Cultural Studies: A.A., A.S.

Students in Cultural Studies will explore the ways in which human beings understand, organize, interpret and communicate their world. Students examine and analyze philosophical, literary, and artistic expressions; social structures, values, norms, belief systems and historical perspectives across time, place, and cultures on issues such as race, class, and gender. Cultural Studies students will sharpen their skills in critical thinking, reading, writing, and research. 

Degree programs in Cultural Studies offer students the opportunity to develop individualized degree plans based on their intellectual, professional, and personal interests. Concentrations in Cultural Studies can be developed using concentration guidelines or they can be developed individually. Students can also work with their academic mentors to identify applicable transfer credit, prior college-level learning, and possible course equivalencies. 

For more information about Cultural Studies, please visit the Literature, Communication and Cultural Studies webpage.

For sample degree programs and other degree planning resources, please visit the Department of Literature, Communication and Cultural Studies Degree Planning Resources web page. 

For more information about general undergraduate degree requirements, please visit Earning an Undergraduate Degree.

 

DEGREE GUIDELINES
 

Cultural studies explore how human beings make sense of our world and the qualities that make us most human. Disciplines such as communications and media, language, literature, philosophy, religion, and writing develop our awareness; our abilities to think, feel, and speak; our appreciation of the values and knowledge underlying these fields; and our sense of ourselves as connected to a greater whole.

Associate degree programs in Cultural Studies should address the following four guidelines. Courses listed below meet each foundation, but this list is not exhaustive. Students should work with their mentor ensure proper course choices. 

Foundation #1: KNOWLEDGE OF A FIELD OR FIELDS

COMM 1020Introduction to Communication4
CUST 4020Medical Humanities4
LING 1005Introduction to Linguistics4
LING 3020Language & Culture4
LITR 1005Introduction to Literature4
PHIL 2005Introduction to Philosophy4
RELI 2025Introduction to Religious Studies4

Foundation #2: THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE

ARTS 1140Media and Visual Literacy4
CUST 3015Food & Drink in Cultural Context: Advanced4
CUST 3152Queering American Culture4
CUST 3425Sex and Sexuality: Facts and Fictions4
CUST 4020Medical Humanities4
DIGA 4015History & Theory of New Media4
LING 1005Introduction to Linguistics4
LING 3020Language & Culture4
LITR 2035Introduction to Literature: Hamlet3
LITR 3050Literary Theory4
LITR 3172Mythology4
PHIL 2005Introduction to Philosophy4
PHIL 2020Introduction to Ethics4
RELI 2025Introduction to Religious Studies4
RELI 4010Religious Thought in World Perspective4

Foundation #3: DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

ASLG 1005American Sign Language and Deaf Culture I4
COMM 1005Intercultural Communication2-3
COMM 3025Media Ethics & Law3,4
COMM 3045Television & Culture4
COMM 4015Women, Girls & the Media4
CUST 3015Food & Drink in Cultural Context: Advanced4
CUST 3152Queering American Culture4
CUST 3182Exploring Place History: Advanced4
CUST 3425Sex and Sexuality: Facts and Fictions4
CUST 4010Exploring Place: Humanities4
DIGA 4015History & Theory of New Media4
LING 3020Language & Culture4
LITR 2006African American Literature: Intro4
LITR 2040World Literature: Introductory4
LITR 3008African American Literature: Advanced4
LITR 3015Cultural Diversity through Literary Art4
LITR 3030World Literature: Advanced4
LITR 3080Native American Literature4
LITR 3130US Multicultural Fiction4
LITR 3132Asian American Writers4
LITR 3135U.S. Women’s Multicultural Life Writings4
LITR 3160Literature of the Holocaust4
LITR 3172Mythology4
PHIL 2005Introduction to Philosophy4
PHIL 2020Introduction to Ethics4
RELI 2025Introduction to Religious Studies4
RELI 4010Religious Thought in World Perspective4
SPAN 1005Spanish for Health Care Professionals4
SPAN 3030Latinx in the US4

Foundation #4: CRITICAL THINKING, READING, AND WRITING

COMM 2010Writing for Digital Media4
COMM 3030News & Feature Writing4
COMM 3045Television & Culture4
COMM 4015Women, Girls & the Media4
COMW 1005College Writing3,4
COMW 1015College Reading & Writing3,4
COMW 2005Effective Academic Writing2,3
COMW 3005Proposal Writing and Logical Argument3
COMW 3006Research Writing: Advanced4
COMW 3122Proposal Writing2
Any CUST Course4
Any LING Course4
Any LITR Course4
Any PHIL Course4
Any RELI course4

