English

Program Description

Colorado Mesa University offers a Bachelor of Arts in English or English Secondary Education, a Professional Certificate in Editing and Technical Communication, and a graduate certificate in Rhetoric and Literary Studies. Students gain breadth as they read widely in world, British, and American literatures, and they gain depth as they engage contemporary literary theory, linguistics, and rhetoric. With the intense focus on writing and critical thinking, graduates will be well prepared as they enter master and doctoral programs, law school, library science programs, or move directly into the work force as public relations reps, guidance counselors, technical writers, or administrators at institutions related to the arts.

Opportunities abound as they hone their craft in poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction workshops. Students may join the Creative Writers Club or work as an editor for CMU's own literary magazine, The Literary Review, Horizon Magazine, or Pinyon Poetry, a nationally-circulating literary periodical. These opportunities provide invaluable experience and prepare students for careers that value creative and insightful employees.

For those with an interest in teaching, students gain expertise in literature and language that prepares them to focus on teaching as they design assignments, learn pedagogical theories, work closely with local middle and high school teachers, and complete student teaching internships. The Center for Teacher Education offers a comprehensive program of study that leads to licensure in Colorado. The secondary licensure program provides teacher education candidates with broad content knowledge in English and prepares them as teachers for grades 7 through 12. 

Above all, by reading, interpreting, and evaluating complex literature, theories, and criticism, students learn to organize ideas, assert and defend claims, and research. Employers will value their ability to solve problems and present ideas in effective language to a wide range of audiences. They learn how to weigh evidence, identify assumptions, evaluate persuasive appeals, and recognize faulty reasoning. Employers want smart, flexible, and creative employees, all hallmarks of a Colorado Mesa University graduate in English.

The English minor interests students who want to broaden their backgrounds in the liberal arts as well as embark on careers that demand an expertise in critical thinking, close reading, and writing, such as law, journalism, advertising, theatre, business, public service, or graduate study in other academic and professional subjects. The Professional Certificate in Editing and Technical Communication, an interdisciplinary credential that combines copy editing, technical writing expertise, and design courses, is designed for those who want a career improving, producing, and sharing documents. For those who want to pursue graduate work, we offer a Graduate Certificate in Rhetoric and Literary Studies delivered online. The certificate offers a range of courses, from composition theory and British and American literature to literary theory, linguistics, and creative writing. 

Contact Information

Department of Languages, Literature and Mass Communication
Escalante Hall 237
970.248.1687

ENGL 111 English Composition I-GTCO13 Credits

Introduction to writing as a process with an emphasis on achieving rhetorical purpose.

Prerequisites: Students who do not meet placement criteria will be assigned to ENGC 090 and must pass that class with a "C" or higher to enroll in ENGL 111.

Essential Learning Categories: English
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

ENGL 112 English Composition II-GTCO23 Credits

The practice of academic writing that extends one's own thinking in response to the ideas of others.

Prerequisites: ENGL 111 with a grade of "C" or higher to fulfill English Competency requirement under Essential Learning.

Essential Learning Categories: English
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

ENGL 131 Western World Literature I-GTAH23 Credits

Study of literary works from the Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance periods.

Essential Learning Categories: Humanities
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

ENGL 132 Western World Literature II-GTAH23 Credits

Study of literary works from the late Renaissance, Neoclassic, Romantic, and Modern periods.

Essential Learning Categories: Humanities
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

ENGL 150 Introduction to Literature-GTAH23 Credits

Study of major genres of literature.

Essential Learning Categories: Humanities
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

ENGL 196 Topics1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

ENGL 210 Introduction to Literary Studies3 Credits

Introduction to the theory and practice of studying literature.

Prerequisites: ENGL 111.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

ENGL 219 Introduction to Professional Writing-GTCO33 Credits

Study of technical writing, public information and public relations writing, and free-lance nonfiction writing.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

Essential Learning Categories: English
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

ENGL 222 Mythology-GTAH23 Credits

Basic myths of the Greeks and Romans and the cultures that produced them, and/or the Northern and Medieval myths of Europe, their backgrounds in classical culture, and native folklore.

