211 Documentary History and Theory 3
      FLM 255 Stars and Directors 3
      FLM 311 Introduction to Documentary Production 3
      FLM 334 Introduction to Screenwriting (W) 3
      FLM 335 Film Directing 3
      FLM 336 Aesthetics of Film Editing 3
      FLM 337 Topics in Film Form 3
      FLM 350 National and Transnational Cinemas 3
      FLM 355 Studies in Film Genres 3
      FLM 400 Seminar in the History of Film (W) 3
      FLM 411 Collaborative Documentary Design and Production (W) 3
      FLM 434 Advanced Screenwriting (W) 3
      FLM 435A Creating the Fiction Film I 3
      FLM 435B Creating the Fiction Film II (W) 3
      FLM 438 Film Financing, Programming, and Distribution 3
      FLM 450 Studies in Ethnic Film 3
      FLM 451 Studies in Postcolonial Cinema 3
      FLM 452 Studies in Film, Gender, and Sexuality 3
      FLM 455 Experimental Film and Media 3
      FLM 460 Seminar in Digital Film and Emergent Media (W) 3
      FLM 480 Seminar in Film and Media Theory (W) 3
      FLM 489H Senior Honors Independent Project 3
      FLM 490 Independent Study 1 to 4
      FLM 491 Special Topics in Film Studies 3
      FLM 492H Honors Seminar in Film Studies 3
      FLM 493 Film Studies Internship 2 to 4
      FLM 499 Senior Thesis Research (W) 1 to 4
      LL 250A Topics in National Cinemas: German Cinema 3
      LL 250B Topics in National Cinemas: East Asian Cinema 3
      ROM 355 French, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish Cinema since 1930 4
      RUS 250 Russian and Soviet Cinema 3
      THR 304 Topics in Acting/Directing II: Acting for the Camera 3
      THR 350 Plays as Film 3
      Film Studies 450, 451, or 452 may not count towards fulfillment of this requirement if used towards requirement 3. c. above. Film Studies 400, 460, 480, or 493 may not count towards fulfillment of this requirement if used towards requirement 3. d. above.

Minor in Creative Writing

The Minor in Creative Writing, administered by the Department of English, offers undergraduate students across the university a focused experience in the production of literary texts. The minor curriculum includes an introductory multi-genre course, workshops in a single chosen genre at the introductory and advanced level, as well as a literary studies course focused on broad readings within that genre. The required core courses are designed to provide awareness of larger conversations about creative writing as a discipline, as well as promote literary citizenship through involvement in co-curricular opportunities on campus and within the local writing community. Emphasizing the value of creative writing methods for problem-solving and critical thinking, for understanding diverse views and subject positions, and for clarity of expression, the minor opens up creative writing study to students from a range of colleges.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who are planning careers in creative writing and literary publishing should pursue the Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. The bachelor’s degree provides the opportunity for more intensive study in creative writing, including writing in and across multiple genres, participation in internships, and creative writing capstone projects. Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the undergraduate advisor in the Department of English or the Director of Creative Writing to apply.

Admission

Students who are interested in the minor are eligible to apply if:

  1. they have attained sophomore standing (at least 28 credits).
  2. have completed the introductory course requirement (ENG 210, ENG 226, or FLM 230 if in screenwriting track).
To apply, students must:
  1. submit a creative writing sample.
  2. submit an application packet available online at the program website http://www.english.msu.edu/undergraduate/program-options/creative-writing/ or through the Department of English.
Applications are due January 30 of each year. Applications will be reviewed prior to annual enrollment.

Requirements for the Minor in Creative Writing

Students must complete a minimum of 17 credits from the following:
1. One of the following introductory courses (3 or 4 credits):
ENG 210 Foundations of Literary Study I 3
ENG 226 Introduction to Creative Writing 3
FLM 230 Introduction to Film 4
Students who choose the Script Writing for Stage and Screen track below must complete FLM 230 to fulfill this requirement.
2. Both of the following core courses (5 credits):
ENG 200 Creative Writing Community 1
ENG 320D Methodologies in Literary History: History and Theory of Creative Writing 4
3. One of the following tracks in a single genre (9 credits):
Creative Nonfiction Writing
ENG 223 Introduction to Creative Non-Fiction Writing 3
ENG 323 Readings in Nonfiction 3
ENG 423 Advanced Creative Nonfiction Writing 3
Fiction Writing
ENG 228 Introduction to Fiction Writing 3
ENG 328 Readings in Novel and Narrative 3
ENG 428 Advanced Fiction Writing 3
Poetry Writing
ENG 229 Introduction to Poetry Writing 3
ENG 329 Readings in Poetry and Poetics 3
ENG 429 Advanced Poetry Writing 3
Script Writing for Stage and Screen
ENG 227 Introduction to Playwriting 3
ENG 326 Readings in Drama and Performance 3
FLM 334 Introduction to Screenwriting (W) 3

