English Literature at 吃瓜网 explores the rich tradition of writing in English, connecting stories, ideas and cultures across time and place. You鈥檒l study how literature shapes and reflects society, from classic works to contemporary voices, and discover how texts relate to history, technology, religion, and identity. This area of study helps you develop critical thinking, communication and analytical skills that open doors to many careers.
About English Literature at 吃瓜网 Atlantic?
At 吃瓜网 Atlantic, you鈥檒l engage deeply with literature in small, discussion-based classes led by expert faculty. The program encourages you to connect literature to real-world issues and to other fields, including history, philosophy and the arts. You鈥檒l have the chance to pursue original research, work closely with professors on your senior thesis, and explore diverse perspectives鈥攊ncluding non-Western and minority literatures. The curriculum is flexible, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.
Degrees Offered at 吃瓜网 Atlantic
Undergraduate
- Bachelor of Arts in English (Honors Concentration)
-
Minor in English Literature
Explore Degree Programs in English Literature
Educational Objectives & Student Outcomes
2. Build strong analytical, research and writing skills.
3. Connect literary study to other disciplines and real-world issues.
4. Prepare for careers in business, education, journalism, government, or further study in graduate and professional schools.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of literary history, theory and criticism.
3. Communicate ideas clearly in both written and oral forms.
4. Conduct independent research and present original arguments.
5. Engage with diverse perspectives and global literary traditions.
at 吃瓜网 AtlanticStart Your Journey
Concentration in English Literature
Students must earn a "C" or better in each course taken to fulfill a concentration requirement.
Overview and Advisory Board
The English Concentration provides students with a background in literature in English, including an awareness of the historical/cultural origins of literary works and the relationship of literature in English to literature in other languages. Areas to consider are: literature's relationship to history, technology, religion, public institutions, notions of self and family; the development of literary history, including literary influences; stylistic and technical devices; generic distinctions; literary theory. The degree prepares students for careers in business, education, journalism, and government, as well as for graduate and professional schools such as education, medicine, and law.
Advisory Board
Michael Harrawood, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
English
Sondra Bickham Washington, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of American Literature
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
American Literature
Rachel Luria, MFA
Interim Chair of Humanities and Social Sciences; Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Composition
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Rhetoric and Composition
Required Courses
| Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Interpretation of Literature | 3 |
| British Literature (Survey or Period) | 6 |
| American Literature (Survey or Period) | 6 |
| Author-Focused Course | 3 |
| English Electives聽(3000-level or above) | 12 |
| Electives in Other Fields | 9 |
| IDS 4970: Honors Thesis (two semesters) | 6 |
| Total Credits | 45 |
At least 27 credits must be fulfilled through 3-credit upper-division (3000-level or above) courses. Competency in at least one foreign language and literature is desirable, and, for those who expect to pursue advanced degrees in English, a reading knowledge of two foreign languages is recommended.
Interpretation of Literature
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LIT 2010 | Honors Interpretation of Fiction | 3 |
| LIT 2030 | Honors Interpretation of Poetry | 3 |
| LIT 2040 | Honors Interpretation of Drama | 3 |
British Literature
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENL 2012 | Honors British Literature to 1798 | 3 |
| ENL 2022 | Honors British Literature Since 1798 | 3 |
| LIT 4243 | Honors Milton and English Revolution | 3 |
American Literature
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AML 2010 | Honors American Literature to 1865 | 3 |
| AML 2022 | Honors American Literature 1865 - 1945 | 3 |
| AML 2053 | Honors American Literature 1945 - Present | 3 |
Author-Focused
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
ENL 4333 |
Honors Shakespeare | 3 |
| ENL 4243 | British Romanticism | 3 |
| AML 4310 | Honors Major American Author: 19th Century | 3 |
| AML 4321 | Honors Major American Authors: 20th Century | 3 |
English Electives
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AML 3111 | Honors American Novel to 1900 | 3 |
| AML 3121 | Honors American Novel Since 1900 | 3 |
| AML 4603 | Honors African-American Literature | 3 |
| AML 4611 | Honors Afrofuturism | 3 |
| AML 4640 | Honors Native American Literature | 3 |
| AML 4930 | Honors Special Topics courses in American literature (topics vary) | 3 |
| LIT 3133 | Honors Medieval Cultures | 3 |
| LIT 3213 | Honors Literary Theory | 3 |
| ENG 4114 | Honors Literature and Film | 3 |
| LIT 3306 | Honors Travel Literature | 3 |
| LIT 3432 | Honors Science, Alchemy and Magic in Early Modern England | 3 |
| LIT 4383 | Honors Women in Literature | 3 |
| LIT 4434 | Honors Literature and the Environment | 3 |
| LIT 4930 | Honors Special Topics courses in Literature (topics vary: multiple special topics courses may be taken) | 3 |
ELECTIVES IN OTHER FIELDS:
As a broad knowledge of culture, epistemology, history, and social institutions is essential to a sensitive and complete understanding of literature, the English Concentration requires that students complete nine credits (outside of English) in relevant courses in the humanities and the social sciences. Students must complete at least nine credits of any 3-credit course with the following prefix, except study abroad, internship, and thesis courses: AFS, AMS, AMH, ANT, ARH, ASN, CLA, CPO, CRW, ECP, ECS, ENC 3***, EUH, EVR, EXP, FRT, FRW, GEA, GEO, HIS, HUM, INR, LAH, LIN, LNW, PHH, PHI, PHP, POS, POT, PSY 2***, SPW, SYD, SYG, WOH, WST; in addition, the following courses may be taken as electives: DEP 3005, ECO 3303, MUS 2670. At least 3 of the 9 credits must be upper-level (3000 or 4000 level). Students are reminded that they must have at least 42 credits of upper level courses to graduate and should choose their electives accordingly. An appropriate IDS course or non-Honors FAU courses may count as an English elective or elective in other fields only with permission of the Concentration Advisor.
SENIOR THESIS:
Every student concentrating in English will complete a senior thesis under the guidance of a primary advisor from English. The honors thesis is a manuscript of at least fifty pages, demonstrating the student's original contribution to his/her chosen area. The thesis will be written under the direction of a committee of two and defended orally.
Restrictions: Students must achieve at least a grade of "C" for all courses in the concentration.
Minor concentration in English (15 credit hours)
The English Minor Concentration is designed to offer students significant coursework in both British and American literature, as well as literature written before and after 1800. Students are to select the appropriate combination of courses with the help of an advisor. At least 9 hours of coursework must be at the 3000 or 4000 level; 6 hours may be at a lower level, for a total of 15 credit hours. Students must have at least a 2.0 grade point average in courses taken for the minor concentration. At least 50% of upper level credits must be from Honors College courses.
Requirements:
- At least one course in British Literature
- At least one course in American Literature
- At least one course that deals primarily with literature written before 1800
- At least one course that deals primarily with literature written after 1800
One course can satisfy two requirements (e.g. AML 3121 satisfies the requirement for a course in American Literature and a course on literature written after 1800).