Major in English

The Literature Option

The Literature Option focuses on analytical reading of British and American Literature. For further information, contact:

Anthony Dawahare
Associate Chair
Email: anthony.dawahare@csun.edu
Phone: 818-677-3409

Careers

English studies provides a good academic foundation for radio and television broadcasting, editing, writing, politics, film and library work, journalism, criticism, advertising, public information, public relations, teaching and technical writing. Studies show that English as a pre-professional major is valuable preparation for future careers in law, medicine, business, and federal service.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree

In pursuing their major students are encouraged to follow our Sample Four-Year Plan.

Lower Division Required Courses (9 units)

• ENGL 258 Major English Writers I 
• ENGL 259 Major English Writers II 
• ENGL 275 Major American Writers

Upper Division Required Courses (30 units)

A. Critical Writing (3 units)

• ENGL 355 Writing About Literature

B. Literary Theory (3 units)

• ENGL 436 Major Critical Theories

C. Literatures of Cultural Diversity (3 units)

Select one of the following:

• ENGL 311 African-American Writing
• ENGL 314 North American Indian Literature
• ENGL 368 Gay Male Writers
• ENGL 369 Lesbian Writers
• ENGL 371 Issues in Jewish-Am Writing
• ENGL 431 Images of Women in Literature
• ENGL 433 Women Authors
• ENGL 434 19th-Century Women Novelists
• ENGL 487 Latino/a Literature

*Consult an advisor for courses in other areas such as Asian Am and Chicano/a lit that may also satisfy this requirement.

D. British Literature (9 units)

Select one course from the following:

• ENGL 414 Chaucer
• ENGL 416 Shakespeare, Selected Plays
• ENGL 417 Shakespeare Survey
• ENGL 418 English Dramas to 1642
• ENGL 443 English Literature of the Middle Ages
• ENGL 449 The English RenaissanceSelect one course from the following:
• ENGL 419 English Drama 1660-1880
• ENGL 420 Milton
• ENGL 452 17th Century Literature
• ENGL 456 The Age of Enlightenment
• ENGL 466 Major British Novelists ISelect one course from the following:
• ENGL 458 The Romantic Age
• ENGL 460 The Victorian Age
• ENGL 467 Major British Novelists IIE. American Literature before 1912 (3 units)

Select one course from the following:

• ENGL 473 American Literature 1607-1860
• ENGL 474 American Literature 1860-1912
• ENGL 477 Major American Novelists I: 19th Century

F. Twentieth Century Literature (6 units)

Select two courses from the following:

• ENGL 427 Drama, Ibsen to the Present
• ENGL 461 Modern British Literatures
• ENGL 462 Contemporary British Lit
• ENGL 463A Modern Poetry
• ENGL 463B Contemporary Poetry
• ENGL 468 Major British Novelists III
• ENGL 475 American Lit 1912-1945
• ENGL 476 Contemporary American Lit
• ENGL 478 Major American Novelists II: 20th Century

G. Senior Seminar (3 units)

• ENGL 495 Senior Seminar in Literature

Upper Division Electives (9 units)

English 300, 305, 316, and 364 are not permitted as electives in this option.

Total Units in the Major Option I: (48)

General Education (49 units)

To meet the 52-unit GE requirement, students may double count 3 units from the lower division major requirements (258, 259, 275) for both GE-Humanities and for the major.

Title V (6 units)

Additional Units (17 units)*

*Additional units may vary according to the individual student’s program. Students majoring in English are encouraged to take a foreign language as part of their college program.

Total Units Required for the Degree: 120

Last Revised: January 2004

The Creative Writing Option

The Creative Writing option provides students with the opportunity to develop narrative, verse, or playwriting skills while building a solid background of study in the literatures of Britain and America. For further information, contact:

Leilani Hall
Creative Writing Advisor
Email: leilani.hall@csun.edu
Phone: 818-677-3428

Further information can be found in the Guidelines for the Creative Writing Option.

Careers

English studies provides a good academic foundation for radio and television broadcasting, editing, writing, politics, film and library work, journalism, criticism, advertising, public information, public relations, teaching and technical writing. Studies show that English as a pre-professional major is valuable preparation for future careers in law, medicine, business, and federal service.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree

In pursuing their major students are encouraged to follow our Sample Four-Year Plan.