Learning Outcomes

  • Foundation 1: Knowledge of a field or fields, Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the historical foundations, current issues, and major texts in an area of Cultural Studies inquiry.
  • Foundation 2: Theoretical knowledge, Students will examine, explain, and apply theories, critical approaches, and methodologies in an area of Cultural Studies inquiry.
  • Foundation 3: Diverse perspectives and social responsibility, Students will examine and reflect on diverse cross-cultural perspectives in an area of inquiry (e.g., questions of race, gender, class, ethnicity, religion, sexual identity, disability, migration, etc.); and consider the responsibilities of members in a just society.
  • Foundation 4: Critical thinking, reading, and writing, Students will read, write and evaluate print-based and digital media sources of information critically, i.e., with sustained attention to meaning, presentation, and argument. Build the capacity to identify and describe main ideas, underlying assumptions, and valid conclusions. Create and share information using a range of collaborative technologies; evaluate and cite sources correctly.

CONCENTRATION GUIDELINES

Concentrations in Cultural Studies begin with foundational studies, which prepare the student for more advanced-level work.  Advanced-level competency should be developed in those areas which are most relevant to the specific concentration design and to the specific organizing framework.  In planning the concentration, consideration should be given both to depth and breadth. Students wishing to pursue individualized concentrations should use the general Cultural Studies degree guidelines as an organizing framework for their degree plans.

Specific guidelines have been developed for concentrations in the following areas:

Students interested in journalism or broadcasting should consult the concentration guidelines for Communication and Media, Writing, or a combination of these. Students interested in English should consult the concentration guidelines for Literature, Writing, Communication and Media, or a combination of these.

If you are interested in an area not listed here, please contact your mentor about designing your own concentration. 

CONCENTRATION IN COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA

Concentrations in communication and media studies should demonstrate knowledge of processes, procedures, methodologies and media involved in interactions between people and within groups, and the dissemination of information and ideas. Twenty-first-century studies in communication and media include an examination of media’s impact on culture, democracy and digital identity in an era of rapid technological change and emerging environments as well as practical skills for the 21st century workplace.

ASSOCIATE DEGREES IN CULTURAL STUDIES WITH CONCENTRATION IN COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA

Associate students should take at least one course for each of the following outcomes and choose one professional skills track.

WRITING SKILLS (CORRELATES WITH THE CRITICAL THINKING, READING, AND WRITING GUIDELINE)
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate basic writing and research skills                              
FIELD KNOWLEDGE (CORRELATES WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF A FIELD OR FIELDS GUIDELINE)
  • Learning Outcome: explain fundamental principles of the field of communication including individual, group, and mass communication or media communication.
  • Learning Outcome: interpret media artifacts, which may include examples from print, radio, television, and/or the internet
  • Learning Outcome: Explain principles of individual and group communications
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate basic skills in one of the following tracks
MARKETING TRACK

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

MRKT 1005Marketing Principles4
MRKT 3010Consumer Behavior4
MRKT 3025Digital and Social Media Marketing4
MRKT 3055Public Relations4
MRKT 3045Marketing Management4
MRKT 4035Marketing Research4
MRKT 4040Marketing Strategy4
WRITING/JOURNALISM TRACK

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

COMM 3030News & Feature Writing4
COMW 2005Effective Academic Writing2,3
COMW 3015Technical Writing4
COMW 3122Proposal Writing2
CRWR 1000Introduction to Creative Writing4
CRWR 1015Creative Nonfiction: Introductory4
CRWR 3015Creative Nonfiction: Advanced4
DIGA 3040Digital Storytelling4
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS TRACK

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

COMM 2016Digital Communication Strategies I2
COMM 3015Social Media: Communication & Culture4
DIGA 1010Digital Art & Design: Introductory4
DIGA 3035Digital Art & Design: Advanced4
DIGA 3040Digital Storytelling4
DIGA 3045Game Design & Development4
DIGA 3050Information Design4
DIGA 3065Digital Media Arts4
INTERPERSONAL AND GROUP COMMUNICATIONS TRACK

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

COMM 1030Public Speaking4
COMM 2016Digital Communication Strategies I2
COMM 3005Communication Analysis4
COMM 3055Organizational Communication3
COMM 3060Political Communication3
COMM 4025Communication Decisions4

CONCENTRATION IN LITERATURE

The literature concentration is designed to develop students' critical thinking, expository writing and analytic abilities through a study of works of literature written primarily in English. Through a study of texts from different periods, genres and national origins, students will develop a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of literature, including authors, themes and literary works. Students are expected to learn about formal aspects of writing as well as the broader cultural and historical contexts of literary texts. 

