English Pathway Guide

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Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.

Preparation for Transfer as an English Major

The following sequences are suggested courses to take in your semesters prior to transferring to SMU as an English major. For students attending a Texas public community college or university, Texas Common Course Numbers (TCCNS) are listed. If you are transferring from a college or university outside of Texas, click on the SMU course for a course description which may be used to select/compare courses at your current institution.

CC listings refer to SMU’s Common Curriculum, which all undergraduates are required to complete. Refer to the Common Curriculum Transfer Guide for a list of courses satisfying CC components. Interactive equivalency guides organized by transfer institution are available on the Transfer and Transition Services’ website.

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Preparing for a Smooth Transfer

A seamless transfer to SMU and the English program requires planning. This guide is designed to assist you in planning your transition. Transfer students who take time to prepare for their move to SMU are some of our most successful students. The following are a few important points to remember:

The second language requirement of the Common Curriculum may be satisfied by 1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, 2) placing out of four terms of world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or 3) being literate in a native language other than English.
SMU accepts AP scores of 4 or 5.
Work on the Common Curriculum prior to transfer is highly encouraged.
Compare Course Descriptions found in SMU’s University Catalog to course descriptions at your current institution to maximize your awarded transfer credits.
For additional information on the English major, visit our department homepage or call 214-768-2945.
For more information about transferring to SMU, click here or call 214-768-3417.

B.A. in English or B.A. in English - Creative Writing Specialization

SCHs = Semester Credit Hours

First Year
Fall	TCCN	SCHs
WRTR 10XX - First Year Writing I	ENGL 1301	3
CC Math Course	Choose One: MATH 1324, MATH 1332, MATH 1325, MATH 1425, MATH 2413, MATH 2320, MATH 1342, BUSN 2305	3
CC Breadth Course - Creativity and Aesthetics	Choose One: ARTS 1301, ARTS 1316, ARTS 2316 , ARTS 2326, ARTS 2333, ARTS 2346, ARTS 2356, DRAM 1351, HUMA 1315, MUSI 1306	3
CC Breadth Course - Historical Contexts	Choose One: ARTS 1303, ARTS 1304, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIST 2321, HIST 2322	3
CC Breadth Course - Social and Behavioral Sciences	Choose One: ANTH 2351, GOVT 2305, GOVT 2371, PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314, PSYC 2319, SOCI 1301	3
	SCHs	15
Spring	TCCN	SCHs
WRTR 10YY - First Year Writing II	ENGL 1302	3
SPCH 10XX	SPCH 1315	3
CC Breadth Course - Philosophical, Religious and Ethical Inquiry	Choose One: PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304, PHIL 2303, PHIL 2306	3
CC Breadth Course - Exploring Science	Choose One: BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, BIOL 1408, BIOL 1411, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, CHEM 1405, CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, ENVR 1401, ENVR 1402, GEOL 1401, GEOL 1403, GEOL 1405, GEOL 1445, PHYS 1401, PHYS 1402, PHYS 1403, PHYS 1405, PHYS 1404, PHYS 1407, PHYS 1415, PHYS 1417, PHYS 2425, PHYS 2426	4
CC Breadth Course - Technological Advances and Society	Choose One: COSC 1301/1401, BCIS 1305, COSC 1309	3
	SCHs	16
Second Year
Fall	TCCN	SCHs
CC Breadth Course - Literary Analysis and Interpretation	Choose One: ENGL 2321, ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2331, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333	3
British Literature, American Literature or World Literature	Choose One: ENGL 2321, ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2331, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333	3
World Language*		4
Second major, minor or elective courses		6
	SCHs	16
Spring	TCCN	SCHs
British Literature, American Literature or World Literature	Choose One: ENGL 2321, ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2331, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333	3
British Literature, American Literature or World Literature	Choose One: ENGL 2321, ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2331, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333	3
World Language*		4
Second major, minor or elective courses		6
	SCHs	16

Note

*The second language requirement may be satisfied by (1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, (2) placing out of four terms of a world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or (3) being literate in a native language other than English.

The Department of English

The Department of English is dedicated to the study of the English language and literature. Like all forms of art, written creations give us direct access to what it means to be human in all its complexity and mystery. Our committed faculty of teachers and scholars, poets and novelists cover literary productions from the first flowerings of poetry in Old English to the most recent creative work. Whether classes involve the analysis of Shakespeare’s plays or the writing of fiction and poetry, our teachers help students to think and write with clarity and grace as they prepare to work in a world where communication has become the signature endeavor of our world. Our undergraduate majors and minors will enter the arenas of government, law, business, public service, the arts, education, and every other field, mindful of the importance of language and imagination in effecting change. At the same time, the graduate students in our Ph.D. program are being prepared to join faculties at the best universities in the world.

English Department Events

The English department hosts a variety of events throughout the year focused on literature and faculty/student research.

The Dallas Literary Festival, Presented by SMU celebrates the literary community of the Metroplex and brings writers together from around the nation. During Lit Fest, an array of readings, receptions, book signings and performances celebrating the work of poets, novelists and students is presented.

The Doctoral Lecture series features presentations by our graduate students who are finishing dissertations. In these 30-minute presentations, Ph.D. candidates outline the scope of their dissertation projects. Students, faculty and members of the public are invited to attend.

Majoring or Minoring in English

The English Major requires a minimum of 33 semester hours of English courses, including no more than 12 hours at the 2000-level and below (with no more than 3 of these hours at the 1000- level) and at least 12 hours of 4000-level literature courses.

The English Major with Creative Writing Specialization has the same requirements as the English major but students specializing in creative writing must take at least 12 hours in creative writing courses, which take the place of all the elective hours in a 33-hour major. Those wishing to complete the major in 33 hours will need to fulfill all 12 hours of the “Reading Historically” requirement with 4000-level literature courses. However, students are encouraged to take additional elective hours in writing courses as well as in other courses.

The English Minor requires a minimum of 15 semester hours, including no more than 6 hours below the 3000-level.

Teacher Preparation Program in English

In conjunction with the Department of Teaching and Learning in the Simmons School of Education and Human Development, the English Department supports pathways in its major which lead to secondary teacher certification.

SMU Degree

A degree from SMU is typically comprised of a minimum of 120 hours, 60 of which must be completed through SMU, 42 of which must be in courses at the 3000 and higher levels. Components of the degree include:

Courses in your major.
Courses required for the University Curriculum (UC) .
Elective courses. These electives may also be used to add a second major or minor.

The Common Curriculum (CC)

The Common Curriculum (CC) is required of all undergraduate students and consists of three main components:

Foundations - 6 hours of Writing courses, 3 hours of Quantitative Reasoning courses, proficiency in a second language.
Breadth - 7 Breadth courses which may double count with majors and minors.
Proficiencies and Experiences - 8 Proficiencies and Experiences requirements, met through coursework or approved, noncredit activities.

NOTE: If you transfer with 23 or fewer credit hours and/or transfer in your first year out of high school, transfer work earned prior to high school graduation (dual/concurrent credit) will not satisfy CC requirements.

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