English
Brenda Boudreau, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English;
bdboudre@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6971; Carnegie Hall 213
John R. Greenfield, Ph.D., Professor of English;
Coordinator,Writing Proficiency Examination;
jgreenfi@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6890; Carnegie Hall 205
Jenny Mueller, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of English;
jimueller@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6459; Carnegie Hall 215
Martha Patterson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English;
mhpatterson@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6881; Carnegie Hall 206
Gabriel Shapiro, M.A., Assistant Professor of Journalism and English;
gishapiro@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6946; Carnegie Hall 104
Michèle Stacey-Doyle, Ph.D., Professor of English;
(618) 537-6903; Carnegie Hall 210
The faculty in English offer a wide range of courses in literature and writing to prepare
students for graduate study and careers in teaching and other professions. English is
recognized as an excellent pre-professional major in such fields as law, medicine, business,
federal service, and publishing. The skills in writing, critical thinking, and analysis
learned by the English major provide a solid preparation for the prospective writer,
editor, lawyer, teacher, public relations worker, and advertising or business executive.
English majors take a variety of courses in writing, literature, and language-all of
which are designed to enhance students skills in oral and written communication.
Literature courses help students develop the ability to read and interpret literature critically
as well as the ability to appreciate literature and respond to it intellectually, aesthetically,
and affectively. The study of literature will help students understand their own
cultural heritage as well as the cultural heritage of others. Language and writing courses
will enhance students’ sensitivity to and understanding of language as well as improve
their skills in written communication: invention, drafting, revising, editing, and polishing.
To major in English the student must complete between 42 and 45 credit hours in
English (depending on the track and excluding ENG 111 and 112) of which at least 24
credit hours must be taken at McKendree. Students majoring in English may elect one
of the following three tracks: Literature Track; Literature/Writing Track; or
English/Secondary Education Track. At least 21 hours of the English major (all tracks)
must be taken from courses numbered 300 or above. Students must earn at least a 2.25
average in the major with no course grades below a C-. In addition, students must complete
a minimum of two semesters of a foreign language or equivalent (foreign language
in high school is computed on the basis of one year equals one semester of
college language). Thus majors must complete the equivalent of 102 (second semester)
of whichever language they chose.
To minor in English a student must include at least 22 credits in the area (excluding
ENG 111 and 112); at least 15 of these hours have to be at the 300 level or above. The
22 credit hours must include ENG 303 or 304 (American Literature), ENG 311, 315 or
316 and 317, 318, or 319 (English Literature), ENG 301 or 302 (Shakespeare), and
ENG 390 (Major Authors). A student must earn at least a 2.25 average in the minor
with no course grades below a C-.
To minor in writing, a student must complete 21 hours selected from the following
courses: ENG 205, ENG 206, ENG 212, ENG 220-229, ENG 300, ENG 305, ENG
306, ENG 307, ENG 320-329, ENG 360, JRN 251, JRN 352. Students must earn at
least a 2.25 average in the minor with no course grades below a C-.
In addition to the courses required for the English/secondary education track it is
also recommended that students in secondary education take one or more journalism
courses as journalism is considered part of the English Language Arts certificate. In
addition, it is recommended that secondary education English majors with an interest
in teaching drama and theater take English 250 Dramatic Literature and/or any Theater
course as electives as well as participate in the college’s theater productions. General
education and professional education requirements must also be met for certification.
These are listed in the section titled “Initial Secondary Certificate” in the Courses of
Study section of this catalog under Education.
Students who are considering graduate school in English should make an effort to
take as many of the following courses as possible: ENG 303, ENG 304, ENG 311, ENG
315, ENG 316, ENG 317, ENG 318, and ENG 319. These courses should enhance students’
performance on the English Graduate Record Examination.
ENG 111 and ENG 112, or permission of the instructor, are PREREQUISITES for all
ENGLISH COURSES NUMBERED 200 AND HIGHER. Students should check the
general education portion of the catalog to determine which English courses will satisfy
the general education core literature requirement and the core cross cultural requirement.
ENGLISH MAJOR REQUIREMENTS: Literature Track 42 crs.
ENG 290 INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY THEORY (W) (3)
ENG 390 MAJOR AUTHORS (3)
ENG 490 SEMINAR IN ENGLISH (4)
ENG 301 SHAKESPEARE’S COMEDIES AND HISTORIES (3)
or
ENG 302 SHAKESPEARE’S TRAGEDIES AND ROMANCES (3)
ENG 303 AMERICAN LITERATURE TO 1900 (4)
ENG 304 AMERICAN LITERATURE FROM 1900 TO PRESENT (4)
ENG 300 THE NATURE OF LANGUAGE (3)
or
ENG 307 ENGLISH GRAMMAR (3)
Four of the following English literature courses (one must be taken
from 311,315, and 316, and one must be taken from 317, 318, and 319.)