Literature concentrations should address the following:

FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE (CORRELATES WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF A FIELD GUIDELINE)

  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate an understanding of the field of literary studies.

A course which meets this guideline include (but is not limited to):

LITR 1005Introduction to Literature4
THEORY AND CRITICISM (CORRELATES WITH THE THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE GUIDELINE)
  • Learning Outcomes: demonstrate an understanding of critical approaches to literature.  B.A. degree plans should also demonstrate an advanced knowledge of literary theory

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

LITR 2035Introduction to Literature: Hamlet3
LITR 3050Literary Theory4
DIVERSITY (CORRELATES WITH THE DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY GUIDELINE)
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate an understanding of issues of diversity in literary studies (African-American literature, Native-American literature, Asian-American literature, Latino-American literature, multicultural writers, women writers, women's and gender studies, queer fiction, immigrant literature, social protest fiction and disability studies)

Courses which contribute to the meeting of this guideline include (but are not limited to):

LITR 2006African American Literature: Intro4
LITR 2040World Literature: Introductory4
LITR 3008African American Literature: Advanced4
LITR 3015Cultural Diversity through Literary Art4
LITR 3030World Literature: Advanced4
LITR 3080Native American Literature4
LITR 3130US Multicultural Fiction4
LITR 3132Asian American Writers4
LITR 3133American Women Writers4
LITR 3135U.S. Women’s Multicultural Life Writings4
LITR 3060Literature of Addiction: Advanced4
GENRES OF LITERATURE
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate an understanding of several genres of literature, including poetry, fiction, and drama (may also include knowledge of creative writing, memoir and more experimental techniques)

Courses which contribute to the meeting of this guideline include (but are not limited to):

LITR 2020An Introduction to The Modern Short Story4
LITR 2030Children’s Literature: Introductory4
LITR 2050Science Fiction & the Human Dynamic: Introduction4
LITR 3010Children’s Literature: Advanced4
LITR 3022Ekphrasis Poetry4
LITR 3025Folktales, Fairy Tales, & Fantasy Literature4
LITR 3035Utopian Literature4
LITR 3046Poetry4
LITR 3090Science Fiction & the Human Dynamic: Advanced4
LITR 3095Shakespeare4
LITR 3115The Modern Short Story4
LITR 3120The Popular Romance Novel4
LITR 3127The Graphic Novel4
LITR 3145Young Adult Literature4
LITR 3207American Poetry3
LITERARY PERIODS
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate an understanding of literary periods (may include knowledge of early/late British literature and/or/early/late American literature; it may include comparative literature from other literatures in English)

Courses which contribute to the meeting of this guideline include (but are not limited to):

LITR 2010American Literature to 18654
LITR 2015American Literature 1865-Present4
LITR 3040Jane Austen4
LITR 3075Literature & the Culture of the Vampire4
LITR 3095Shakespeare4
LITR 3141Modern American Literature4
LITR 319220th Century American Literature3

CONCENTRATION IN PHILOSOPHY

Existing both as an academic discipline in its own right and as the activity of philosophical inquiry (or "philosophizing") that is integral to numerous other academic areas (political theory, literary theory, fine arts, comparative religion, sociology of scientific knowledge, linguistics, etc.), philosophy is a cornerstone of the humanities. A concentration in philosophy can be organized in many different ways and should therefore reflect the student's particular learning goals. Note that students who are considering the pursuit of a graduate degree in the actual discipline of philosophy should research the expectations of graduate programs offering such a degree and plan their concentration accordingly. 