Essential Learning Categories: Humanities
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

ENGL 240 Children's Literature3 Credits

Survey of literature for children from birth to age 12, focusing on ways of reading texts.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

ENGL 245 Imaginative Writing3 Credits

Introduction to the theory and practice of teaching young people to write imaginatively.

Prerequisites: ENGL 111.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

ENGL 250 Introduction to Creative Writing3 Credits

An introduction to the theory and practice of producing original works of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction prose.

Prerequisites: ENGL 111.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

ENGL 254 Survey of English Literature I-GTAH23 Credits

English literature from its beginnings through the Enlightenment.

Essential Learning Categories: Humanities
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

ENGL 255 Survey of English Literature II-GTAH23 Credits

English literature from the Romantics to the present day.

Essential Learning Categories: Humanities
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

ENGL 261 Survey of American Literature I-GTAH23 Credits

American literature from the beginnings to the late 19th Century.

Essential Learning Categories: Humanities
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

ENGL 262 Survey of American Literature II-GTAH23 Credits

American literature from the late 19th Century to the present.

Essential Learning Categories: Humanities
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

ENGL 296 Topics1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

ENGL 301 Classical Greek and Latin Literature3 Credits

Readings in English of Greek and Roman authors and major classical genres.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 311 English Medieval Literature3 Credits

Major works of Old and Middle English literature.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 313 English Renaissance Literature3 Credits

Major works of the 16th and 17th Centuries, including the Metaphysical and Caroline poets and John Milton.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 314 American Literature to 18303 Credits

An in-depth study of various significant texts of the period, as well as other relevant texts. Texts and authors are chosen by the instructor to provide a thorough study of selected important historical, philosophical and literary aspects of the period.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 315 American Literature 1830-18703 Credits

An in-depth study of various significant texts of the period, as well as other relevant texts. Texts and authors are chosen by the instructor to provide a thorough study of selected important historical, philosophical and literary aspects of the period.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 316 American Literature 1870-19003 Credits

An in-depth study of various significant texts of the period, as well as other relevant texts. Texts and authors are chosen by the instructor to provide a thorough study of selected important historical, philosophical and literary aspects of the period.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 320 Report and Proposal Writing3 Credits

Introduction to the theory and practice of preparing and analyzing reports and proposals intended for businesses, governmental agencies, private and corporate foundations.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 325 Writing for Engineers3 Credits

Development of a set of communication tools by learning how to compose, design, and edit technical documents for the engineering professions. Topics include technical documentation (lab reports, designing of reports, proposals), professional correspondence (emails, memo reports, and team meetings), and verbal and graphical communication of technical data.

ENGL 330 Women in World Thought and Literature3 Credits

Readings in world literature by and about women; interdisciplinary study of feminist theories and women's contributions to world thought.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 335 The Bible as Literature3 Credits

A survey of Biblical literature in literary and historical contexts. Includes the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, the New Testament, and non-canonical Biblical literature.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 343 Language Systems and Linguistic Diversity3 Credits

Introduction to the nature of language, first and second language acquisition, and issues relevant to linguistic diversity and multicultural literacies.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 355 Shakespeare3 Credits

Early and mature plays, including genres of comedy, history, tragedy, and romance, emphasizing close textual reading in conjunction with cultural and intellectual contexts.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 365 Literature for Young Adults3 Credits

Advanced study of major works for youth and adolescents throughout history, with an emphasis on contemporary authors.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 370 Major Author3 Credits

In-depth study of one or two important writers, with attention to the writer's distinctive style and subject matter, the range of the writer's career, and the influence of the writer's work.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

Course may be taken 10 times for credit.

ENGL 380 Memoir and Creative Non-Fiction3 Credits

Theory and practice of the memoir and the personal essay. Emphasis on narrative craft, experiential expression, research, and interviewing.

Prerequisites: ENGL 250.

ENGL 381 Creative Writing: Fiction3 Credits

Theory and practice of producing original works of fiction.