Lower Division Required Courses (6 units)

A. Creative Writing (3 units)

• ENGL 208 Introduction to Creative Writing

B. Literature (3 units)

Select one of the following:

• ENGL 258 Major English Writers I
• ENGL 259 Major English Writers II
• ENGL 275 Major American Writers

Upper Division Required Courses (33 units)

A. Critical Writing (3 units)

• ENGL 355 Writing About Literature

B. Literary Theory (3 units)

• ENGL 436 Major Critical Theories

C. Literatures of Cultural Diversity (3 units)

Select one of the following:

• ENGL 311 African-American Writing
• ENGL 314 American Indian Literature
• ENGL 368 Gay Male Writers
• ENGL 369 Lesbian Writers
• ENGL 371 Issues in Jewish-American Writing
• ENGL 431 Images of Women in Literature
• ENGL 433 Women Authors
• ENGL 434 19th Century Women Novelists
• ENGL 487 Latino/a Literature

*Consult an adviser for current courses in other areas such as Asian American literature, Central American literature, Chicana and Chicano literature, and Pan African or African American literature that may also satisfy this requirement. For the English major, you may not double-count these courses for upper division or Subject Exploration requirements in General Education.

D. British Literature Before 1900 (3 units)

Select one of the following:

• ENGL 414 Chaucer
• ENGL 416 Shakespeare, Selected Plays
• ENGL 417 Shakespeare Survey
• ENGL 418 English Dramas to 1642
• ENGL 419 English Drama 1660-1880
• ENGL 420 Milton
• ENGL 443 English Literature of the Middle Ages
• ENGL 449 The English Renaissance
• ENGL 452 17th Century Literature
• ENGL 456 The Age of Enlightenment
• ENGL 458 The Romantic Age
• ENGL 460 The Victorian Age
• ENGL 466 Major British Novelists I
• ENGL 467 Major British Novelists II

E. American Literature (3 units)

Select one course from the following:

• ENGL 473 American Literature 1607-1860
• ENGL 474 American Literature 1860-1912
• ENGL 477: Major American Novelists I: 19th Century

F. Twentieth Century Literature (3 units)

Select one course from the following:

• ENGL 427 Dramas, Ibsen to the Present
• ENGL 461 Modern British Literatures
• ENGL 462 Contemporary British Literature
• ENGL 463A Modern Poetry
• ENGL 463B Contemporary Poetry
• ENGL 468 Major British Novelists III
• ENGL 475 American Lit 1912-1945
• ENGL 476 Contemporary American Literature
• ENGL 478 Major American Novelists II: 20th Century

G. Creative Writing (9 units)

Select three of the following (course may be repeated one time for credit):

• ENGL 308 Narrative Writing
• ENGL 309 Verse Writing
• ENGL 310 Playwritings
• ENGL 408 Advanced Narrative Writing
• ENGL 409 Advanced Verse Writing
• ENGL 410 Advance Playwriting
• ENGL 457A-Z Selected Topics in Creative Writing

H. Creative Writing Theory (3 units)

Select one of the following:

• ENGL 464 Theory of Poetry
• ENGL 465 Theory of Fiction

I. Senior Seminar (3 units)

Select one of the following:

• ENGL 490 Senior Seminar/Narrative Writs
• ENGL 491 Senior Seminar/Verse Writing

Upper Division Electives (6 units)

English 300, 305, 316, and are not permitted as electives in this option.

Total Units in the Major Option II: (45)

General Education (48 units)

The standard General Education requirement is 48 units; however, English majors are permitted to double count 3 units from the Lower Division major requirements (258, 259, 275) for both GE Subject Explorations-Arts and Humanities and for the major. Students majoring in English are encouraged to take a foreign language as part of their college program.

Title V (6 units)

Additional Units (20 units)*

*Additional units may vary according to the individual student’s program.

Students majoring in English are encouraged to take a foreign language as part of their college program.

