Florida State University - English Department - Undergraduate Handbook

 

Whom to See About What

For Academic Advising:

See Brandy Haddock — Seniors
460 Williams Bldg.
644 2676
bhaddock@admin.fsu.edu

Jordan Perry — Freshmen-Juniors
456 Williams Bldg.
644 0237
jeperry@admin.fsu.edu

Polly Reza — Freshmen-Juniors
459 Williams Bldg.
644 4131
areza@admin.fsu.edu

See Dr. Deborah Coxwell-Teague
Director of First Year Writing
222E Williams Building
644 3164
dteague@english.fsu.edu

See Dr. Barry Faulk
Director of Undergraduate Studies
405 Williams Building
645 9874
bfaulk@fsu.edu

See Dr. Eric Walker
Chair and Professor, English Dept. (call Carolyn Hall, at 645 0000, to make an appointment with Dr. Walker)

See an academic coordinator in your Dean's office (Undergraduate Studies in UC-A3400 - 644-2451 for basic division students or Arts and Sciences in 10 Longmire - 644-1081 for upper division students)

 

Advising

Although advising is not mandatory, students are encouraged to see an advisor at least once a semester to make sure that major, minor, and university requirements are met. All advisors see students on a walk-in basis. Students with fewer than 90 hours completed should see either Polly Reza (459 WMS, areza@admin.fsu.edu, 850 644 4131) or Jordan Perry (456 WMS, jeperry@admin.fsu.edu, 850 644 0237) They are available on most weekdays from 9:00am-4:00pm. Students with 90+ should see Brandy Haddock (460 WMS, bhaddock@admin.fsu.edu, 850 644 2676) from 9:00am-12:00pm & 2:00pm-4:00pm. Please note that due to confidentiality laws, advisors cannot disclose sensitive or specific student data via email or over the phone to parents. Email is intended for general academic inquiries; please allow at least 24 hours for email turnaround.

 

General Requirements for the B.A.

  • Freshman Composition: FSU requires 6 hours of freshman composition courses for all students. Most students take ENC 1101 - Composition and Rhetoric - and ENC 1102 - Writing about Literature - to fulfill this requirement. Students especially interested in writing, however, may substitute one of the following specialized courses for ENC 1102:
     
    • ENC 1142 Freshman Imaginative Writing Workshop
    • ENC 1144 Freshman Article and Essay Workshop
    • ENC 1145 Special Topics in Composition
    (Incoming students with AP/IB credit for ENC1101 and/or ENC1102 may wish to take ENC 3310 - Article and Essay workshop. See the General Bulletin for other courses that substitute for ENC 1102.)
     
  • Liberal Studies: 36 hours of coursework as follows:
     
    • Area I. Math (6 hours) - MGF courses are acceptable
    • Area II. English Composition (6 hours)
    • Area III. History/ Social Science (minimum 3 hours in each designation)
    • Area IV. Humanities./Fine Arts (minimum 5 hours to include a Literature-based course with a * designation
    • Area V. Natural Science (7 hours to include one hour of corresponding lab)
    • Area VI. 6 hours of additional history, social science, humanities, or fine arts
    • Students must complete at least one course with an X designation and one with a Y designation.
    • Gordon rule = 24,000 words, fulfilled by 2 English Composition courses @6000 words each and 4 "W" courses @ 3000 words each. Students must make "C-" or better in these courses

    •  
  • Foreign Language: The B.A. degree requires completion of a classical or modern foreign language through the 2220 level. Most students will need to take three semesters of language to satisfy this requirement. Students with over a 2.5 GPA may elect to take these courses pass/fail (S/U). Please ask an advisor for details or for information regarding the language placement tests offered at FSU.

    •  
  • Other Requirements: The B.A. degree requires a total of 120 semester hours. Of these, 45 hours must be in courses numbered 3000 level and above, 60 hours must be from a 4-year senior institution, and the final 30 hours must be in residency at FSU.
    •  

    Computer Skills Competency

    All undergraduates at FSU must demonstrate basic computer skills competency prior to graduation. As necessary computer skills vary from discipline to discipline, each major determines the courses needed to satisfy this requirement. Undergraduate majors in English satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of "C-" or higher in CGS2060, CGS2064, CGS2100, or EME2040.

