English (B.A.)

English (B.A.)
Plymouth students on Plymouth campus

The intersection between the creative and the critical.


The PSU Department of English is on the cutting edge. In today’s increasingly complex and global culture, the English department is uniquely positioned to help you translate your creative talents into a successful career and a fulfilling future. At the core of what we do is an emphasis on the intersection between the creative and the critical.


Through focused study in literature, language, and writing, English majors at Plymouth State University develop the essential skills of critical thinking, cogent analysis, and effective communication. The major explores both canonical and non-canonical texts in British, American, and Global literatures, and introduces students to trends in literary history and to contemporary questions raised by theorists and literary critics. Our renowned writing curriculum helps students develop their own original voices in both imaginative and expository writing. This core curriculum, along with 16 credits of Advanced Study (3000/4000 level) in EN courses of the student’s choosing, comprises the standard English major and prepares students well for a variety of life paths. Students who seek certification as English teachers must declare and follow the Teacher Certification Option. Students who elect to focus their Advanced Study exclusively in writing may declare a Writing Option.

Teacher Certification (5-12) Option

The Educator Preparation programs at Plymouth State University are approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education. The University is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE).

Graduates who complete this Teacher Certification Option are eligible for 5-12 teacher certification in the state of New Hampshire. Because of New Hampshire’s membership in the Interstate Certification Contract, Plymouth graduates are eligible to earn a certificate or license in another Contract state upon application to that state’s department of education. For further information, please see the Holmes Center for School Partnerships and Educator Preparation section. Requirements for certification may change, subject to changes made by the New Hampshire Department of Education. Teacher candidates can find the most current New Hampshire Department of Education standards at education.nh.gov/index.htm.

All teacher candidates who interact with students in public school settings through course-related field experiences, including English Internship in Teaching, are subject to New Hampshire state legislation that requires a full disclosure criminal records check. This may include fingerprinting. The processing of the criminal records check is conducted at the site school before the clinical experience begins. The fee for this processing is the responsibility of the teacher candidate and is paid directly to the school district. Each new site will require a separate fingerprinting and background check. Inquiries should be directed to the Holmes Center for School Partnerships and Educator Preparation.

In order for teacher candidates to participate in clinical experiences in diverse settings that are essential for their development as teachers and required for accreditation, teacher candidates must be willing and able to travel outside of the Plymouth area beyond walking distances. All Internship in Teaching candidates should plan for and be able to secure their own transportation by the junior year.

Contact
Contact

Program Coordinator, English
Professor
Phone: (603) 535-2595
Office: Arts & Technologies, Ellen Reed House Rm 05, MSC 40, Plymouth, NH 03264

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  • Emily Grubby
    Featured Alumni
    My time as an English Major at Plymouth prepared me well for the mind-altering practice of interdisciplinary work and hours spent sitting with uncomfortable and challenging questions.
    Learn More

When you graduate with a degree in English from Plymouth State, you will be ready to excel in today’s careers that demand ingenuity, rigorous analysis, and the ability to think outside of the box.

Each year we send our graduates into the world to write plays and novels and poems and essays; we send them to graduate school in English and law and journalism and education; we send them to work in fields as diverse as publishing, investigative journalism, web marketing, social service, and politics; and we send them into middle and high schools to teach writing and literature.

Our department is a vibrant, welcoming, and collaborative group of readers and writers, and we look forward to working with you as you chart your path to your future!

Follow us on Facebook @ PSU English Majors!

Curriculum & Requirements

Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
EN 1600Studies in English (QRCO,WRCO)4
EN 2710Creative Writing4
EN 3515Currents in Global Literature (GACO)4
Rethinking Literature
Complete three courses from the following, one of which must be a Technology in the Discipline Connection:12
EN 2440
Rethinking Early American Literature (DICO,TECO)
EN 2460
Rethinking Modern American Literature (DICO)
EN 2490
Rethinking Modern British Literature, 1660-1945 (TECO)
EN 3420
Rethinking Medieval and Renaissance Literature (INCO,INCP)
General Education
EN 1400Composition4
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
MAMathematics Foundations3-4
CTDICreative Thought Direction3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction3-4
SIDIScientific Inquiry Direction3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 14-8
GACOForeign Language 26-8
Option Requirements47-60
English Major, No Option
Teacher Certification (5-12)
Writing
Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).

2

The foreign language requirement for all BA degrees calls for 0-8 credits: one year of one language (6-8 credits); or one 3000/4000 level world language course (4 credits); or being a native speaker of a language other than English (zero credit). American Sign Language I and II fulfill this requirement; however, American Sign Language does not satisfy the Global Awareness Connection.