Total Units Required for the Degree: 120

The English Subject Matter Option for the Single-Subject Matter Credential in English

The English Subject Matter Option is designed for prospective secondary English teachers and is a state-approved waiver program. Students receive a B.A. in English and a single-subject competency waiver by completing the approved coursework with no grade below a C and maintaining a GPA of 2.99 or better; students must also complete the Subject Matter (Exit ) Interview, the English Department’s exit evaluation of single-subject competence. The Department also offers Integrated Undergraduate Teacher Credential Programs.

To be eligible for the credential program in the School of Education, students must also pass the CBEST and complete 45 hours of classroom observation at a school site. Upon completion of coursework adhering to the above requirements and successful completion of the English Subject Matter (Exit) Interview, students are eligible to enter a traditional credential program in the School of Education. For further information about the single-subject credential in English, consult the Credential Office.

The English Subject Matter Option combines a 42-unit core with a specified emphasis of 12-units in one of six Extended Study areas. Students should consult with the Subject Matter Adviser before they achieve their junior standing to review their coursework and to choose an emphasis. Transfer students should also see the Subject Matter Adviser as soon as possible for academic advising. Transfer students should review the lower division GE courses required for this Option.

For further information, contact:

Dr. Dorothy Clark
English Subject Matter Adviser
Email: dorothy.g.clark@csun.edu
Phone: 818-677-7225

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree

In pursuing their major students are encouraged to follow our Sample Four-Year Plan.

Note: These Requirements take effect in Fall 2005. The Sample Four-Year Plan was last adjusted in February 2005.

CORE PROGRAM (42 units)

Lower Division Required Courses (9 units)

• ENGL 258 Major English Writers I 
• ENGL 259 Major English Writers II 
• ENGL 275 Major American Writers

Upper Division Required Courses (36 units)

Students may double count six units of upper division GE courses.

• ENGL 355 Writing About Literature
• ENGL 406 Advanced Expository Writing for Teachers
• ENGL 429 Adolescent Literature
• ENGL 436 Major Critical Theories

The following two classes are core requirements that are also double counted as Upper Division GEs:

Communication Studies 309 Advanced Public Speaking (A-4)

Theatre 473/473L Dramatic Performance In the Secondary Language Arts Curriculum (C-2).

Literatures of Cultural Diversity (3 units)

Select one of the following:

• ENGL 311 African-American Writing
• ENGL 314 History of North American Indian Lit
• ENGL 368 Gay Male Writers
• ENGL 369 Lesbian Writers
• ENGL 371 Issues in Jewish-American Writing
• ENGL 431 Images of Women in Literature
• ENGL 433 Women Authors
• ENGL 434 19th -Century Women Novelists
• ENGL 487 Latino/a Literature

In addition to these courses, students may select an appropriate experimental topics course in English or may elect to take an appropriate course in another department, including AAS 321; CHS 380, 381; or PAS 344, 346. Course selection should be made in consultation with the Credential Adviser.

Linguistics & Language Study (6 units)

All students must take:

• ENGL 301 Language and Linguistics

Select one course from the following:

• ENGL 302 Introduction to Modern Grammar
• ENGL 400 History of the English Language
• ENGL 405 Language Differences and Language Change

Shakespeare (3 units)

Select one course from the following:

• ENGL 416 Shakespeare: Selected Plays
• ENGL 417 Shakespeare: A Survey

Senior Seminar in Literature

All students must take ENGL 495ESM Senior Seminar in Literature: English Subject Matter.

Verification of Early Field Experience

Students must supply verification of completed early field experience (link not yet active).

Verification of Successful Assessment of Basic Syntax, Grammar, and Written Usage Diagnostic

Students must successfully complete exercises assessing their mechanics and usage of conventions skills. For further information, see the Diagnostic Guidelines. Please contact the Subject Matter Adviser or Subject Matter Secretary when you are ready to take the Diagnostic.

Extended Study (12 Units)

Students must choose one of the following Extended Study emphases for broad perspective and specific focus.

• Literature
• Creative Writing
• Linguistics and Diversity
• Literatures of Diversity
• Rhetoric and Composition
• Communications Studies
• Theatre

Students should see the English Subject Matter Adviser at the earliest opportunity regarding their choice of Extended Study program.

TOTAL UNITS IN THE MAJOR, OPTION III: 54 (9 units double counted)

NON-OVERLAPPING GENERAL EDUCATION (33 UNITS)

To meet the 48-unit GE requirement, students may double count 3 units from the lower division major requirements (258, 259, 275), and students may double count Communication Studies 309 and Theatre 473/473L for both GE-Humanities and for the major.

