Academic Programs Catalog

College of Arts and Letters

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 English education, a concentration in literary studies, or pursue teacher certification in secondary education. The Department also offers minors relating to creative writing, film, popular culture studies, and screenwriting 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, or 368. 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. One of the following courses (1 credit):
AL 250 Career Strategies for Arts and Letters Students 1
AL 460 Advanced Career Strategies for Arts and Letters Students 1
b. Both of the following courses (6 credits):
ENG 210 Introduction to Literary Studies 3
ENG 280 Introduction to Literary Theories 3
c. One of the following courses (3 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
d. One of the following courses on diversity in literature (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 460 Seminar in Global and Postcolonial Literature 3
e. One of the following courses in literature before 1900 (3 credits):
ENG 318 Readings in Shakespeare 3
ENG 368 Studies in Medieval/Early Modern Literature (W) 3
ENG 441 Seminar in Early American Literature 3
ENG 443 Seminar in 18th and 19th Century Literature 3
f. 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.
g. One of the following concentrations (21 to 25 credits):
Creative Writing Concentration
The creative writing concentration is available to students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in English. 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
2. Two of the following introductory courses (6 credits):
ENG  223 Introduction to Creative Non-Fiction Writing  3
ENG  228 Introduction to Fiction Writing  3
ENG  229 Introduction to Poetry Writing  3
FLM  334 Introduction to Screenwriting (W)  3
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 the following, or an additional workshop above (3 credits):
ENG  226 Introduction to Creative Writing  3
ENG  227 Introduction to Playwriting 3
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
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  3
5. One creative writing focused capstone course from among the following (3 credits):
ENG 483 Seminar in Literary Editing and Publishing  3
ENG  484E  Creative Writing Capstone 3
ENG  489H  Senior Honors Independent Project  3
ENG  493 English Internship  3
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 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 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
5. One of the following courses in creative making (3 or 4 credits):
ENG  226 Introduction to Creative Writing    3
ENG  228 Introduction to Fiction Writing    3
ENG  229 Introduction to Poetry Writing    3
ENG  235 Exploring Digital Humanities: History, Practice, and Speculation    3
FLM  260 Introduction to Digital Film and Emergent Media 4
FLM  334 Introduction to Screenwriting  (W)    3
Literary Studies Concentration
The literary studies concentration is available to students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in English. 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. One of the following courses in creative making (3 or 4 credits): 
ENG  223 Introduction to Creative Non-Fiction Writing    3
ENG  226 Introduction to Creative Writing    3
ENG  228 Introduction to Fiction Writing    3
ENG  229 Introduction to Poetry Writing    3
ENG  235 Exploring Digital Humanities: History, Practice, and Speculation    3
FLM  260 Introduction to Digital Film and Emergent Media 4
FLM  334 Introduction to Screenwriting (W)    3
2. Two of the following seminars (6 credits): 
ENG  422 Seminar in Genre and Form   3
ENG  440 Seminar in Popular Culture Studies   3
ENG  441 Seminar in Medieval and Early Modern Literature 3
ENG  443 Seminar in 18 and 19th Century Literature   3
ENG  445 Seminar in 20th and 21st Century Literature 3
ENG  448 Seminar in Gender and Literature   3
ENG  449 Seminar in Race, Ethnicity, and Literature   3
ENG  460 Seminar in Global and Postcolonial Literature 3
ENG  473A  Literature and Medicine   3
ENG  475 History of the Book: From Manuscripts to Comics 3
ENG  481 Seminar in Critical and Cultural Theory   3
ENG  492 Seminar in English    3
3. One of the following capstone course requirements (3 credits):
ENG  484 Critical Questions in Literary Studies   3
ENG  493 English Internship   3
Note: No single course may count more than once toward any of the requirements above. 

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.
  3. 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 Screenwriting

The Minor in Screenwriting, which is administered by the Department of English, offers undergraduate students a foundation in the production of scripts for fiction films and television programs.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With 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 are planning careers in writing for film and television should consider combining this minor with a major in Film Studies or Digital Storytelling.

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.

Admission

Students considering the Minor in Screenwriting must have a minimum grade-point average of 2.0.

Requirements for the Minor in Screenwriting

Complete a minimum of 16 credits from the following:

1. One of the following introductory courses in Film Studies (4 credits):
FLM  230 Introduction to Film  4
FLM 260 Introduction to Digital Film and Emergent Media  4
2. All of the following core courses (9 credits):
FLM  334 Introduction to Screenwriting (W)  3
FLM  434 Advanced Screenwriting (W)  3
FLM  484 Advanced Topics in Screenwriting  3
3. At least one of the following courses (3 credits):  
DS  202 Writing for Digital Storytelling  3
ENG  227 Introduction to Playwriting  3
FLM  255 Stars and Directors  3
FLM  300 History of Film to Midcentury  3
FLM  301 History of Film after Midcentury  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  450 Studies in Ethnic Film  3
FLM  451 Studies in Postcolonial Film  3
FLM  452 Studies in Film, Gender, and Sexuality  3
FLM  460 Seminar in Digital Film and Emergent Media (W)  3
FLM  480 Seminar in Film and Media Theory (W)  3
FLM  484 Advanced Topics in Screenwriting  3
(may be repeated with a different topic) 
FLM  491 Special Topics in Film Studies  3
THR  304 Topics in Acting/Directing II  3
THR  350 Plays as Film  3