The English Major

The major in English consists of a minimum of ten courses. Six of the ten must be taken at Barnard.

1. Literary Criticism and Theory BC 3193. Best taken in the sophomore year.

2. Colloquia BC 3159 and 3160. Taken in the junior year.

Colloquia substitutions.  Student may substitute 3 courses for the two semesters of Junior Colloquium.  At least one of these three must cover material before 1660 (i.e., Medieval or Renaissance); at least one, material of the 17th or 18th century.  One of the courses substituted for either Colloquium will also count towards satisfying the "before 1900" requirement.  Students may also take 1 colloquium and 2 substitutions.

Courses which can be used as substitutes include:

ENGL 3140 (if the seminar topic is appropriate)
Only one of the Shakespeare courses: (ENGL 3163 or 3164 or ENTH 3136)
ENGL 3154 through 3158, 3165 through 3169 (But only one of the Chaucer courses)
ENGL 3173, 3174 (or W4301), and 3179

For other courses, consult with your major adviser and the Chair of the English Department

3. Two courses in literature written before 1900, which can include ENTH 3136, 3137, ENG 3141 and ENGL 3154 through 3180, excluding the Colloquia and the English Conference. (N.B. ONE of the Colloquium substitutions will count towards fulfillment of this requirement.)

4. One additional literature course (excluding the Colloquia and the English Conference).

5. Two electives chosen from the entire English Department offering, 3103 to 3195. (N.B. These include courses in writing, speech, theatre, and seminars on special themes but not the Colloquia or the English Conference.)

6. Two senior seminars.  Seniors who wish to substitute Independent Study for one of the two required senior seminars should consult the chair.  Permission is given rarely and only to proposals meeting the criteria specified under the course description of BC 3999 Independent Study (4 points).  Apply by the day before the last day of Program Filing, since the computer system enabling you to register on-line updates over night.  See departmental Administrator (Lucy Coolidge) for guidelines and application form.)

Consult the annual brochure of course offerings for complete information about courses that fulfill major requirements.

Note: Majors should chart their progress using the English Major Self-Audit, available here and in the department office.

Return to top.