TITLE V (6 UNITS)

ADDITIONAL ELECTIVE UNITS: 27 

Students majoring in English are encouraged to take a foreign language as part of their college program.

TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE: 120

Last Revised: February 2006

The Literature Extended Study

Students are required to complete both:

The Core Program (42 units)
Perspective and Focus in Literature (12 units)

Perspective and Focus in Literature (12 units)

Students may choose to concentrate in a particular area or blend areas.

Select one of the following British Age Courses (3 units):

• ENGL 443 (English Literature of the Middle Ages)
• ENGL 449 (The English Renaissance)
• ENGL 452 (The Early Seventeenth Century)
• ENGL 456 (The Age of Enlightenment)
• ENGL 458 (The Romantic Age)
• ENGL 460 (The Victorian Age)
• ENGL 461 (Modern British Literature)
• ENGL 462 (Contemporary British Literature)
• ENGL 466 (Major British Novelists I: 1700-1815)
• ENGL 467 (Major British Novelists II: 1815-1900)
• ENGL 468 (Major British Novelists III: 1900 to the Present)

Select one of the following American Age Courses (3 units):

• ENGL 473 (American Literature: 1607-1860)
• ENGL 474 (American Literature: 1860-1912)
• ENGL 475 (American Literature: 1912-1945)
• ENGL 476 (Contemporary American Literature)
• ENGL 477 (Major American Novelists I: The Nineteenth Century)
• ENGL 478 (Major American Novelists II: The Twentieth Century)

Select two courses from the following categories (6 units):

Major Authors Courses: 

• ENGL 414 (Chaucer)
• ENGL 420 (Milton)
• ENGL 470A-Z (Major Author(s))

Genre Courses: 

• ENGL 418 (English Drama to 1642)
• ENGL 419 (English Drama 1660-1880)
• ENGL 423 (The Greek and Roman Epic in Translation)
• ENGL 424 (Drama of Greece and Rome)
• ENGL 426 (Drama from 1660 to Ibsen)
• ENGL 427 (Drama from Ibsen to the Present)
• ENGL 428 (Children's Literature)
• ENGL 430 (Literature for Adolescents)
• ENGL 463A (Modern Poetry)
• ENGL 463B (Contemporary Poetry)

Electives: 

• ENGL 311 (History of African-American Writing)*
• ENGL 312 (Literature and Film)
• ENGL 313 (Studies in Popular Culture)
• ENGL 314 (North American Indian Literature )*
• ENGL 360 (The English Bible as Literature)
• ENGL 363 (Studies in Poetry)
• ENGL 368 (Gay Male Writers)*
• ENGL 369 (Lesbian Writers)*
• ENGL 370 (Science Fiction)
• ENGL 371 (Issues in Jewish-American Writing)*
• ENGL 372 (Eroticism in Literature)
• ENGL 396A-Z (Experimental Courses in English)
• ENGL 431 (Images of Women in Literature)*
• ENGL 433 (Women Authors)*
• ENGL 434 (19th-Century Women Novelists)*
• ENGL 480 (Greek and Roman Literature in Translation)
• ENGL 483 (European Literature: Modern Times)
• ENGL 485 (Major Russian Writers)
• ENGL 486 (Germanic Literature in Translation)
• ENGL 487 (Latino/a Literatures of the Americas)*
• ENGL 488 (Major European Novelists I: Laclos to Zola)
• ENGL 489 (Major European Novelists II: Proust to Camus)
• ENGL 495A-Z (excluding 495ESM) (Senior Seminar in Literature)
• ENGL 496A-Z (Experimental Courses in English)
• ENGL 499 (Independent Study)

* Because a diverse literature course is part of the core requirements, students cannot double count that class. Students must take courses not included as part of the core requirement.