 

Minor in Fiction Filmmaking

The Minor in Fiction Filmmaking educates students in the history, theory, and production of fiction film. Students who enroll in this minor combine practical skills in production with conceptual training in film studies to produce theoretically informed work while developing an understanding of the challenges of creating high-quality films. 

The Minor in Fiction Filmmaking is jointly administered by the Department of English within the College of Arts and Letters and the School of Journalism in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. The Department of English is the primary administrative unit. The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University.

Students who are interested in the minor are eligible to apply if they have attained sophomore standing, and have completed at least one of the prerequisite courses listed below. Both prerequisite courses need to be completed prior to or concurrent with FLM 335. Students must submit an application available in the advising offices of the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Communication Arts and Sciences during late February. Applications will be reviewed prior to annual enrollment. Applications are also available online at www.film.msu.edu.

With the approval of the department that administers the student’s degree program, courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. The student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s academic advisor for the minor.

Prerequisite Courses

1. The following course:
FLM 230 Introduction to Film 4
2. One of the following courses:
CAS 112 Story, Sound and Motion 3
FLM 260 Introduction to Digital Film and Emergent Media 4

Requirements for the Minor in Fiction Filmmaking

The student must complete a minimum of 15 credits from the following:
1. The following course (3 credits):
FLM 335 Film Directing 3
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
FLM 300 History of Film to Midcentury 3
FLM 301 History of Film after Midcentury 3
FLM 380 Classical Film and Media Theory 3
FLM 381 Contemporary Film and Media Theory 3
3. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
DS 337 Compositing and Special Effects 3
DS 341 Filmmaking II: Creating Short Films 3
DS 344 Sound Design for Cinema, Television, and Games 3
DS 351 Producing for Cinema and Television 3
DS 409 Advanced Lighting and Camera Techniques 3
DS 440 Advanced Video Editing 3
FLM 334 Introduction to Screenwriting (W) 3
FLM 336 Aesthetics of Film Editing 3
FLM 434 Advanced Screenwriting (W) 3
FLM 438 Film Financing, Programming, and Distribution 3
FLM 460 Seminar in Digital Film and Emergent Media (W) 3
4. Both of the following courses (6 credits):
FLM 435A Creating the Fiction Film I 3
FLM 435B Creating the Fiction Film II (W) 3

Minor in Film Studies

The Minor in Film Studies, which is administered by the Department of English, offers students in-depth education in the disciplinary understanding of film as a medium and in the critical analysis of films as interpretable texts. Students will gain an understanding of aspects of cinematic aesthetics, film grammar, history of film, cultural contexts of film, and theoretical and critical approaches in film studies.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Film Studies.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the undergraduate advisor in the Department of English or the Director of Film Studies in the Department of English. 