     

    The English Major

    Academic Maps for English Major: The academic maps are term-by-term sample course schedules. The milestones listed to the right of each term are designed to keep you on course to graduate in four years.

    A link to all FSU undergraduate major maps is available here: http://www.academic-guide.fsu.edu/

    1. General Information
      • 33 semester hours of English in courses numbered above 1999
      • No more than 12 hours may be at the 2000 level
      • At least 9 hours must be at the 4000 level
      • Honors thesis hours may be applied toward the B.A. degree, but only 3 hours will be accepted for major credit
      • One English course used to satisfy the humanities requirement for liberal studies may be counted as part of the major
      • All courses applied to the major must carry the grade of C- or better.

      [Warning: It is wise not to leave specific requirements until your last term, especially if it is a summer term. Try to take care of requirements first: leave electives until later.]

    2. Specifics (Each student must choose one of the following concentrations):

      A. Concentration in Literature

      Literature Core:

      • 3 hours in American literature 3/4000 level
      • 3 hours in pre-1660 British literature 3/4000 level
      • 3 hours in pre-1800 British literature 3/4000 level
      • 3 hours in post-1800 British literature 3/4000 level
      • 3 hours additional 3/4000 level literature
      • ENG3014 - Critical Issues in Literary Studies (to be completed junior year)
      • ENG 4934 - Senior Seminar in Literature (NOTE: students pursuing Honors in the Major can substitute the Honors Seminar, ENG4948 (Advanced Seminar in English), for the Senior Seminar)
      • 12 hours of English department electives (literature, creative writing, internship, etc.)

      B. Concentration in Writing

      Writing Core:

      • 6 hours of 4000 level advanced writing workshops
      • 9 hours of additional writing courses - Students may choose from Article and Essay, Fiction, and Poetry
      • At least two different genres of writing must be completed before graduation. 4000 level advanced workshops are available by application only and each advanced workshop is repeatable up to 24 semester hours.

      Literature Core:

      • 3 hours pre-1900 British literature at the 3/4000 level
      • 12 hours of additional literature courses (AML, LIT, ENL prefix)
      • 3 hours of English department elective

      [Warning: Since students are not guaranteed access to 4000 level advanced creative writing workshops, it would be wise to structure the literature core in line with requirements for the concentration in literature, so that students who are not able to complete the concentration in Creative Writing do not find themselves trying to finish many literature requirements in their senior year in order to graduate.]

      C. Concentration in Editing, Writing and Media

      • 9 hours Core Requirements—ENC3021-Rhetoric, ENC3416-Writing and Editing in Print and Online, ENG3803-History of Text Technologies—recommended before adv requirements.
      • 9 hours Advanced Requirements—choose 3 from among: ENC4212-Editing: Manuscripts, Documents, Reports; ENC4218-Visual Rhetoric in the Digital Age; ENC4404-Advanced Writing and Editing; ENG4020-Rhetorical Theory and Practice; ENG4834-Issues in Publishing; ENG3804-History of Illustrated Texts: Illuminated Manuscripts to Graphic Novels; ENG4815-What is a Text?
      • 3 hours ENC4942-Editing Internship
      • 12 hours English Electives, at the 3000 or 4000 level. (Includes courses with prefixes AML, CRW, ENC, ENG, ENL, LIN, and LIT)

      D. Concentration in English Studies Students with a cumulative GPA above 3.0 can create an individual course of study within the English major to pursue a period, genre, or theme, theory and criticism, or a combination of areas such as popular culture and film. The proposal requires faculty panel approval in the student's junior year - courses should be chosen in conjunction with the Director of Undergraduate Studies or departmental advisor. General guidelines include:

      • 24 total hours must be at the 3/4000 level
      • 9 hours must be 4000 level English courses
      • 9 hours may be applied to the major outside the department