The Creative Writing Extended Study

Students are required to complete both:

The Core Program (42 units)
Perspective and Focus in Creative Writing (12 units)

Perspective and Focus (12 units)

All students must take the following course (3 units):

• English 208 (Creative Writing)

Select one of the following courses (3 units):

• ENGL 308 (Narrative Writing)
• ENGL 309 (Verse Writing) 
• ENGL 310 (Playwriting)

Select one of the following courses (3 units):

• ENGL 408 (Advanced Narrative Writing)
• ENGL 409 (Advanced Verse Writing)
• ENGL 410 (Advanced Dramatic Writing)
• ENGL 457 (Selected Topics in Creative Writing)

Select one of the following courses (3 units):

• ENGL 464 (Theories of Poetry)
• ENGL 465 (Theories of Fiction)

The Linguistics and Diversity Extended Study

Students are required to complete both:

The Core Program (42 units)
Perspective and Focus in Linguistics and Diversity (12 units)

Perspective and Focus (12 Units)

All students selecting the Linguistics and Diversity Extended Study will take:

• LING 417 (Language Development and Acquisition) (3 units)

Students will then select one course from each of the following three categories:

Category I (3 units)

• ENGL 400* (History of the English Language)
• LING 447 (Bilingualism in the US)
• LING 441 (Sociolinguistics)
• LING 427 (Languages in Contact)

* If not selected for the Linguistics and Language Study topic in the Core Program.

Category II (3 units)

• ENGL 405* (Language Difference & Language Change)
• CHS 482 (Language of the Barrio)
• PAS 395 (Bilingualism in the African-American Community)
• LING 250 (Language(s) in California)

* If not selected for the Linguistics and Language Study topic in the Core Program.

Category III (3 units)

• LING 200 ([How] Language Matters)
• COMS 356 (Intercultural Communication)
• LING 310 (Language and the Law)
• LING 325 (Language, Gender and Identity)

Note: Because of the recent expansion of the Linguistics and Diversity Extended Study for the English Subject Matter Option, it is now very easy for students to acquire a minor in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language).

The Literatures of Diversity Extended Study

Students are required to complete both:

The Core Program (42 units)
Perspective and Focus in Diverse Literatures (12 units)

Perspective and Focus (12 Units)

Students may either focus their 12 units by choosing from ONE of the subject categories listed below OR combine courses adding up to 12 units from any of the subject categories listed below.

Because a diverse literature course is part of the Core Program requirements, students cannot double count that class. Students must take courses not included as part of the Core Program requirement.

Select four of the courses listed below (students must choose only one lower division course) (12 units):

Asian American Studies: 

• AAS 220 (Survey of Asian American Literature)
• AAS 321 (Asian American Fiction)
• AAS 325A (Asian American Creative Studies Workshop: Literary Arts)
• AAS 420 (Asian American Literary Self-Representations)

Pan-African Studies: 

• PAS 344 (Literature of the Caribbean and African Experience)
• PAS 345 (African-American Autobiography)
• PAS 346 (Contemporary Black Female Writers) 
• PAS 447 (African-American Theater)
• ENGL 311 (History of African-American Writing)

Chicana/o Studies: 

• CHS 132 (Chicana/o Poetry)
• CHS 201 (Survey of Mexican Literature in Translation)
• CHS 380 (Chicana/o Literature)
• CHS 381 (Contemporary Chicana Literature)
• CHS 480 (Children’s Literature of Latin America in Translation)
• ENGL 487 (Latino/a Literatures of the Americas)

Armenian: 

• ARMN 315 (Masterpieces of Armenian Literature)

Jewish-American Literature: 

• ENGL 371 (Issues in Jewish-American Writing)

Gay/Lesbian Literature: 

• ENGL 368 (Gay Male Writers)
• ENGL 369 (Lesbian Writers)

Women's Literature: 

• ENGL 431 (Images of Women in Writing)
• ENGL 433 (Women Authors)
• ENGL 434 (19th Century Women Novelists)

Native American Literature: 

• ENGL 314 (North American Indian Literature) 

Rhetoric and Composition Extended Study

Students are required to complete both:

The Core Program (42 units)
Perspective and Focus (12 Units)

Perspective and Focus (12 Units)

Students may choose four classes from the following list of courses. Please see the Subject Matter Advisor for specific information concerning course sequencing.