ENG 311 MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
ENG 315 17TH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
ENG 316 18TH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
ENG 317 ROMANTIC ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
ENG 318 VICTORIAN ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
ENG 319 TWENTIETH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
Additional English electives as needed
Literature/Writing Track: Literature Requirements 42 crs.
ENG 290 INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY THEORY (W) (3)
ENG 390 MAJOR AUTHORS (3)
ENG 490 SEMINAR IN ENGLISH (4)
ENG 301 SHAKESPEARE’S COMEDIES AND HISTORIES (3)
or
ENG 302 SHAKESPEARE’S TRAGEDIES AND ROMANCES (3)
ENG 303 AMERICAN LITERATURE TO 1900 (4)
or
ENG 304 AMERICAN LITERATURE FROM 1900 TO PRESENT (4)
One from the following:
ENG 311 MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
ENG 315 17TH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
ENG 316 18TH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
One from the following:
ENG 317 ROMANTIC ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
ENG 318 VICTORIAN ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
ENG 319 TWENTIETH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
Writing requirements. Twelve hours from the following courses:
(ENG 300 or 307 must be included.)
ENG 205 INTRODUCTION TO WRITING POETRY (3)
ENG 206 INTRODUCTION TO WRITING FICTION AND DRAMA (3)
ENG 212 ADVANCED COMPOSITION (3)
ENG 220-229 TOPICS IN WRITING, LANGUAGE AND RHETORIC (3)
ENG 300 THE NATURE OF LANGUAGE (3)
ENG 305 ADVANCED WRITING OF POETRY (3)
ENG 306 ADVANCED WRITING OF FICTION AND DRAMA (3)
ENG 307 ENGLISH GRAMMAR (3)
ENG 320-329 TOPICS IN WRITING, LANGUAGE AND RHETORIC (3)
ENG 360 TECHNICAL WRITING (3)
ENG 361 WRITING PEDAGOGY (3)
JRN 251 NEWSPAPER WRITING (3)
JRN 352 ADVANCED NEWSPAPER WRITING (3)
JRN 380-389 SPECIAL TOPICS IN JOURNALISM (3)
Additional English electives as needed
English/Secondary Education track: 44-45 crs.
ENG 290 INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY THEORY (W) (3)
ENG 301 SHAKESPEARE’S COMEDIES AND HISTORIES
or
ENG 302 SHAKESPEARE’S TRAGEDIES AND ROMANCES (3)
ENG 303 AMERICAN LITERATURE TO 1900
or
ENG 304 AMERICAN LITERATURE FROM 1900 TO PRESENT (4)
ENG 390 MAJOR AUTHORS (W) (3)
ENG 490 SEMINAR IN ENGLISH (W) (4)
One from the following:
ENG 311 MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE ENGLISH LITERATURE
or
ENG 315 17TH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE
or
ENG 316 18TH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
One from the following:
ENG 317 ROMANTIC ENGLISH LITERATURE
or
ENG 318 VICTORIAN ENGLISH LITERATURE
or
ENG 319 20TH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
Multicultural requirements: One from the following three:
ENG 252 ETHNIC LITERATURE
ENG 253 POSTCOLONIAL LITERATURE
ENG 254 AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE (3)
ENG 309 WORLD LITERATURE I
or
ENG 310 WORLD LITERATURE II (3-4)
ENG 236 YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE (3)
Writing and Language requirements: all of the following:
ENG 212 ADVANCED COMPOSITION (W) (3)
ENG 300 THE NATURE OF LANGUAGE (3)
ENG 307 ENGLISH GRAMMAR (3)
ENG 361 WRITING PEDAGOGY (W) (3)
* Unless otherwise noted, ENG 111 and ENG 112, or permission of the instructor,
are prerequisites for all English courses numbered 200 and higher.
ENG 109 BASIC WRITING (2)
This course requires extensive writing, revision, reading, and discussion about the cultural and linguistic conventions practiced by those living in the United States. Individual and group conferences help students formulate, structure, and communicate ideas effectively. Because problems with essay structure and with grammatical and mechanical errors vary widely from person to person, each student will work individually with the teacher to learn to recognize and correct his or her particular error patterns. This course does not fulfill any part of the 6 hr. English core curriculum requirement. Students who successfully complete English 109 may enroll in English 111. (Note: Students must earn a grade of C- or better in this course in order to be eligible to take Eng 111.) Annually, Fall or as needed.