    Courses that fulfill requirements for the Literature Concentration

    American Literature at the 3000/4000 level:

    Pre-1800 British Literature at the 3000/4000 level (Please note courses within this category which are pre-1660):

    Post-1800 British Literature at the 3000/4000 level:

    Writing Workshops at the 3000/4000 level:

     

    Directed Individual Study

    Special topics or subject areas that are not offered in the regular English curriculum or that are more specialized or narrowly focused may be pursued as Directed Individual Study (DIS). For motivated, independent students with special interest in a particular topic or area of study, the DIS can be an excellent opportunity to explore 'off-the-beaten-path' subject matter while developing contacts with faculty. However, a student should not ask to take a DIS in a subject that is normally offered, nor should one be taken just to fill up a schedule.

    DIS hours are negotiated between faculty members (not instructors, adjuncts, or teaching assistants) and students. In conjunction with a faculty member, students will name their course and provide a brief description of the work to be completed on a DIS form prior to registration. DIS can be taken from 1-3 credits per section and can be repeated for up to 24 credit hours. DIS forms are available in 460 Williams.

    Please note that DIS will only apply to the major as English department elective credit. DIS cannot replace literature or writing requirements for the major.

     

    The English Major with Emphasis in Business

    This program is designed to provide both a liberal education and preparation for a business career. Like other English majors, students in this program choose either a concentration in literature or a concentration in writing (see above). In addition to the major requirements, students must complete 30 hours of business courses to include:

    Students may not be eligible to register for business courses during their registration window (as many business courses are restricted to majors only). Students with an emphasis in business with over a 2.5 GPA are eligible to request 6 hours of major-restricted business courses per term. Please see an advisor in English for details.

     

    Courses for the Minor

    1. Minor in English

      The minor in English requires 12 semester hours in English classes numbered above 1999. These 12 hours may not include hours taken to fulfill Liberal Studies requirements.

    2. Other Minors for English Majors

      Students must choose a minor in a department outside English. Popular minors include African-American Studies, American Studies, Business, Communication, Law and Society, Psychology, and Women's Studies. Students may also wish to minor in a foreign language. A minor typically consists of 12-15 credit hours. Please refer to the general bulletin for information on specific minors. Courses used to meet liberal Studies requirements or the university foreign language requirement MAY NOT be used for the minor. Students who complete the Teacher's Certification program, the English-Business program, or a double major are waived from the minor requirement.

     

    The Honors Program

    Eligibility and Registration: To qualify for the Honors in the Major program in English, students must have a 3.50 cumulative GPA, a 3.75 GPA in all English major coursework, and have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours. Students who are eligible should expect to receive an invitation to join the program from the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the fall of their junior year. Students will enroll in the Honors Seminar and for Thesis hours with the assistance of the Director of Undergraduate Studies and departmental advisors.

    Overview of Program: Honors in the Major in English consists of two special, small seminars (open only to Honors students) and two terms of thesis work. Students take 6 hours of Honors Seminar - ENG4938 - and 6 hours of Honors Thesis - ENG4936. These seminars are usually taken in the spring of the junior year and the fall of the senior year. That same fall the student also does the first term of thesis work; in the spring, the student enrolls in the second term of thesis hours in order to complete the thesis at the end of the senior year.

    Students can apply 9 of the 12 required hours to the major. The Honors Seminar, ENG4938, will substitute for the Senior Seminar requirement for the Literature concentration and will apply as literature for the Creative Writing concentration. Thesis hours apply to either concentration as English elective. Please be aware that ENG4938 will not satisfy period requirements (e.g. pre-1660 British literature, etc.) for either concentration.

    In order to graduate with Honors in English, the student must have at least a "B" average in Honors courses and a GPA of 3.2 or better. Work should not be begun on a thesis unless the student is reasonably sure of maintaining and finishing with such averages. Students wishing at any time to withdraw from the program or to change their thesis topics or committees should notify Dr. Faulk in writing, and contact Dr. James Mathes at University Honors.