• ENGL 306 Report Writing (3)
• ENGL 407 Composition and the Professions (3)
• ENGL 455 Literacy, Rhetoric, and Culture (3)
• ENGL 459 Topics in Writing and Rhetoric (3)
• ENGL 494IP: English Intern Program (3)

The Communication Studies Extended Study

Students are required to complete both:

The Core Program (42 units)
Perspective and Focus in Communication Studies (12 units)

Perspective and Focus (12 Units)

Students should seek advisement from the Communication Studies Adviser before choosing their coursework.

Select four of the following courses (12 units):

• COMS 104 (Literature in Performance)
• COMS 255 (Argumentation)
• COMS 301 (Performance, Language and Cultural Studies)
• COMS 303 (Narrative in Performance)
• COMS 304 (Poetry in Performance)
• COMS 320 (Communicative Functions of Language)
• COMS 323 (Group Communication)
• COMS 325 (Legal Argumentation)
• COMS 356 (Intercultural Communication)
• COMS 360 (Communication and the Sexes)
• COMS 400C (Directing Oral Performance (Debate))
• COMS 425 (Theories of Argumentation and Deliberation)
• COMS 437 (Communication for Youth Institute (work with middle school students on public speaking skills)

The Theatre Extended Study

Students are required to complete both:

The Core Program (42 units)
Perspective and Focus in Theatre (12 units)

Perspective and Focus (12 Units)

Students must complete the following courses (12 units):

• TH 111 (Actors and Acting) (3 units)
• TH 315 (World Drama) (3 units)
• TH 371/371L (Creative Drama) (3 units)
• TH 490A (Production Participation) (1 unit)
• TH 599A (Independent Study) (1 unit)
• TH 599A (Independent Study) (1 unit)

Honors

The Honors Option is a special program which enables students, by working independently and in seminars, to develop a strong academic background in preparation for postgraduate study in English or for entry into a variety of postgraduate fields. Admission to the program normally begins in the first semester of the junior year. Honors students are eligible to join Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honors Society. For further information and admission to Honors Program, see the Honors Program Web Site or:

Dr. Charles Hatfield
Honors Adviser
Email: charles.hatfield@csun.edu
Phone: 818-677-3416

Careers

English studies provides a good academic foundation for radio and television broadcasting, editing, writing, politics, film and library work, journalism, criticism, advertising, public information, public relations, teaching and technical writing. Studies show that English as a pre-professional major is valuable preparation for future careers in law, medicine, business, and federal service.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree

In pursuing their major students are encouraged to follow our Sample Four-Year Plan.

Lower Division Required Courses (9 units)

• ENGL 258 Major English Writers I 
• ENGL 259 Major English Writers II 
• ENGL 275 Major American Writers

Upper Division Required Courses (27 units)

A. Literary Theory (3 units)

• ENGL 436 Major Critical Theories

B. Literatures of Cultural Diversity (3 units) 

Select one of the following:

• ENGL 311 African-American Writing ENGL 314 American Indian Literature
• ENGL 368 Gay Male Writers 
• ENGL 369 Lesbian Writers 
• ENGL 371 Issues in Jewish-American Writing 
• ENGL 431 Images of Women in Literature 
• ENGL 433 Women Authors 
• ENGL 434 19th Century Women Novelists 
• ENGL 487 Latino/a Literature 

*Consult an advisor for courses in other areas such as Asian Am and Chicano/a lit that may also satisfy this requirement.

C. British and American Literatures (6 units)

I. British Literature (3 units)

Select one course from the following: 

• ENGL 419 English Drama 1660-1880
• ENGL 443 English Literature of the Middle Ages
• ENGL 449 The English Renaissance
• ENGL 452 17th Century Literature 
• ENGL 456 The Age of Enlightenment 
• ENGL 458 The Romantic Age 
• ENGL 460 The Victorian Age
• ENGL 461 Modern British Literature
• ENGL 462 Contemporary British Literature 
• ENGL 466 Major British Novelists I
• ENGL 467 Major British Novelists II
• ENGL 468 Major British Novelists III

II. American Literature (3 units)

Select one course from the following: 

• ENGL 473 American Literature 1607-1860
• ENGL 474 American Literature 1860-1912
• ENGL 475 American Literature 1912-1945
• ENGL 476 Contemporary American Lit 
• ENGL 477 Major American Novelists I: 19th Century  
• ENGL 478 Major American Novelists II: 20th Century