Philosophy concentrations at both the Associates level should address the following: 

ETHICS 

  • Learning Outcome: Articulate philosophical questions, perspectives, and arguments in:
  • Ethics using vocabulary, concepts, and methods deriving from the discipline of
  • Philosophy and/or other academic areas with significant philosophical components. 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to): 

PHIL 2005Introduction to Philosophy4
PHIL 2020Introduction to Ethics4

Courses which contribute to the meeting of this guideline include (but are not limited to):

HIST 2155The Pursuit of Happiness in American History4

 POLITICS 

  • Learning Outcome: Articulate philosophical questions, perspectives, and arguments in politics using vocabulary, concepts, and methods deriving from the discipline of philosophy and/or other academic areas with significant philosophical components. 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

PHIL 2005Introduction to Philosophy4
POLI 3080Modern Political Theory4
POLI 3005America's Founding Ideas4
POLI 4010Global Perspectives on Political Theory4

METAPHYSICS (QUESTIONS OF "REALITY") 

  • Learning Outcome: Articulate philosophical questions, perspectives, and arguments in metaphysics using vocabulary, concepts, and methods deriving from the discipline of philosophy and/or other academic areas with significant philosophical components. 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

PHIL 2005Introduction to Philosophy4

EPISTEMOLOGY (QUESTIONS OF "KNOWING") 

  • Learning Outcome: Articulate philosophical questions, perspectives, and arguments in epistemology using vocabulary, concepts, and methods deriving from the discipline of philosophy and/or other academic areas with significant philosophical components. 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

PHIL 2005Introduction to Philosophy4

LOGIC AND REASONING 

  • Learning Outcome: Articulate philosophical questions, perspectives, and arguments in logic and reasoning using vocabulary, concepts, and methods deriving from the discipline of philosophy and/or other academic areas with significant philosophical components. 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

PHIL 2005Introduction to Philosophy4
CUST 2030Introduction to Critical Thinking2

Philosophy concentrations at the Bachelor's level should also address the following: 

Two (or more) specialized areas of advanced-level philosophical inquiry. Examples of such areas include but are not limited to social and cultural theory (e.g., social justice, queer theory, feminist theory), philosophy of art (aesthetics), literary theory, environmental ethics, political philosophy/theory, philosophy of religion, African philosophy, East Asian philosophy, history of Western philosophy, philosophy of language, and logic. 

  • Learning Outcome: Articulate at an advanced-level philosophical questions, perspectives, and arguments in at least two specialized areas using vocabulary, concepts, and methods deriving from the discipline of philosophy and/or other academic areas with significant philosophical components. 

Courses that contribute to the meeting of this guideline include (to fully meet the guideline, two or more areas need to be addressed): 

FOR SOCIAL AND CULTURAL THEORY  
GSST 3015Feminist Theory4
SOSC 3015Great Conversations in Social Thought4
GSST 3152Queering American Culture4
SOCI 4035Privacy Security & Freedom: Social Concerns for the 21st Century4
FOR PHILOSOPHY OF ART 
ARTS 4070What Is Art?4
ARTP 4010Performance Theory4
 FOR LITERARY THEORY  
LITR 3050Literary Theory4
 FOR POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY/THEORY  
POLI 3005America's Founding Ideas4
POLI 3080Modern Political Theory4
POLI 4010Global Perspectives on Political Theory4
 FOR HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY 
HIST 3415Renaissance & Reformation: Origin & Impacts4
HIST 3490The Enlightenment4
 FOR MISCELLANEOUSADVANCED-LEVEL TOPICS 
LITR 3035Utopian Literature4
PHIL 3998Individualized Studies in Philosophy (PHIL)1-8

Note: Applied philosophy courses (e.g., professional ethics courses) may be included as part of a philosophy concentration but do not meet (partially or fully) the guideline for advanced-level philosophical inquiry.

Examples of such courses include: 

BUSN 3010Business Ethics4
COMM 3025Media Ethics & Law4
DIGA 3036Ethics of Digital Art & Design4
EDST 3036Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Technology for Educators2
FSMA 3020Finance Society & Ethics4
HLAD 3045Healthcare Ethics4
MGMT 3015Ethics for a Global Economy4
PAFF 3122Ethics and the Public Sector4
PAFF 4132Legal & Ethical Foundations of Public Service4
PSYC 3065Ethical Issues in Psychology4

CONCENTRATION IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES 

Religious stories and devotional behaviors are a core part of most human societies. Throughout time, religions and their varying communities and traditions of interpretation have played vital roles in culturally and politically shaping and reshaping our lives and world. To elucidate this complex of personal, social and historical interconnections requires multiple perspectives and the consideration of diverse religious texts, beliefs and practices. 

Although individuals may find religious studies useful in the exploration of their personal beliefs, a degree in Cultural Studies with a concentration in Religious Studies shall also adopt a pluralistic perspective that examines multiple schools of religious thought, including critiques of religion itself, reflecting the tacit understanding that no tradition has exclusive access to religious truth, however that is defined. 