    Successful completion of the program earns a notation on the student's permanent record and in the graduation ceremony program. The student will also receive an Honors Certificate signed by the Director of Honors, the Directing Professor, the Dean of the College, and the President of the University.

    Faculty Committee and Thesis: Students choose a faculty thesis director. In consultation with the thesis director the student then chooses the rest of the committee, consisting of one other member of the English Department and one or more outside faculty. Depending on whether the student is concentrating in literature or creative writing, theses can be either research papers or creative works. Although thesis lengths differ and students should consult with their advisor about his or her expectations, theses are generally in the range of 50-60 pages, although creative writing theses in poetry are generally about 30-40 pages. A research thesis should have a substantial bibliography and demonstrate serious engagement with secondary materials in literary criticism and related areas. Students in the Teacher Certification program should not plan to work on their theses the same term as doing their teaching internships.

    NOTE: For more information about the Honors in the Major Program, please see http://honorsinthemajor.fsu.edu, where you can walk through a useful tutorial that tells you much of what you need to know about the program.

    Useful Contacts:

    Dr. Barry Faulk
    Director, Undergraduate Studies in English and Honors Liaison
    405 Williams Building
    645 9874
    E-mail your inquiries to Dr. Faulk at bfaulk@fsu.edu

    Dr. James Mathes
    Director, FSU Honors Office
    Suite A3600 University Center
    850 644 8360
    E-mail your inquiries to Dr. Mathes at jmathes@fsu.edu

     

    Internship in Editing - ENC 4942

    The editing internship makes it possible for students to obtain a range of practical experience in editing and professional writing. Variable credit (1-3 semester hours) is possible for an individual internship course. Students can earn a maximum of 6 credit hours; however, only 3 credit hours will apply to the English major. S/U grade only. Because students receive degree hours for the editing internship (ENC 4942), tuition and fees are assessed as with any other course. For more information, see the Internships FAQ

     

    FSU International Programs - http://international.fsu.edu

    FSU offers study abroad programs in countries across the globe, including semester-long programs in London, England; Florence, Italy; Valencia, Spain; and Panama City, Republic of Panama . Although students may elect to pursue intensive language studies or opt for broad curriculum programs in Panama, Costa Rica, Ireland, Italy, Spain, or China, the London program has course offerings specifically designed for the English Major. Please visit www.international.fsu.edu/ for up-to-date program information, course offerings, and scholarship opportunities.

    The British Studies program in London

    Students majoring in English can study British literature at its source during the fall semester. They may choose among upper-division English courses specific to the English Literature program and from courses offered during the fall semester in the London Broad Curriculum program. This allows them to progress toward their degrees on schedule, while gaining the immense benefits of the London experience. As they read works by writers such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Keats, Dickens, and Woolf, they can visit the settings of the stories, the homes of the authors, museum exhibits, and productions of plays. Many of the courses are repeatable up to 24 credit hours, so students may repeat a course in the vastly different and enriching learning environment of London.

    The study center is located in the intellectually-rich neighborhood of Bloomsbury as the center of their study of the Bloomsbury Group of writers, philosophers, and artists. Particular attention will be placed on the Americans who have lived in London and the effect of their experience and the impact of London on American literature. The outlying neighborhoods of London will be used to trace the major London authors to their homes and work places. Drama will also be explored as the students read the authors whose works are playing on the London stage.

    Eligibility
    This program has been developed for English majors or minors. Preference is given to upper division students who have the maturity and motivation to put in the required reading, writing, and work to accomplish a great deal of learning in the sphere of literary studies.

    Housing
    Students stay in furnished apartments in the FSU London Study Center or in comparable accommodations in central London. For information about London and the Study Center, please go to the International Program website: http://international.fsu.edu

    Financial Aid
    Financial aid and scholarships may be applied toward program fees. Students are strongly urged to make early contact with the financial aid office. Most forms of financial aid--scholarships, loans, or grants--may be applied to the program fee.