English Major, Writing and Literature

Course Title Credits
EN 3695Critical Theory4
Advanced Study Courses
Complete four to five (3000/4000 level) classes (minimum of 16 credits) from the following:16
EN 3040
Practicum in Production
EN 3050
Practicum in Publication
EN 3105
Fiction Workshop
EN 3125
Advanced Composition
EN 3135
Non-Fiction Workshop
EN 3145
Poetry Workshop
EN 3305
The Craft of Screenwriting: Reading and Writing Screenplays
EN 3325
Literature into Film
EN 3595
The Filmmaker's Vision: An Introduction to Film Analysis
EN 3685
Scriptwriting
EN 3755
Topics in Literature and Film
EN 3765
Topics in Writing
EN 4035
Advanced Poetry Workshop
EN 4155
Digitalit: Storytelling in the Digital Age (TECO)
EN 4318
Teaching Writing: Grades 5–12
EN 4559
Teaching Literature: Grades 5–12
EN 4560
Teaching Digital Literacy, Grades 5–12
EN 4805
Single Author Course
CM 3095
Technical Communication (TECO,WRCO)
CM 3675
Journalism in the Digital Age (TECO,WRCO)
Electives32-41
Total Credits52-61

Teacher Certification (5-12) Option of BA English

Course Title Credits
EN 2900Introduction to English Teaching4
EN 4318Teaching Writing: Grades 5–124
EN 4558Teaching Reading: Grades 5–124
EN 4559Teaching Literature: Grades 5–124
EN 4560Teaching Digital Literacy, Grades 5–124
EN 4320English Internship in Teaching Seminar1
EN 4430English Internship in Teaching 5-12 111
SE 3090Introduction to Special Education: Middle and Secondary3
ED 2800Inclusive Education and Technology (TECO)4
ED 2600Learning and Development (WRCO)4
ED 3000Identity in a Diverse Society (DICO)4
Total Credits47
1

English Internship in Teaching requires a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.70; a minimum grade of C in Currents in Global Literature (EN 3515), Teaching Writing: Grades 5–12 (EN 4318), Teaching Reading: Grades 5–12 (EN 4558), Teaching Digital Literacy, Grades 5–12 (EN 4560), Teaching Literature: Grades 5–12 (EN 4559); a minimum grade of C in three of Rethinking Early American Literature (EN 2440), Rethinking Modern American Literature (EN 2460), Rethinking Modern British Literature, 1660-1945 (EN 2490), Rethinking Medieval and Renaissance Literature (EN 3420).

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. 

To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years.  For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester.  Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).

English major without an Option

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
EN 1400 Composition 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
MAMathematics Foundations 3-4
EN 1600 Studies in English (QRCO,WRCO) 4
 Credits15-16
Years One and Two
EN 2710 Creative Writing 4
CTDICreative Thought Direction 3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction 3-4
SIDIScientific Inquiry Direction 3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction 3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 1 4-8
GACOForeign Language 6
Electives 15-16
 Credits41-50
Years Three and Four
EN 3515 Currents in Global Literature (GACO) 4
EN 3695 Critical Theory 4
Complete three Rethinking Literature Courses, one of which must be TECO, from the following: 12
EN 2440
Rethinking Early American Literature (DICO,TECO)
EN 2460
Rethinking Modern American Literature (DICO)
EN 2490
Rethinking Modern British Literature, 1660-1945 (TECO)
EN 3420
Rethinking Medieval and Renaissance Literature (INCO,INCP)
Complete four to five (3000/4000 level) Advanced Study Courses from the following: 16
INCOIntegration Connection 3-4
WECOWellness Connection 3-4
Electives 16-18
 Credits58-62
 Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).

Elective Options

Teacher Certification (5-12) Option of BA English

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. 