Religious Studies concentrations at the Associates level should address the following: 

THEORIES THAT DEFINE RELIGION 

  • Learning Outcome: Evaluate theories that define the phenomenon of religion by analyzing recurring religious themes, patterns, structures, language and practices; identifying and analyzing core components such as deity, cosmogony, theodicy and ethics; and critically examining the significance of sacred texts, scriptures, traditions, rituals and devotional practices. 

A course which meets this guideline include (but are not limited to):

RELI 2025Introduction to Religious Studies4

RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS 

  • Learning Outcome: Investigate traditions from at least two of the following categories: religions of “The Book” (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) scriptural Asian religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism) indigenous Asian religions (Shintoism, Bonism, Shamanism) North and/or South American native religions, African and/or African diaspora religions.  

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

RELI 3998Individualized Studies in RELI2-8
HIST 1080History of World Religions4

Courses that partially meet this guideline include (to fully meet this guidelines at least two of these areas must be addressed):

FOR RELIGIONS OF "THE BOOK"  
HIST 3260History of Christianity4
FOR NORTH AND/OR SOUTH AMERICAN NATIVE RELIGIONS 
INDG 3015First Peoples of North America4
FOR AFRICAN AND/OR AFRICAN DIASPORA RELIGIONS  
HIST 3010/CUST 3167African History & Culture4

THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF ALLIED DISCIPLINES 

  • Learning Outcome: Understand theoretical foundations of at least two academic disciplines that support the pluralistic study of religion, such as anthropology, art, philosophy, history, literature, political science, psychology, or sociology. 

Courses that partially meet this guideline include (to fully meet this guideline at least two areas need to be addressed): 

FOR ANTHROPOLOGY  
ANTH 1010Introduction to Cultural Anthropology4
FOR ARTS  
ARTS 1050Humanities Through the Arts4
ARTS 2020Art History I: Prehistory to Renaissance4
ARTS 2025Art History II: Baroque to Modern4
ARTS 4010Art History: Methods and Theories4
 FOR HISTORY 
HIST 1070Global History from the 15004
HIST 1075Global History to 15004
HIST 1115Western Civilization I4
HIST 2025US History to 1865: What Does it Mean to be a Free Nation?4
HIST 2030US History From 1865 to the Present4
FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE 
POLI 3005America's Founding Ideas4
POLI 4010Global Perspectives on Political Theory4
FOR LITERATURE  
LITR 1005Introduction to Literature4
FOR PHILOSOPHY  
PHIL 2005Introduction to Philosophy4
FOR PSYCHOLOGY  
PSYC 1005Introduction to Psychology4
FOR SOCIOLOGY  
SOCI 1005Exploring Society: An Introduction to Sociology4
SOCI 2010Introduction to Race Class & Gender4
SOSC 3015Great Conversations in Social Thought4

CONCENTRATION IN  WORLD LANGUAGES 

Studies in world languages (e.g., ASL, French, Italian, Spanish, etc.) aim to foster cross-national and cross-cultural understanding and to facilitate the development of skills associated with language acquisition, such as speaking, writing, reading and listening. These skills are particularly important in the 21st century, when local and world cultures are increasingly intertwined. Indeed, linguistic and cultural competency opens numerous opportunities to experience and contribute to globalization and enhances learners’ professional and personal growth.  

World Languages concentrations should address the following general guidelines: 

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate the ability to use resources in the target language and to access cultural information 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

SPAN 3005Advanced Spanish Composition4
SPAN 3010Spanish for Health Care Professionals: Advanced4
SPAN 3015Advanced Spanish: Language & Culture4
SPAN 3020Civilizations of the Spanish Speaking World4
SPAN 4020Spanish Avant-Garde(s): Literature Painting Film4

ATTITUDE 

  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate an inquiring and open-minded attitude when faced with otherness. 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

LING 3020Language & Culture4
SPAN 3030Latinx in the US4
SPAN 3025Contemporary Spanish American Theater4

LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

In their studies of world languages, students might want to focus on literature or language. 