ENG 111 ENGLISH I (4)
English 111 is a process-oriented writing course designed to introduce students to college writing. During the course students will develop their ability to respond critically and creatively to theme-based class readings in a variety of disciplines, including literature, developing analytical thinking and knowledge of the conventions of written academic discourse. Students will engage successfully in pre-writing techniques, to revise and reorganize both the content and structure of their essays, and to edit and polish their own work. Students will also be introduced to the use of library resources and will develop basic research skills. Each semester.
ENG 112 ENGLISH II (4)
English 112, which follows English 111 in the first-year composition sequence, is a process-oriented
writing course designed to further develop students’ abilities to engage in extensive pre-writing, writing,
revising, editing, and polishing. Using theme-based readings, this course emphasizes expository and persuasive analytical writing assignments and offers students further opportunities to strengthen their skills as critical thinkers, readers, and writers in response to readings in literatures as well as other disciplines. Students continue to develop their abilities to use library resources, applying research techniques to a research paper. Prerequisite: ENG 111. Each semester.
ENG 114 ELEMENTS OF COMPOSITION (2)
This course is designed to assist those students needing extra help in sentence structure and composition to pass the Writing Proficiency Examination. It concentrates on the skills necessary for writing complete sentences and unified paragraphs with sufficient content development. The WPE is the final examination for the course. Pass/C-/D/Fail only. As needed.
ENG 205 INTRODUCTION TO WRITING POETRY (3)
This is a workshop course designed to help students develop an understanding of the basic artistic principles involved in poetry writing and to give them the opportunity to apply these principles in writing
several poems. Annually, Spring or as needed.
ENG 206 INTRODUCTION TO WRITING FICTION AND DRAMA (3)
This is a workshop course designed to help students develop an understanding of the basic artistic principles involved in fiction and play writing and to give them the opportunity to apply these principles in
writing short fiction and plays. Annually, Fall or as needed.
ENG 212 ADVANCED COMPOSITION (W) (3)
This course presents advanced rhetorical strategies for the development of successful written communication, especially in regard to the argumentative, persuasive, and problem-solving modes. In addition, the course content will reflect the individual needs of the students based on their chosen fields of study. Annually, Spring.
ENG 220-229 TOPICS IN WRITING, LANGUAGE, AND RHETORIC (W) (3)
These courses are fieldwork practicums which examine a particular subject not ordinarily treated in
detail in other writing or language courses offered regularly by the department. Course topics might
include areas such as: gender and writing, autobiographical and biographical writing, tutoring in writing,
or an introduction to rhetorical theory. As needed.
ENG 235 GENDER IN LITERATURE (3)
A study of the literary presentation of women and men in fiction, drama, and/or poetry. This course
examines gender as it relates to authors, readers, and the literary canon. Focusing predominantly, but not exclusively, on literature by women, the course explores the ways women and men are represented.
Attention is paid to traditional depictions of women and to those reflecting contemporary changes as well as to social, political and psychological contexts. Annually, Fall.
ENG 236 YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE (3)
This course is designed to teach students how to select, analyze, and teach young adult literature. Students will develop bibliographies, write critical essays, and may interact with young adult readers and teachers. The course is required for all English secondary education majors. Alternate years, Spring ‘09, as needed.
ENG 247 MODERN NOVEL (3)
The course examines the development of the novel in the twentieth century. In addition to the modern
period, novels from the post-modern and contemporary periods may be studied as well. Novels are
selected on the basis of their literary merit as well as their impact on the form, content, and development
of the novel. Alternate years, Spring, ‘08.
ENG 250 DRAMATIC LITERATURE (3)
A survey of the world’s dramatic masterpieces tracing the evolution of the theater from the Greeks to the
contemporary theater. Emphasis is on dramatic literature in performance, and the survey includes the
development of the theater as a historical institution. Same as THE 250. Annually, Fall.
ENG 252 ETHNIC LITERATURE (3)
A representative number of works by authors representing the diversity of American society are read.
African-American, Asian-American, Jewish-American, and Native-American authors are among those
investigated. Works by foreign authors may also be read in translation. Annually, Fall.
ENG 253 THE LITERATURE OF POSTCOLONIAL CULTURES (3)
Representative works from post-colonial Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the Caribbean, and/or
Latin America, occasionally in conjunction with colonial works, are studied in their cultural contexts.
Class discussion and written work focus on social, political, religious, and historical issues reflected in
the literature. Annually, Spring.