Prerequisites: ENGL 250 or permission of instructor.

ENGL 382 Creative Writing: Crafting Fiction3 Credits

In-depth focus on a specialized aspect of fiction writing.

Prerequisites: ENGL 250 or permission of instructor.

ENGL 383 Creative Writing: Poetry3 Credits

Theory and practice of producing original works of poetry.

Prerequisites: ENGL 250 or permission of instructor.

ENGL 384 The Art of the Essay3 Credits

Theory and practice of objective non-fiction, including expository and persuasive writing. Emphasis on style, structure, and audience.

Prerequisites: ENGL 250 or permission of instructor.

ENGL 385 Technical and Professional Writing3 Credits

Practice in writing and editing of workplace documents, including correspondence, reports and proposals.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 386 Roots of Modern Rhetoric3 Credits

A survey of the history of rhetoric from classical Greece to the present with emphasis on the Greco-Roman tradition.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 387 Literary Editing and Publishing3 Credits

Practical experience in literary editing and publishing one of Colorado Mesa University's journals.

Prerequisites: ENGL 250 or permission of instructor.

ENGL 388 Creative Writing: Crafting Poetry3 Credits

In-depth focus on a specialized aspect of poetry writing.

Prerequisites: ENGL 250 or permission of instructor.

ENGL 389 Screenwriting3 Credits

Theory and practice of producing original screenplays.

Prerequisites: ENGL 250 or ENGL 390.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

ENGL 390 Introduction to Film Studies3 Credits

Introduction to film narrative, cinematography, and theory.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 392 Introduction to Copy Editing3 Credits

Approaches to editing principles in a variety of genres and settings. Exploration of information associated with editing, including an emphasis on technical terms, levels of editing, and ethical issues.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

ENGL 394 Technical and Professional Writing Topics3 Credits

Topics at the discretion of the instructor, or to meet the needs of the department. Topics may include: grant writing for industry; professional editing; desktop publishing for professional writing; writing for online presentation; individual and team writing.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 395 Independent Study1-4 Credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.

ENGL 396 Topics1-3 Credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

ENGL 397 Practicum3 Credits

Experience in a Basic Writing classroom helping the instructor with all phases of writing instruction.

Prerequisites: ENGL 250 or permission of instructor.

ENGL 398 Practicum in Editing and Publishing1-3 Credits

Experience in editing and publishing one of Colorado Mesa University's journals. Credit hours contracted through advising instructor.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 9 credit hours.

ENGL 401 Studies in American Literature I3 Credits

Analysis of American literary works before 1865. Specific course content varies and may focus on genre, author, movement, theme, period, or theory.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

ENGL 402 Studies in American Literature II3 Credits

Analysis of American literary works after 1865. Specific course content varies and may focus on genre, author, movement, theme, period, or theory.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

ENGL 403 Studies in British and Commonwealth Literature I3 Credits

Analysis of British and Commonwealth literary works before 1800. Specific course content varies and may focus on genre, author, movement, theme, period, or theory.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

ENGL 404 Studies in British and Commonwealth Literature II3 Credits

Analysis of British and Commonwealth literary works after 1800. Specific course content varies and may focus on genre, author, movement, theme, period, or theory.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

ENGL 415 American Folklore3 Credits

Explores folk expressions of values, beliefs, traditions, attitudes, and worldviews.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 421 Introduction to Literary Theory and Criticism3 Credits

Development and theory of literary criticism.

Prerequisites: ENGL 210.

ENGL 423 Genre Studies3 Credits

History and development of an individual literary genre.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 425 Scientific Writing3 Credits

Theoretical and practical studies of writing in the sciences (science, medicine, and environmental writing). Addresses writing for both popular and professional audiences. Coverage of both print and online instructional materials. Safety, ethical and liability issues.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112 or 45 credit hours.

ENGL 427 Writing for Industry3 Credits

Theoretical and practical studies of writing for industrial fields. Addresses writing for both popular and professional audiences. Covers both print and online instructional materials. Safety, ethical, and liability issues.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112 or 45 credit hours.

