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English department, plan of study for an English and literature degree
Engl 100 Basic Writing . . . . . 3 hours
Reviews basic grammar, with emphasis on composing focused paragraphs and essays, creating thesis statements, and developing ideas with supporting details. Does not satisfy Hesston College writing requirement and may not transfer to a four-year school.
Engl 102 ESL: Intermediate Listening/Speaking . . . . . 3 hours
Emphasis is placed on teaching the intermediate student how to develop listening comprehension through a variety of listening skills including predicting, drawing inferences, summarizing, and identifying phonological clues that signal important information. Emphasis is also placed on note-taking and conversation skills. Does not apply to hours for graduation.
Engl 104 ESL: Intermediate Grammar/Writing . . . . . 4 hours
Course has two components: grammar and writing. Components are coordinated by theme, vocabulary, and skills. Does not apply to hours for graduation.
Engl 105 ESL: Advanced Listening/Speaking . . . . . 3 hours
Focuses on learning strategies and language functions while maintaining a strong focus on both listening and speaking. Interactive listening activities based on short, but realistic academic lectures and sample conversations provide comprehensive practice while a variety of “realistic world” speaking activities reinforce use in context of language function.
Engl 106 ESL: Advanced Reading/Vocabulary . . . . . 3 hours
Enables the student to deal effectively with sophisticated reading materials of both a scientific and humanistic nature. Brings the student from a basic level of comprehension of the English language to the higher competence necessary for tackling work in the college classroom.
Engl 112 Introduction to Literature . . . . . 3 hours
Introduces students to the art of reading a variety of literary forms and styles from a wide range of historical and cultural contexts. Emphasizes close reading and critical engagement with literary texts as ways to achieve an aesthetic appreciation as well as an analytical understanding of literature.
Engl 115 Literature in Contemporary Society . . . . . 3 hours
Explores contemporary literary forms and genres such as the detective or mystery novel, the romance novel, horror fiction, science fiction and fantasy, and comic books. Selections will typically include authors such as Mary Higgins Clark, John Grisham, and Stephen King. Assignments are designed to foster an appreciation of and a critical engagement with the forms and functions of popular literature. Offered alternate years.
Engl 125 College Writing I . . . . . 3 hours
Focuses through theory and practice on the basic principles of the writing process such as exploring ideas, developing a thesis, drafting and organizing, editing, revising essays, and documenting sources. Assignments explore the various modes of writing required in college with particular emphasis on critical thinking and analysis.
Engl 130 Honors College Writing . . . . . 3 hours
A composition course for students whose placement scores suggest that they would benefit from a more accelerated introductory writing program than that provided in College Writing I. Assignments encompass the various modes of writing most frequently encountered in the college setting including research writing. Particular emphasis is placed on critical engagement with challenging texts and issues and their analysis in and through writing.
Engl 135 College Writing II . . . . . 3 hours
Focuses on academic research writing, with instruction in finding, using, and documenting sources and in argumentation. A review of literature and a proposal/prospectus function as interlocking building blocks leading toward the major research paper assignment. Prerequisite: Engl 125 or consent of instructor.
Engl 210 Science Fiction and Fantasy . . . . . 3 hours
Explores through literature and film two of the most fervently celebrated and most hotly debated genres of contemporary literature. Built on the premise that science fiction and fantasy are neither about predicting the future nor about escaping reality, this course invites students to examine these genres as branches of serious literature. Class discussion will emphasize critical analysis of issues of genre, theme, form, and narrative technique. Selections will typically include literary classics such as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings as well as pop culture “classics” such as Blade Runner and The Matrix. Offered alternate years.
Engl 211 English Literature I . . . . . 3 hours
Studies English literature to 1900, focusing on major writers and works from Beowulf to Chaucer to Shakespeare to Donne to the Brontes. English Literature I places special emphasis on making sense of these writers in terms of their contemporary influence and relevance.
Engl 216 Modern Literature . . . . . 3 hours
Examines what it means to be “Modern” relative to earlier periods (Romantic and Victorian) as well as in relation to Contemporary literary and cultural contexts. Explores the various genres and sub-genres representative of the Modern period, emphasizing the critical analysis and understanding of texts in the context of historical events and philosophies of the day that shaped the texts and their authors. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or consent of the instructor.
Engl 220 Creative Writing . . . . . 3 hours
Uses the creation of poetry, short fiction, creative non-fiction, and/or drama as a way to gain a greater understanding of these forms and to further master the language. Students will draw from their learning and experiences in other classes, their own lives, and unique research to inform their work, integrating thought, feeling, and belief on the page. Prerequisites: College Writing I or concurrent enrollment with instructor approval. Offered alternate years.
Engl 225 Advanced College Writing . . . . . 3 hours
Provides opportunities to refine writing skills at an advanced level. Builds skills through critical analysis of texts and issues, while encouraging creative expression. Assignments explore forms of academic writing (i.e. critical analysis essays, research writing), professional writing (i.e. film or book reviews, journalistic writing), and creative writing (both poetry and fiction). Prerequisite: Honors College Writing, a B or better in College Writing I, or consent of the instructor.