Department of Language and Literature

Betancur Echeverry, Luis (2022) Assistant Professor; B.A. Pontificia Bolivariana University, Columbia, B.S.Ed. Valley City State University, M.A. (EAFIT) University, Columbia

Brister, J. Gregory (2011) Professor; B.A. Hamline University, M.A. St. Cloud State University, Ph.D. University of Kansas

Knapp, Travis (2022) Assistant Professor; B.A. Oklahoma State University, M.A., Ph. D University of Missouri

Kruger, Lee (2001) Associate Professor; B.A. Wartburg College, M.A. University of Nebraska-Omaha

Russell, Julee (1995) Professor; B.S. Bemidji State University, M.A., Ph.D. University of North Dakota

Shorma, Jodi (2009) Assistant Professor; B.A., M.A. University of North Dakota

Wicktor, Emily D. (2022) Associate Professor; B.A., M.A. St. Cloud State University, Ph.D. University of Kansas

Majors

Minors

Certificate

ASL 101. American Sign Language I. 4 Credits.

ASL 101 is an introductory level course that establishes a novice range of communication skills and emphasizes the cultural practices distinct to those that approach the world from a visual perspective.
Typically Offered: Fall.

ASL 102. American Sign Language II. 4 Credits.

ASL 102 continues the development of communication skills and understanding of cultural beliefs and practices distinct to those that approach the world from a visual perspective.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Prerequisite: C or better in ASL 101.

ENGL 110. College Composition I. 3 Credits.

A course which introduces students to college-level reading, writing, rhetoric, and critical thinking skills.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisite: ACT English score of 18 or higher, ACT English score of 14-17 with corequisite of ASC 88, or ASC 87.

ENGL 120. College Composition II. 3 Credits.

A course which continues the development of ENGL 110 skills with emphasis on research writing and documentation.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisite: ENGL 110 with a grade of C or better or an ACT English score of 23 or higher.

ENGL 125. Introduction to Professional Writing. 3 Credits.

A course which introduces the writing and research skills needed in business and technology fields. Topics include technical organizational patterns, document design, readability of text, research methods, research reporting and collaborative writing.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisite: ENGL 110 with a grade of C or better or an ACT English score of 23 or higher.

ENGL 194. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Directed reading, study, and/or activities in selected topics.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

ENGL 199. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

ENGL 210. College Composition III: Persuasive Writing. 3 Credits.

Advanced development of writing skills which emphasizes increasingly sophisticated and effective rhetoric and style. Topics include the study of classic and contemporary rhetorical strategies through the analysis of both written and visual media, and the application of that study in original student works, including memoir/narrative, critical analyses, and research.
Typically Offered: Spring, even years.
Prerequisite: ENGL 120 or ENGL 125.

ENGL 213. Literary Publications. 0-1 Credits.

An introduction to creative and academic magazine publishing in which students will produce The Forge, the campus literary, essay, and arts journal. After learning about the current literary marketplace through a review of contemporary literary journals, students will learn how to solicit manuscript and visual art entries, and then edit, design, layout and publish the journal. Students will also take part in organizing an open mic event and promoting and distributing the finished product.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Prerequisite: ENGL 120 or ENGL 125.
Grading: S/U only.
Repeatable: Up to 3 Credits.

ENGL 220. Introduction to Literature. 3 Credits.

A course which introduces students to college-level reading and discussion of representative examples from poetry, drama, and fiction using common literary terminology. ENGL 220 may not be used to meet the English major literature requirements.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

ENGL 225. Introduction to Film. 3 Credits.

A course which introduces students to film studies, including analysis of narrative and stylistic elements of films.
Typically Offered: Spring.

ENGL 231. Bible as Literature. 3 Credits.

An examination of the Bible's literature with an emphasis on biblical culture, history, and geography as well as comparisons of translations.
Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

ENGL 232. Mythology. 3 Credits.

A study of representative myths, legends, and folklore from various cultures with emphasis upon the literary and cultural aspects of myth.
Typically Offered: Fall.

ENGL 236. Women and Literature. 3 Credits.

The study of literary texts by and about women including gender roles as a literary theme.
Typically Offered: Spring, even years.

ENGL 241. World Literature I. 3 Credits.

A survey of major world literature text dating from antiquity through medieval times.
Typically Offered: Fall, even years.

ENGL 242. World Literature II. 3 Credits.

A survey of major world literature texts dating from the Renaissance to the present.
Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

ENGL 261. American Literature I. 3 Credits.