    Further Information
    For questions regarding specific course offerings, information about charges and payments, and application forms please contact the Florida State University Office of International Programs at 644-3272 or 1-800-374-8581. Visit International Programs on the web at www.international.fsu.edu. To speak to students that have already participated on one of the programs, please stop by A5500 University Center.

     

    Literary Honor Society: Lambda Iota Tau (LIT)

    Lambda Iota Tau is a national honorary society for literature, and FSU's English Department is the home to a chapter of the organization. The purpose of Lambda Iota Tau, or LIT, is to recognize and promote excellence in the study of literature of all languages. LIT has approximately 50 active chapters and over 40,000 members. These chapters are encouraged to hold regular meetings, to promote collegial support among the members in their literary studies, and to sponsor events and activities which will bring the study of literature to the campus at large.

    Membership is open to any undergraduate majoring in English or Modern Languages with a 3.0 cumulative GPA, in his or her fifth college semester or later, or graduate students in their second semester or later with a 3.5 GPA. Requirements for membership include both the submission of a paper of any length and style for an English or Modern Languages class at FSU (preferably an 'A' paper), and of a check for $30 made out to Lambda Iota Tau.

    Activities of the local chapter typically consist of sponsoring such events as a book sale, the sponsoring of creative writing contests for local elementary schools, movie and book nights, potluck dinners, Halloween costume parties, and marathon readings of favorite literary works. For more information about Lambda Iota Tau, please contact Dr. Barry Faulk, Director of Undergraduate Studies (bfaulk@fsu.edu).

     

    International English Honor Society: Sigma Tau Delta

    Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society, a member of the Association of College Honor Societies, was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University; the FSU chapter, Rho Epsilon, was chartered in 1950. With over 775 active chapters located in the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean, there are more than 1,000 Faculty Sponsors and approximately 8,500 members inducted annually.

    The purpose of the Society is to confer distinction for high achievement in all areas of English studies at the undergraduate and graduate levels; to promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities; to foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing; and to serve society by fostering literacy.

    Membership is open to any undergraduate majoring in English who has a minimum GPA of 3.25, ranks at least in the highest thirty-five percent of his/her class, and has completed at least three semesters of college course work with a minimum of two college courses in English language or literature beyond the usual requirements of freshman English. Membership is also open to any graduate student who is enrolled in a graduate program in English or one of its specializations, has completed six semester hours of graduate work, and has a minimum GPA of 3.5. Acceptance into the Society requires verification that the student meets the academic requirements and one-time dues of $40.

    For more information about Sigma Tau Delta, please contact Dr. Jennifer Wells, Faculty Sponsor (jwells2@fsu.edu).

     

    Literary Life in Tallahassee: Getting Involved as an Undergraduate

    Tallahassee has a vibrant literary scene, and undergraduate English majors are encouraged to take part. Our weekly Visiting Writers Series, held at The Warehouse, features illustrious visiting fiction writers and poets, along with FSU faculty and graduate students. All readings - which are free - are held Tuesday evenings at 8:00 pm at the Warehouse - 706 W. Gaines St.

    There are also numerous lectures and visiting scholars giving talks about literature and culture throughout the year. Keep an eye on the bulletin boards around the Williams Building for announcements.

     

    Literary Magazines and Presses

    A number of publications make Tallahassee a rich environment for those who enjoy reading and writing and offer valuable opportunities for editorial and production experience.

    The English Department is home to the nationally-known Fiction Collective Two Press and several important scholarly journals that are edited by FSU English faculty, including The Journal of Early Modern Cultural Studies, Frank Norris Studies, and The Journal of Beckett Studies.

    The Southeast Review is a national literary magazine that publishes fiction and poetry by emerging and established writers from around the country. It is edited and published by students in FSU's graduate creative writing program. http://southeastreview.org

    The Kudzu Review is FSU's award-winning undergraduate literary magazine showcasing poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and visual art.