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
General Education Requirements
EN 1400 Composition 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
MAMathematics Foundations 3-4
English Major Requirements
EN 1600 Studies in English (QRCO,WRCO) 4
 Credits15-16
Years One and Two
General Education Requirements
CTDICreative Thought Direction 3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction 3-4
SIDIScientific Inquiry Direction 3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction 3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 1 4-8
GACOForeign Language 6
English Major Requirements
EN 2710 Creative Writing 4
Teacher Certification Requirements
EN 2900 Introduction to English Teaching 2 4
*Praxis Tests must be passed by end of Year Two*
 Credits30-38
Year Two
English Major Requirements
Complete three Rethinking Literature Courses, one of which must be TECO:
EN 2440 Rethinking Early American Literature (DICO,TECO) 4
EN 2460 Rethinking Modern American Literature (DICO) 4
EN 2490 Rethinking Modern British Literature, 1660-1945 (TECO) 4
Teacher Certification Requirements
ED 2600 Learning and Development (WRCO) 4
Electives 3
 Credits19
Years Three and Four
EN 3515 Currents in Global Literature (GACO) 4
Complete three Rethinking Literature Courses, one of which must be TECO:
EN 3420 Rethinking Medieval and Renaissance Literature (INCO,INCP) 4
General Education Requirements
Integrated Capstone (INCP); EN 3420 satisfies requirement
Teacher Certification Requirements
ED 3000 Identity in a Diverse Society (DICO) 4
SE 3090
or ED 2800
Introduction to Special Education: Middle and Secondary
or Inclusive Education and Technology (TECO)
3
Fall of year 3 (required course)
EN 4558 Teaching Reading: Grades 5–12 4
Spring of year 3 (required course)
EN 4318 Teaching Writing: Grades 5–12 4
Electives 8
 Credits31
Year Four
Fall
Teacher Certification Requirements
EN 4560 Teaching Digital Literacy, Grades 5–12 4
EN 4559 Teaching Literature: Grades 5–12 4
Electives 4
 Credits12
Spring
No other courses possible due to full-time internship.
EN 4320 English Internship in Teaching Seminar 1
EN 4430 English Internship in Teaching 5-12 12
 Credits13
 Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).

2

Required for the Option

Writing Option of BA English

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
EN 1400 Composition 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
MAMathematics Foundations 3-4
EN 1600 Studies in English (QRCO,WRCO) 4
 Credits15-16
Years One and Two
EN 2710 Creative Writing 4
CTDICreative Thought Direction 3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction 3-4
SIDIScientific Inquiry Direction 3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction 3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 1 4-8
GACOForeign Language 6
Electives 15-16
 Credits41-50
Years Three and Four
EN 3515 Currents in Global Literature (GACO) 4
EN 3695 Critical Theory 4
Complete three Rethinking Literature Courses, one of which must be TECO: 12
EN 2440
Rethinking Early American Literature (DICO,TECO)
EN 2460
Rethinking Modern American Literature (DICO)
EN 2490
Rethinking Modern British Literature, 1660-1945 (TECO)
EN 3420
Rethinking Medieval and Renaissance Literature (INCO,INCP)
Complete four to five Advanced Study in Writing Courses (3000/4000 level) from the following: 2 16
EN 3040
Practicum in Production
EN 3050
Practicum in Publication
EN 3105
Fiction Workshop
EN 3125
Advanced Composition
EN 3135
Non-Fiction Workshop
EN 3145
Poetry Workshop
EN 3305
The Craft of Screenwriting: Reading and Writing Screenplays
EN 3685
Scriptwriting
EN 3765
Topics in Writing
EN 4035
Advanced Poetry Workshop
EN 4950
English Internship
CM 3095
Technical Communication (TECO,WRCO)
CM 3675
Journalism in the Digital Age (TECO,WRCO)
INCOIntegration Connection 3-4
WECOWellness Connection 3-4
Electives 16-18
 Credits58-62
 Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).

2

Required for the Option

Students who complete degree programs in the Plymouth State University Department of English should be able to:

  • Use cultural, historical, and aesthetic contexts to inform their understanding of all kinds of texts
  • Display analytical skill in their written responses to texts
  • Write fluently and understand writing as an artistic and/or intellectual process
  • Understand the conventions of literary genre as creative writers and critics
  • Capably use research to accomplish their reading, writing and thinking goals
  • Understand the role of emerging digital technologies in writing, literature, and communication
English Education, K-12 – NH State Educator Certification
  • Understand the cognitive processes and social factors that contribute to language development;
  • Support adolescent readers' development of skills and knowledge related to word recognition, vocabulary, verbal reasoning, and reading comprehension;
  • Support adolescent writers' development of skills and knowledge related to writing clear sentences, compelling narratives, creative poems, and coherent essays;
  • Ask incisive questions that spark students' intellectual curiosity;
  • Orchestrate lively, respectful class discussions that explore stories and poetry and relate literature to students' own lives;
  • Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.
 