ENGL 435 American Literature 1900-19453 Credits

An in-depth study of various significant texts of the period, as well as other relevant texts. Texts and authors are chosen by the instructor to provide a thorough study of selected important historical, philosophical and literary aspects of the period.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 436 American Literature 1945-Present3 Credits

An in-depth study of various significant texts of the period, as well as other relevant texts. Texts and authors are chosen by the instructor to provide a thorough study of selected important historical, philosophical and literary aspects of the period.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 438 Ethnic Experiences in U.S. Literature3 Credits

Survey of literary works written throughout United States history by African-American, Hispanic-American, Native American and Asian American authors, as well as by authors from other under represented cultural communities.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 440 History of the English Language3 Credits

Historical development of the English language; its internal formation as shaped by external political, social, and intellectual forces.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112 and junior standing, or permission of instructor.

ENGL 444 Studies in Identity3 Credits

Analysis of identity construction in literary and cultural texts.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

ENGL 451 Understanding and Using English Grammar3 Credits

The art of using English grammar effectively for written and spoken communication.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112 and junior standing, or permission of the instructor.

ENGL 470 18th Century British Literature3 Credits

Conceptual framework of the Enlightenment in England's representative writers.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 471 British Romanticism3 Credits

Exploration of the poetry, prose, and drama of the Romantic period in Britain. Text and authors are chosen by the instructor to provide a thorough study of selected historical, philosophical and literary aspects of the period.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 475 Victorian Literature3 Credits

Representative works of post-Romantic British literature.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 478 20th Century British Literature3 Credits

Major works from 20th Century British writers.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

ENGL 491 Composition Theory and Practice3 Credits

Theory and practice of composing as it applies to teaching English in the junior and senior high schools; historical context, contemporary theory, and current pedagogy in the field of composition studies.

Prerequisites: Senior standing in teacher certification program or permission of instructor.

ENGL 492 Seminar in Writing3 Credits

Capstone course focusing on genre choice (novel, short story, poetry, memoir, creative non-fiction, screenplay, playwriting). Research into professional and publishing considerations. Development of a creative portfolio.

Prerequisites: ENGL 210, ENGL 250, and junior standing, or permission of instructor.

ENGL 494 Seminar in Literature3 Credits

Analysis of an important literary work or works, requiring students to interpret, criticize, and present research.

Prerequisites: ENGL 210 and senior standing, or permission of instructor.

Course may be taken 4 times for credit.

ENGL 495 Independent Study1-4 Credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.

ENGL 496 Topics1-3 Credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 112.

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

ENGL 497 Internship in Business, Technical, and Professional Communication3 Credits

An opportunity to write, edit, and design business and technical documents in a professional setting. Projects may include reports, proposals, grants, manuals, brochures and newsletters.

Prerequisites: Senior standing or permission of instructor.

ENGL 499 Internship1-12 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

ENGL 521 Seminar in Literary Theory3 Credits

Study of the content and application of literary theoretical frameworks.

ENGL 543 Language Systems and Linguistic Diversity3 Credits

Advanced study in the nature of language, first and second language acquisition, and issues relevant to linguistic diversity and multicultural literacies. Discussions will focus on education within and across home, community, and school contexts, including a focus on home-school-community relationships.

Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree.

ENGL 550 Studies in Creative Writing3 Credits

Studies in the history, development, theory, and practice of creative writing with an emphasis on understanding genre.

ENGL 554 Topics in British and Commonwealth Literature3 Credits

Analysis of an important British or Commonwealth literary work or works requiring students to interpret, criticize, and present research.

ENGL 561 Topics in American Literature3 Credits

Analysis of an important American literary work or works requiring students to interpret, criticize, and present research.

ENGL 586 Seminar in Rhetoric and Composition3 Credits

Theory and practice of rhetoric and composition including historical contexts, contemporary theories and current pedagogy.

ENGL 596 Topics1-3 Credits

Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree.

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.