D. Junior Honors Tutorials (6 units)

• ENGL 392 Junior Honors Tutorial I
• ENGL 393 Junior Honors Tutorial II

(392 and 393 may be taken in any sequence)

E. Senior Honors Tutorials (6 units)

• ENGL 492 Senior Honors Tutorial I
• ENGL 493 Senor Honors Tutorial II

(492 and 493 may be taken in any sequence)

F. Honors Capstone Class (3 units)

• ENGL 497A Honors Revision Seminar

Upper Division Electives (9 units)

English 300, 305, 316, and 364 are not permitted as electives in this option. 

Students may repeat 492 and 493 once for elective credit.

(Note: English 355: Writing about Literature is not required of Honors students since all Honors courses are writing intensive courses.)

Total Units in the Major Option V: (45)

General Education (48 units)

The standard General Education requirement is 48 units; however, English majors are permitted to double count 3 units from the Lower Division major requirements (258, 259, 275) for both GE Subject Explorations-Arts and Humanities and for the major.Students majoring in English are encouraged to take a foreign language as part of their college program. 

Title V (6 units)

Additional Units (20 units)*

*Additional units may vary according to the individual student’s program.

Students majoring in English are encouraged to take a foreign language as part of their college program.

Total Units Required for the Degree: 120 

Graduation with Honors

To graduate from the Honors Program, a student needs a GPA of 3.5 or better in his or her upper division English courses. A special “Honors” notation will appear on your diploma and you will be invited to participate in the University’s Honor Convocation.

Integrated Undergraduate Teacher Credential Programs in English

The Four-Year Integrated (FYI) and Junior-Year Entry Integrated (JYI) Teacher Credential Programs in English are blended programs that enable students to earn a bachelor's degree in English and a single subject teaching credential as an undergraduate.

FYI-English (incoming freshmen only)

In contrast to the traditional path to becoming a secondary school teacher, where students complete their bachelor's degree in English and then take an additional 31 units of education courses, the FYI program integrates English and education courses into a four-year plan that gives students the knowledge and skills they need in a shorter amount of time. The Department of Secondary Education offers a sample schedule (.doc).

FYI Program highlights: 

• Work with a cohort of entering freshmen in challenging and exciting coursework.
• Observe experienced teachers in both middle school and high school beginning freshman year, allowing you to apply what you learn in your courses to the classroom.
• Complete two part-time student teaching assignments in middle school and high school settings.
• Earn a bachelor's degree in English and a preliminary single subject teaching credential in English.
• Graduate fully qualified and eligible for California teaching positions in English.

JYI-English (all other students)

In contrast to the traditional path to becoming a secondary school teacher, where students complete their bachelor's degree in English and then take an additional 31 units of education courses, the JYI program enables students with junior-level standing to complete both their bachelor's degree in English and their preliminary single subject teaching credential in as little as two years. The Department of Secondary Education offers a sample schedule (.doc). 

JYI Program highlights:

• Earn a bachelor's degree in English and a preliminary single subject teaching credential in English.
• Observe experienced teachers in both middle school and high school beginning junior year, allowing you to apply what you learn in your courses to the classroom.
• Complete two part-time student teaching assignments in middle school and high school settings.
• Graduate fully qualified and eligible for California teaching positions.

Benefits of Completing the FYI or JYI Program

 Academic Excellence

• Experienced and committed faculty who are dedicated to preparing exemplary teachers.
• Challenging classes where students can develop both strong subject matter knowledge and effective teaching skills.
• Specialized coursework that prepares students to teach in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms. 

Supportive Community

• Specialized academic and professional advisement supports students throughout the program.
• Pre-designed curriculum and one-on-one advisement makes choosing courses easier and reduces the risk of taking extra unnecessary courses.

Affordability

• Financial aid and/or forgivable loans are available.
• Integrated programs typically require fewer total units than the traditional path.

Accessibility

• CSUN is conveniently located in the northern San Fernando Valley.
• Easy access to the 405, 134, and 118 freeways.

Advising

Dr. Danielle Spratt
Director, FYI/JYI Program
Department of English
California State University Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8248
(818) 677-7207
danielle.spratt@csun.edu 

Book an appointment