What kind of a position could I get with a major in English?
  • Advertising
  • Advertising Traffic Manager
  • Account Executive
  • Acquisitions Editing
  • Administrator
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Attorney
  • Book Critic
  • Business manager
  • Circulation Assistant
  • City Manager
  • Communication Manager
  • Congressional Aide
  • Community Relations Specialist
  • Contracts and Permission
  • Curator
  • Desktop Publisher
  • Documents Analyst
  • Education & Training
  • Education Program Specialist
  • Foreign Correspondent
  • Fundraiser
  • Greeting Card Writer
  • Hearing Officer
  • Hotel/Motel Manager
  • Human Resource Specialist
  • Insurance Agent
  • Investment Counselor
  • Literary Agent
  • Lobbyist
  • Loan Officer
  • Marketing Trainee
  • Marketing Writer
  • Novelist
  • Paralegal
  • Personnel Manager
  • Poet
  • Press Representative
  • Public Speaker
  • Publicity Assistant
  • Publishing Assistant
  • Program Manager
  • Product Manager
  • Probation and Parole Officer
  • Program Planner
  • Public Administrator
  • Publicity Assistant/Coordinator
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Radio & TV Newscaster
  • Reading Consultant
  • Research Publications Editing
  • Sales Writer
  • Social Worker
  • Sports Writer
  • Technical Consultant
  • Training Specialist
  • Translator
  • University/College Relations
Where should I look for a job if I have an undergraduate degree in English?
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Bookstores
  • Business & Industry
  • Broadcast Media
  • Colleges/Universities
  • Commercial Banks and Credit Unions
  • Communication Firms
  • Education and Professional Books
  • Film Companies
  • Foreign Service
  • Fundraising Firms
  • Government Agencies
  • Humanities & Arts Council
  • Insurance Companies
  • Law firms
  • Magazines and Newspapers
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Personnel Departments
  • Professional Journals
  • Public/Private Schools
  • Public Relations Firms
  • Publishing Firms
  • Radio-TV Industry
  • Research/Development Firms
  • Travel Agencies
  • Trade Associations
  • Trade, Professional or Consumer Publications
The English major required me to think deeply and to think for myself. The professors demanded that of us and that training has served me well in my graduate academic pursuits.
~Nathan Bieniek, alum
 
What are some examples of things that recent PSU English grads are doing out there in the world?
 
Recent grads from the last seven years are continuing their studies and working in related fields. Here is a random sampling of what specific English alums are up to:
  • JD law degree (Rutgers);
  • MA in literature (Fitchburg State);
  • Copyeditor/proofreader at a NH press;
  • MA in theology (Boston University);
  • Founder/President of tutoring company;
  • Founder/President of marketing and business solutions company;
  • Multimedia Specialist;
  • MFA in Popular Fiction (USM);
  • Director of Sales at art/design company;
  • MLS in Library Science/Media (multiple students);
  • Sportswriter for NH Fisher Cats;
  • Client Services and Social Media Specialist;
  • High School English Teacher (multiple students);
  • ESL teacher in Korea;
  • English Teacher in Abu Dhabi;
  • Graphic Designer;
  • Production Assistant at local TV station;
  • PR Editor at private school.
My first job right out of PSU was doing light assembly for telecommunications products. Word got out that I had a degree in English and they bumped me up from the back room to the Marketing department.
~Derek Heidemann, alum
 
Is it true that if I pursue my love of English that I won’t get a job? or make a decent living?
Nope! One English professor debunks these myths: “Reports of the deadliness of English to a successful career are greatly exaggerated. According to one major study produced by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, the median income for English majors with a bachelor’s but no additional degree is $48,000. This figure is just slightly lower than that for bachelor’s degree holders in biology ($50,000), and slightly higher than for those in molecular biology or physiology (both $45,000). It’s the same for students who received their bachelor’s in public policy or criminology (both $48,000), slightly lower than for those who received their bachelor’s in criminal justice and fire protection ($50,000) and slightly higher than for those who received it in psychology ($45,000).” And the unemployment rate for English majors is just the same as it is for grads with other BA degrees. Read more: http://www.insidehighered.com/views/2013/02/05/essay-critiques-garrison-keillor-his-jokes-about-english-majors#ixzz2KFNRAfux
 
If I do an English major at PSU, will you help me find a job?
You bet! Come talk to any faculty member for help in the job search, and work with Jim Kuras from Career Services for even more support. Attend English Department workshops that will help you apply for your first job. Here are some of the handy materials from those sessions that you might like to look over right now:
  • Job Searching 101 for English Majors
  • Writing Your Resumé
  • Writing Your Cover Letter
 
Still have questions about what YOU can do with a degree in English from Plymouth State University? Come talk to our English faculty anytime!
 
English Education, K-12 – NH State Educator Certification - English Educators

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