    A local literary press, Anhinga Press, publishes anthologies of poetry and sponsors poetry competitions in Florida and nationwide. http://anhinga.org

    The Apalachee Review (formerly Apalachee Quarterly) is a literary magazine published in Tallahassee by Apalachee Press, a non-profit corporation. http://apalacheereview.org

    Naiad Press, one of America's largest feminist presses, publishes in Tallahassee. http://naiadpress.com

     

    Graduation

    In preparation for graduation, students request graduation checks at the Registrar's office in UC-A3900 and online at http://artsandsciences.fsu.edu/Undergraduate-Students/Current-undergraduate-students/Graduation-checks-and-clearance Grad checks are requested at 90 degree hours or the semester before the anticipated graduation date, whichever comes first. Students will officially declare their minor when requesting grad checks. Please note: students who are pursuing a double major may also need to request graduation checks at another college (e.g. College of Social Sciences, etc).

    The grad checks ensure that major, minor, and university requirements are on track to be completed by the following term. Please make sure that you pick up your grad checks when they become available to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you have questions, please contact an advisor at 644-0237.

    Students must apply for graduation online in the first two weeks of the final semester. The application is available through the Secure Apps tab of the student's Blackboard account. Students must apply for graduation even if they do not plan to participate in the commencement ceremony.

     

    Life After the B.A.: Graduate School

    A degree in English provides a solid foundation for graduate programs in many areas. Typically, graduate programs require a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA, a minimum score of 1000 on the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, 3 letters of recommendation, and a statement of intent when considering qualified applicants. There are no blanket admissions criteria, however, so plan to start researching program requirements and deadlines in your junior year. If you have questions regarding FSU's graduate programs in English, go to www.english.fsu.edu and click on the Graduate tab. Students may wish to discuss specific course requirements and graduate degree tracks with the Director of Graduate Studies. Please call 644-4230 to schedule an appointment.

     

    Some Career Possibilities for English Majors

    Sample Occupations:

    Administrative Officer
    Advertising Occupations
    Archivist
    Author
    Bookkeeper
    Broadcasting/ Comm. Occupations
    Community Relations Worker
    Computer Systems Analyst
    Copywriter
    Critic
    Editor
    Education Occupations
    Film Editor    		 Foreign Service Officer
    Freelance Writer
    Information Manager
    Interpreter
    Job Analyst
    Journalist
    Lawyer
    Librarian
    Literary Agent
    Magazine Publisher
    Newspaper Editor
    Novelist/Writer    		 Personnel Director
    Proofreader
    Public Relations Manager
    Public Relations Specialist
    Radio/Television Coordinator
    Reporter
    Scientist
    Speech Writer
    Teacher/Professor
    Technical Writer
    Translator
    Underwriter

    Sample Work Settings:

    Advertising Companies
    Aircraft Industry
    Banks
    Book Publishers
    Businesses
    Broadcast Media/Radio
    Chemical & Drug Companies
    Colleges
    Commercial/Specialty Magazines
    Company/Independent Newsletters    		 Corporate Communications Depts.
    Educational Institutions
    Federal Agencies
    Food Products Organizations
    Junior Colleges
    Legal Firms
    Local School Boards
    Local and State Government
    Magazine Publishers
    Museums
    		 Newspapers
    Office Equipment Companies
    Philanthropic Foundations
    Public Relations Firms
    Publishing Houses
    Television/Motion Pictures
    Theater
    Trade Publications
    Travel & Tourism
    Universities
     

    Sample Professional Organizations:

    American Society of Magazine Editors
    New York , NY
    http://asme.magazine.org

    Association for Women in Communications
    Arnold, MD
    http://womcom.org

    International Labor Communications Association
    Washington, DC
    http://ilcaonline.org

    American Society of Newspaper Editors
    Reston, VA
    http://asne.org

    Women in Scholarly Publishing
    Philadelphia, PA

    Journalism Education Association
    Kansas State University
    Manhattan, KS
    http://jea.org

    National Council of Teachers of English
    Urbana, IL
    http://www.ncte.org

    Women Executives in Public Relations
    New York, NY
    http://wepr.org