Requirements for the Minor in Film Studies

               
Students must complete a minimum of 20 credits from the following: 
1. Both of the following courses (5 credits):
FLM 200 Film Collective 1
FLM 230 Introduction to Film 4
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
FLM 300 History of Film to Midcentury 3
FLM 301 History of Film after Midcentury 3
3. One of the following courses (3 credits):
FLM 380 Classical Film and Media Theory 3
FLM 381 Contemporary Film and Media Theory 3
4. One 3 credit FLM course at the 400-level 3
A 400-level Film Studies course used to fulfill requirement 5. below may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
5. Two of the following courses (a minimum of 6 credits):
ENG 231 Film and Literature 4
ENG 478A Literature, Technology, and Representation 3
ENG 478B Literature and Visual Culture 3
FLM 211 Documentary History and Theory 3
FLM 255 Stars and Directors 3
FLM 260 Introduction to Digital Film and Emergent Media 4
FLM 300 History of Film to Midcentury 3
FLM 301 History of Film after Midcentury 3
FLM 334 Introduction to Screenwriting (W) 3
FLM 336 Aesthetics of Film Editing 3
FLM 337 Topics in Film Form 3
FLM 350 National and Transnational Cinemas 3
FLM 355 Studies in Film Genres 3
FLM 380 Classical Film and Media Theory 3
FLM 381 Contemporary Film and Media Theory 3
FLM 400 Seminar in the History of Film (W) 3
FLM 434 Advanced Screenwriting (W) 3
FLM 438 Film Financing, Programming, and Distribution 3
FLM 450 Studies in Ethnic Film 3
FLM 451 Studies in Postcolonial Cinema 3
FLM 452 Studies in Film, Gender, and Sexuality 3
FLM 455 Experimental Film and Media 3
FLM 460 Seminar in Digital Film and Emergent Media (W) 3
FLM 480 Seminar in Film and Media Theory (W) 3
FLM 491 Special Topics in Film Studies 3
FLM 492H Honors Seminar in Film Studies 3
LL 250B Topics in National Cinemas: East Asian Cinema 3
ROM 355 French, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish Cinema since 1930 4
RUS 250 Russian and Soviet Cinema 3
THR 304 Topics in Acting/Directing II 3
THR 350 Plays as Film 3
Film Studies 300, 301, 380, and 381 may not count towards fulfillment of this requirement if used towards requirements 2. or 3. 


Minor in Literature and Cultural Studies

The Minor in Literature and Cultural Studies focuses on the study of literature through the lens of cultural studies. The minor provides extensive course work in literary studies, and provides the option for students to develop and enhance their ability to analyze complex texts, to think critically, to write effectively, and to imagine new and potentially different social possibilities.
                            
Requirements for the Minor in Literature and Cultural Studies

Students must complete 18 credits from the following:

1. Both of the following courses (6 credits):
ENG 210 Introduction to Literary Studies 3
ENG 280 Introduction to Literary Theories 3
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
ENG  350 Readings in African, African American, or African Diaspora Literature 3
ENG  351 Readings in Chicano and Latino Literatures 3
ENG  352 Readings in Asian/Asian American/Asian Diaspora Literature and Visual Culture 3
ENG  353 Readings in Women Writers 3
ENG  354 Readings in Native American Literature 3
ENG  355 Readings in Sexuality and Literature 3
ENG  356 Readings in Jewish Literature 3
ENG  360 Studies in Postcolonial and Diaspora Literature (W) 3
ENG  448 Seminar in Gender and Literature 3
ENG  449 Seminar in Race, Ethnicity, and Literature 3
ENG  450 Seminar in African American Literature 3
ENG  460 Seminar in Global and Postcolonial Literature 3
ENG  466 Seminar in Literatures of the Pacific Rim 3
ENG  482 Seminar in Feminist Literary and Cultural Theory 3
3. Complete 9 additional credits in courses in the Department of English with at least one at the 300-400 level. Literature courses in translation in other languages may be used to fulfill this requirement.

 

Minor in Popular Culture Studies

The Minor in Popular Culture Studies, which is administered by the Department of English, is designed to provide students opportunities for in-depth study of popular culture texts, trends, and topics across a range of media.  The minor introduces critical approaches and methods of research in popular culture studies, as well as opportunities for practical experience with the Journal of Popular Culture or by engaging in scholarly conferences or public conference events that center on science fiction and fantasy, comics, gaming, and pop music.  The minor draws on the extensive resources in MSU Libraries’ Special Collections and other library collections such as detective fiction, video games, and comic art, offering students options to explore in depth the world-renowned resources available at MSU.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a concentration in Popular Culture Studies. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to apply to the program should consult the undergraduate advisor in the Department of English.

Requirements for the Minor in Popular Culture Studies

Complete a minimum of 16 credits from the following:

1. All of the following courses (13 credits):
ENG 142 Introduction to Popular Literary Genres 4
ENG 340 Theory and Methods of Popular Culture Studies 3
ENG 342 Readings in Popular Literary Genres 3
ENG 440 Seminar in Popular Culture Studies 3
2. A minimum of 3 credits from the following courses:
ENG 308 Readings in Literature for Young Adults 3
ENG 324 Readings in Epic 3
ENG 325 Readings in Graphic Narrative 3
ENG 394 Popular Culture Experience 3
ENG 493 English Internship 1 to 3
FLM 255 Stars and Directors 3
Students who choose ENG 493 need to complete the internship with  the Journal of Popular Culture or an approved sponsor.
Students may also choose an approved elective from the following courses when the topic includes sufficient content on popular culture. Students should consult with the academic advisor to confirm offered courses will fulfil the requirement. Additional courses may be available in other College of Arts and Letters units.
ENG 314 Readings in North American Literatures 3
ENG 315 Readings in British Literatures 3
ENG 316 Readings in Irish Literature and Culture 3
ENG 318 Readings in Shakespeare 3
ENG 319 Readings in Michigan Literature 3
ENG 326 Readings in Drama and Performance Studies 3
ENG 328 Readings in Novel and Narrative 3
ENG 329 Readings in Poetry and Poetics 3
ENG 350 Readings in African, African-American, or African Diaspora Literature 3
ENG 351 Readings in Chicano and Latino Literatures 3
ENG 352 Readings in Asian/Asian American/Asian Diaspora Literature and Visual Culture 3
ENG 353 Readings in Women Writers 3
ENG 354 Readings in Native American Literature 3
ENG 355 Readings in Sexuality and Literature 3
ENG 356 Readings in Jewish Literature 3







 

Teacher Certification Options

The English disciplinary major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree is available for teacher certification.

An English disciplinary minor is also available for secondary teacher certification.

Students with an English disciplinary major must complete the following additional disciplinary courses: English 302, 308, 408, and 413. English 413 may be used to satisfy the requirements referenced in item 3. a. (7) under the heading Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, as well as the requirements for teacher certification.

Students who elect the English disciplinary major or the English disciplinary minor must contact the Department of English.

For additional information, refer to the statement on TEACHER CERTIFICATION in the Department of Teacher Education section of this catalog.


Graduate Study

Graduate study in the Department of English leads to the Master of Arts or the Doctor of Philosophy degree.  Each degree represents a different level of understanding, focus, and skill in such related areas as literary theory and history, the study of literature within historical contexts, and the study of literary authors, genres, and movements.

General Requirements for Consideration for Admission to Master's and Doctoral Degree Programs in the Department of English

To be considered for admission to a master's or doctoral degree program in the Department of English, an applicant must:

  1. Include in the letter required by the college a 750–1000 word statement giving the applicant's academic background and reasons for pursuing the advanced degree for which application has been made.
  2. Have three persons who are qualified to comment upon the applicant's ability to pursue graduate study forward letters of recommendation to the department.

Students are admitted to the master's  and doctoral programs for fall semester only.  The deadline for submitting applications for admission is December 15.

Master of Arts

Students in the Master of Arts degree concentrate on the study of literature in English; this course of study is designed to develop the skills associated with literary scholarship and criticism, as well as literary and cultural theory, thus serving persons who wish to continue beyond the master’s degree and those who wish to deepen their understanding of the critical and creative processes associated with the study of literature while pursuing or preparing for careers in other fields.



Literature in English - Master of Arts

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university, of the College of Arts and Letters, and of the Department of English, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts degree program in literature in English, an applicant must:

  1. Submit to the department a writing sample that reflects aptitude for critical and scholarly writing.

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have:

  1. A baccalaureate degree in English or a related field.
  2. Completed a minimum of 20 semester credits in English courses, exclusive of freshman composition, with a grade–point average of at least 3.50.
  3. Completed two years of study in a foreign language at the college level.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Literature in English

Students must complete a total of 31 credits for the degree under Plan A (with thesis) or 30 credits for the degree under Plan B (without thesis).  The student's program of study must be approved by the Graduate Chairperson. Not more than 4 credits of ENG 890  Independent Study may be counted toward the requirements for the Master of Arts degree in Literature in English.  English 890 may not be substituted for any required course.

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B

  1. Complete the following courses within the first two semesters of enrollment in the program  (6 credits):
    ENG    800    Studies in Race, Gender, and the Human     3
    ENG    802    Literary Criticism and Theory                        3
  2. Complete 21 additional credits of graduate work in English or related fields with attention to issues of criticism and theory, literary and cultural history, and multinational or global literary traditions. No more than 6 credits of course work outside the department may count towards the degree. Students must complete two courses in English literatures, one from before 1800 and one after 1800.
  3. Demonstrate second-year proficiency at the college-level in a language other than English through completion of course work through the 200-level, by passing an examination of reading comprehension, or completion of a 400-level reading course for graduate students in a language other than English.

Additional Requirements for Plan A

  1. Complete 4 credits of ENG 899  Master's Thesis Research.
  2. Pass a final oral certifying examination on the thesis and course work.