ENG 254 AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE (3)
This course will examine African American novels, short stories, essays, music, and poetry written from
the mid-eighteenth century to the present. Themes discussed may include constructions of racial identity, social consciousness, and race, class, and gender relations. Writers may include the following:
Frederick Douglass, Nella Larsen, Langston Hughes, Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin, Gwendolyn
Brooks, Michael Harper, and Toni Morrison. Alternate Years, Spring ‘08.
ENG 261 POETRY (3)
Works of early to contemporary poets are studied. Discussion focuses on how the poet’s vision finds
expression through poetic form and language, as well as on how the various poetic forms have developed through history. Annually, Spring.
ENG 271 SHORT FICTION (3)
The works of some of the major writers of short stories and short novels are studied. Class discussions
will focus on gaining a critical understanding of the works and their influence on the development of
short fiction. Annually, Fall.
ENG 280-289 TOPICS IN LITERATURE (3)
Topics courses examine a particular topic, genre, or subject in literature not ordinarily treated in detail
in other literature courses offered regularly by the department. As needed.
ENG 290 INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY THEORY (W) (3)
The purpose of this course is to introduce English majors to the principal approaches to literature.
Primary emphasis will be given to the application of current critical approaches to selected works as well as to research methods within the discipline. Secondary emphasis will be given to selected topics currently under debate in the field. For English majors/minors. NOTE: The course does NOT count as a general education course fulfilling literature core requirement. Annually, Fall.
ENG 300 THE NATURE OF LANGUAGE (3)
This course is an introduction to the structure, meaning, and history of language, with an emphasis on
semantics. Additional topics include language acquisition, dialects, dictionaries, communication, and
language and society (the language of politics, advertising, and gender, as well as taboo words, jargon
and more). Alternate years, Fall, ‘07.
ENG 301 SHAKESPEARE’S COMEDIES AND HISTORIES (3)
This course consists of a study of representative comedies and histories of Shakespeare. Emphasis is on reading and understanding Shakespearean language, as well as on the theatrical and cultural contexts of the plays. Alternate years, Spring, ‘08.
ENG 302 SHAKESPEARE’S TRAGEDIES AND ROMANCES (3)
This course consists of the study of representative tragedies and late romances of Shakespeare. Emphasis is on reading and understanding Shakespearean language, as well as on the theatrical and cultural contexts of the plays. Alternate years, Spring ‘09.
ENG 303 AMERICAN LITERATURE TO 1900 (4)
The course includes a survey of early American writers from the Puritan period to the end of the nineteenth century. Emphasis is placed on the growth of Romanticism and the development of realism and naturalism in American literature. Annually, Fall.
ENG 304 AMERICAN LITERATURE FROM 1900 TO PRESENT (4)
The course is designed to help students appreciate some of the major American writers of the twentieth
century. Besides discussing the works individually, the class analyzes some of the important historical
and literary movements that influenced their content and form. Annually, Spring.
ENG 305 ADVANCED WRITING OF POETRY (3)
This is a workshop course designed for students who have had previous course work in poetry writing,
or other comparable experience and who wish substantial additional training in poetry writing beyond
the introductory level. Pre-requisite: English 205, or approved equivalent. English 205 and 305 will be
offered concurrently. Annually, Spring or as needed.
ENG 306 ADVANCED WRITING OF FICTION AND DRAMA (3)
This is a workshop course designed for students who have had previous course work in fiction writing
and play writing, or other comparable experience and who wish substantial additional training in fiction
writing and play writing beyond the introductory level. Pre-requisite English 206, or approved equivalent.
English 206 and 306 will be offered concurrently. Annually, Fall or as needed.
ENG 307 ENGLISH GRAMMAR (3)
This course is a study of English phonology (sound system), morphology (word structure), and syntax (sentence structure) with an emphasis on structural and transformational grammars. Alternate years, Fall, ‘08.
ENG 309 WORLD LITERATURE I (4)
This course surveys literature (primarily but not exclusively western) from the ancient period, the
medieval period, and the Renaissance. The course emphasizes historical and cultural contexts, as well as major literary texts. Alternate years, Fall, ‘08.
ENG 310 WORLD LITERATURE II (3)
This course surveys literature (primarily but not exclusively western) from the following literary periods
and movements: Enlightenment, Romanticism, realism and naturalism, modernism, and post-modernism. The course emphasizes historical and cultural contexts, as well as major literary texts. Alternate years, Fall, ‘07.