LITERATURE

If the focus is in literature, students’ programs should address the following guidelines: 

LITERARY KNOWLEDGE  
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate an understanding of the literary, cultural, and political contexts of literature in the target language. 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

SPAN 3025Contemporary Spanish American Theater4
SPAN 4005Contemporary Latin American Literature4
SPAN 4015Jorge Luis Borges4
SPAN 4020Spanish Avant-Garde(s): Literature Painting Film4
LINGUISTIC KNOWLEDGE 
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate advanced-level knowledge of the target language and/or familiarity with  theories of second language acquisition. 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

SPAN 4010History of Spanish Language4
LING 4010Second Language Acquisition4
LING 4030Foreign Language Pedagogy4
HISTORICAL/CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE 
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate advanced-level knowledge of the civilization or history that focuses on the region where the target language is spoken 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

SPAN 3020Civilizations of the Spanish Speaking World4
SPAN 3030Latinx in the US4
LANGUAGE

If the focus is in language, students’ programs should address the following guidelines: 

LINGUISTIC KNOWLEDGE 
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate knowledge of linguistic theory, the structure of the target language in the context of linguistic theory and/or familiarity with  theories of second language acquisition 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

SPAN 4010History of Spanish Language4
LING 1005Introduction to Linguistics4
LING 3020Language & Culture4
LING 4010Second Language Acquisition4
LING 4030Foreign Language Pedagogy4
LANGUAGE SKILLS

Learning Outcome: demonstrate advanced-level language and linguistics skills in the target language. 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

HISTORICAL/CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE 
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate advanced-level knowledge of the civilization or history that focuses on the region where the target language is spoken. 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

SPAN 3020Civilizations of the Spanish Speaking World4
SPAN 3030Latinx in the US4

CONCENTRATION IN WRITING

EXPOSITORY WRITING 

Concentrations in expository writing generally reflect a competency-based program that enables students to become more effective writers of expository prose. It is a program of studies for students who have mastered: 

  • Basic lower-division writing skills, including correct use of grammar, diction, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structures. 
  • Clarity, coherence and concreteness in the development of thought. 

Well-developed concentrations in expository writing should address the following guidelines: 

THEORY
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate an understanding of at least one of rhetoric, grammar, logic, style, or linguistics

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

COMW 2005Effective Academic Writing2,3
COMW 3006Research Writing: Advanced3-4
HISTORY
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate an understanding of the development of the English language either through linguistic or literary studies 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

LING 1005Introduction to Linguistics4
LING 3005Introduction to Pragmatics4
LITR 2010American Literature to 18654
LITR 2015American Literature 1865-Present4
LITR 3040Jane Austen4
LITR 3075Literature & the Culture of the Vampire4
LITR 3095Shakespeare4
LITR 3141Modern American Literature4
LITR 319220th Century American Literature3
PRACTICE 
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate advanced-level facility in the writing of expository prose, professional writing and research 

Courses that partially meet this guideline include (to fully meet this guideline at least two areas need to be addressed): 

DIGA 2020Writing for New Media4
COMM 3030News & Feature Writing4
COMM 3060Political Communication3
COMM 3127Advanced Public Relations3,4
COMW 3005Proposal Writing and Logical Argument3
COMW 3006Research Writing: Advanced3-4
COMW 3015Technical Writing4
COMW 3122Proposal Writing2
CRWR 3015Creative Nonfiction: Advanced4

While much of the work in the concentration should include practice in expository writing, the degree program could reflect a broad range of cultural studies in other liberal arts and sciences, including studies that will give students the opportunity to write in subject areas in the humanities and social sciences. 

CREATIVE WRITING 

Concentrations in creative writing generally include studies that will focus on the form, structure and uses of language as it is applied to fiction, poetry or drama. For disciplinary concentrations in creative writing, major emphasis will be placed on the practice of writing with supporting attention to theoretical and historical studies. 

Creative writing is a competency-based concentration which should address: 

THEORY
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate an understanding of critical theory, particularly in the student's genre of primary interest 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

LITR 2035Introduction to Literature: Hamlet3
LITR 3050Literary Theory4
HISTORY
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate an appreciation of at least one literary genre in historical perspective through the study of literary texts, major authors or literary criticism. 

Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):

LITR 2010American Literature to 18654
LITR 2015American Literature 1865-Present4
LITR 3040Jane Austen4
LITR 3075Literature & the Culture of the Vampire4
LITR 3095Shakespeare4
LITR 3141Modern American Literature4
LITR 319220th Century American Literature3
PRACTICES
  • Learning Outcome: demonstrate facility in writing fiction, poetry or drama. 

Courses that partially meet this guideline include (to fully meet this guideline at least two areas need to be addressed): 

  • Any CRWR course