Additional Requirements for Plan B

  1. Complete a graduate course within or outside the Department of English.
  2. Submit a portfolio taken from course work and pass a final certifying examination on the course work.


English - Doctor of Philosophy

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university, of the College of Arts and Letters, and of the Department of English, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in English, an applicant must:

  1. Submit a writing sample, written at the master's level, that reflects the candidate's critical and scholarly abilities.

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have:

  1. A master's degree in English or in an appropriate cognate area.
  2. An academic record that reflects graduate work of high quality.
  3. Met the foreign language requirement for admission on regular status to the Michigan State University Master of Arts degree program.
  4. Students currently enrolled in the Master of Arts degree program must have completed all of the requirements for the Master of Arts degree in Literature in English.

Students who are admitted to the doctoral degree program in English before they have satisfied the requirements referenced in items 3. and 4. above must do so before they may take the comprehensive examinations.  Credits in courses that are used to satisfy these requirements may not be used to satisfy the requirements for the doctoral degree.

To be admitted on an accelerated basis to the doctoral degree program in English, after one year of Master of Arts course work, students must:

  1. Be enrolled in the Michigan State University Department of English Master of Arts program in Literature in English.
  2. Submit a statement of purpose of 750-1000 words describing the student’s specific area of interest(s) and desired area(s) of emphasis.
  3. Submit two letters from faculty members who support their application for accelerated admission.
  4. Completed a minimum of five courses at Michigan State University, including at least one of the required courses and two seminars in literature from different periods.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in English

The student must:

  1. Complete all of the following courses within the first four semesters of enrollment in the program (7 credits):
    ENG    800    Studies in Race, Gender, and the Human   3
    ENG    802    Literary Criticism and Theory                       3
    ENG    820    Professionalization Seminar                        1
    Students pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Film Studies may substitute FLM 800 Methods in Film Studies for ENG 802 above.
  2. Complete an additional 18 credits of graduate course work in English or related fields with attention to issues of criticism and theory, literary and cultural history, and multinational or global literary traditions with a grade-point average of at least 3.5. This course work must include a course that covers literature before 1800 and one course that covers literature after 1800.  Not more than 3 credits of independent study may be used to satisfy this requirement. All required course work must be completed before students may enroll in dissertation research credits. Any exceptions must be approved by the graduate chairperson.
  3. Complete a language requirement at the college-level to provide students with the tools they need to conduct research in languages other than English.  Each student should work in consultation with the Guidance Committee or with the Director of Graduate Studies to determine which language or languages are most appropriate for the student’s research topic, and which one of the following two options will best fulfill this objective in light of the student’s chosen area of study.
    1. Demonstrate advanced reading proficiency at the college-level in any language other than English through completion of course work in the language at the 400-level or above, or by passing an advanced reading comprehension and translation exam.
    2. Demonstrate second-year proficiency at the college-level in two languages other than English through completion of course work through the 200-level, or by passing an examination of reading comprehension.
  4. Pass the doctoral comprehensive examination.
  5. Pass an oral examination on the comprehensive examination.
  6. Complete requirements 1. through 3. above and have a grade-point average of at least 3.5 in all graduate course work before beginning work on the dissertation. Students must complete 24 credits of English 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research.
  7. Pass a pre-dissertation examination that consists of an oral presentation based on a written proposal of the dissertation.
  8. Pass a final oral examination in defense of the dissertation.

Academic Standards

A student who fails the comprehensive examinations, the oral examination, or the final oral examination in defense of the dissertation may repeat that examination only once.


Film Studies - Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Film Studies provides graduate students with an in-depth grounding in current methodologies, practices, and disciplinary concerns relevant for conducting advanced research and teaching in film studies. Courses in the certificate examine the history, theory, and criticism of cinema and study the medium of film as a global art, business, and technology of representation deeply informed by social dynamics of race, gender, sexuality, ability, and nation.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Film Studies

Students must complete 9 credits from the following:
1. Both of the following courses (6 credits):
FLM 800 Methods in Film Studies  3
FLM 810 Seminar in Film Studies 3
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
FLM 810 Seminar in Film Studies 3
FLM 820 Topics in Film Studies 3
FLM 855 Interdisciplinary Topics in Film Studies 3
Students who reenroll in FLM 810 must select a different topic to meet this requirement.
Students who wish to take a graduate-level film studies related course in another department in substitution of FLM 820 or 855 must request formal approval from the Director of the Film Studies Program. Only one substitution request (3 credits) will be accepted.