ENG 311 MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
This course surveys major works of poetry, prose, and drama from pre- and post- Norman Conquest
England through the death of Elizabeth I. Authors and works may include Beowulf, Sir Gawain and the
Green Knight, Chaucer, cycle and morality plays, Sidney, Spenser, and Marlowe. Emphasis is placed on
cultural and historical contexts, as well as the texts themselves. Alternate years, Fall, ‘07.
ENG 315 SEVENTEENTH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
This course surveys major literary works in poetry, prose and drama of the Jacobean period through the
English Civil War and Restoration. Authors may include Donne, Jonson, Herbert, Marvell, Philips,
Milton, Dryden,Wycherley and Behn. Emphasis is placed on cultural and historical contexts, as well as
the texts themselves. Alternate years, Fall ‘08.
ENG 316 EIGHTEENTH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
This course surveys major literary works in poetry, fiction, and drama of the Eighteenth Century and
examines topics such as satire and the rise of the novel. Authors may include Swift, Pope, Defoe,
Johnson, Richardson, Fielding, Sheridan and Sterne, among others. Emphasis is placed on cultural and historical contexts, as well as the texts themselves. Alternate years, Spring ‘09.
ENG 317 ROMANTIC ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
This course surveys literature of the English Romantic Period (1790-1832) in the major genres, of poetry, non-fiction prose, and prose fiction. Authors may include Wollstonecraft, Burns, Blake,Wordsworth, Coleridge, DeQuincey, Byron, Percy and Mary Shelley, Keats, Austen, and the Brontes, among others. Emphasis is placed upon cultural and historical contexts as well as on the texts themselves. Alternate years, Spring ‘09.
ENG 318 VICTORIAN ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
This course surveys literature of the English Victorian Age (1832-1901) in the major genres of poetry,
non-fiction prose, drama, and prose fiction. Authors may include Carlyle, Dickens, J.S. Mill, Tennyson,
Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Arnold, Dante and Christina Rossetti, Swinburne, Morris,
Wilde, George Eliot, and Hardy, among others. Emphasis is placed upon cultural and historical contexts
as well as on the texts themselves. Alternate years, Spring, ‘08.
ENG 319 TWENTIETH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
This course surveys selections of English and Irish literature from 1900 to the present. Authors include,
but are not limited to,Yeats, Joyce, Eliot, Lawrence, and Woolf. Emphasis is placed on cultural and historical contexts as well as on texts. Alternate years, Spring, ‘08
ENG 320-329 TOPICS IN WRITING, LANGUAGE, AND RHETORIC (W) (3)
These theoretically-informed courses examine a particular subject not ordinarily treated in detail in other
writing or language courses offered regularly by the department. Course topics might include areas such as the construction of gender in writing, pedagogical theory and writing, or classical or contemporary rhetorical theory. As needed.
ENG 360 TECHNICAL WRITING (W) (3)
Emphasizes the strategies and formats required for effective written communication in professional and
technical fields. The course requires clear, concise writing in various formats (memos, reports, etc.)
geared to appropriate audiences as well as the use of graphics. Each semester.
ENG 361 WRITING PEDAGOGY (W) (3)
This course will introduce students to writing pedagogy from both a theoretical and practical perspective.
Students will trace historical changes in writing pedagogy from classical to contemporary and will
develop a teaching philosophy grounded in pedagogical theory and individual tutoring experience.
Students will practice responding to student writing, and designing effective assignments for a writing
course. Required for English/Secondary Education track. Alternate Years, Spring ‘09, as needed.
ENG 380-389 TOPICS IN LITERATURE (3)
This course examines a particular theme, genre or subject in literature, not ordinarily treated in detail in
other literature courses offered regularly by the department. Courses offered include such topics as
Women in Literature, Gothic and Mystery Literature and Film, Science Fiction, and The Comic
Tradition. As needed.
ENG 390 MAJOR AUTHORS (W) (3)
This course is an intensive study of one major author (or in some cases two closely connected authors).
Students will examine a substantial body of the work of the author selected and may examine biographical and critical materials as well. A literary research paper is required. Because the author varies from year to year, ENG 390 may be taken more than once for credit. Students who are not English majors, English minors, or Elementary Education majors (with English concentration) must obtain permission of the instructor to take English 390 Major Authors. Annually, Spring, as needed.
ENG 470 INTERNSHIP IN ENGLISH (3-8)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. No more than three hours may be counted toward the required
total for the major.
ENG 480 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE
AND LITERATURE (1-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
ENG 490 SEMINAR IN ENGLISH (W) (4)
Research approaches, resources and methods in literature and criticism are taught in connection with a
selected topic. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Annually, Fall, as needed.