A survey of selected authors and literary movements to the end of the Civil War.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.

ENGL 262. American Literature II. 3 Credits.

A survey of selected authors and literary movements from the end of the Civil War to the present time.
Typically Offered: Spring, even years.

ENGL 294. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Directed reading, study, and/or activities in selected topics.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

ENGL 299. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

ENGL 300. Grammatical Analysis. 3 Credits.

A practical course in grammatical construction and usage, including traditional, structural, and transformational descriptions.
Typically Offered: Fall.

ENGL 305. Writing Workshop. 1 Credit.

A workshop course dealing with the original student work in a specific creative writing genre including poetry, drama, fiction, or creative non-fiction. May be repeated for credit.
Typically Offered: Fall-odd yrs; Spring.
Repeatable: Up to 3 Credits.

ENGL 309. Linguistics and Language Acquisition. 3 Credits.

A study of the nature of language, organization principles of language, the history of English language and the principles of language change, and the psycholinguistic theories of first and second language acquisition.
Typically Offered: Summer; Spring ,even years.

ENGL 310. Writing in the Major. 3 Credits.

An intensive study of various methods of composition specific to the discipline and stressing theory, research, audience expectation, and revision.
Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

ENGL 330. Creative Writing. 3 Credits.

The intensive study and practice of writing poetry, short stories, and nonfiction, with the goal of constructing a polished portfolio of work. The course includes the exploration of contemporary genres and writing techniques.
Typically Offered: Fall, even years.
Prerequisite: ENGL 120 or ENGL 125.

ENGL 350. Young Adult Reading and Literature. 3 Credits.

An examination of reading theories and issues as they relate to literature for young adults. Works of literature for young adults will be studied with regard to reading issues, human development, censorship, literary value, and lifelong reading/learning. The course will include identifying reading materials for mainstream and reluctant readers with a focus on diversity such as ethnic, socio-economic, and gender.
Typically Offered: Spring.

ENGL 351. British Literature I. 3 Credits.

A survey of selected British authors and literary movements, covering the literature from the early Middle Ages through the end of the 18th Century.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.

ENGL 352. British Literature II. 3 Credits.

A survey of selected British authors and literary movements from the Romantic period to the present time.
Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

ENGL 360. Literature in Translation. 3 Credits.

A study of representative works from non-English speaking counties with emphasis on literary representation of postcolonial and postmodern experience.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.

ENGL 371. Critical Theory. 3 Credits.

A formal introduction to traditional and contemporary critical approaches which build upon discipline-specific methods of literary analysis.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.

ENGL 391. Global Seminar. 1-3 Credits.

Interdisciplinary examination of a specific language, culture, and its current local/global issues. In-depth experiences in the country of student's choice. Required before a study-abroad program travel. Cross-referenced with GEOG 391, HIST 391, and HUM 391.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Same As: ENGL, GEOG, HIST, HUM 391.

ENGL 393. Writing Center Tutoring. 1 Credit.

A concentrated tutor training course for developing the knowledge and skills necessary for writing tutors to effectively assist individuals and small groups with their writing challenges. Topics include tutoring techniques, revision strategies, error identification, and VCSU¿s Writing Center methodologies. Any student who wishes to work in the Writing Center must complete this course before becoming a writing tutor. The course does not count toward a major or minor in English.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

ENGL 394. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Directed reading, study, and/or activities in selected topics.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

ENGL 399. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

ENGL 409. Language and Culture. 3 Credits.

An examination of the basic sociocultural variables in the acquisition process of first and second languages. Theories in language use, language learning, types of bilingual and multilingual education situations, and social determinants of dialect and style will also be discussed.
Typically Offered: Fall.

ENGL 410. Technical and Scientific Writing. 3 Credits.

An advanced writing course which focuses on formal writing projects required in technical and scientific fields to include technical and scientific research reports and proposals, RFPs, and grant writing.
Typically Offered: Fall-even yrs; Spring-even yrs.
Prerequisite: ENGL 120 or ENGL 125.

ENGL 420. Writing for the Web. 3 Credits.

A study of the types and rhetorical demands of online communication, focusing especially on writing help documents, faqs, software documentation, and copyright issues. Includes copy-editing concerns (clarity, conciseness, accuracy, grammatical correctness) as they relate to these types of writing.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.
Prerequisite: ENGL 120 or ENGL 125.

ENGL 430. Studies in Poetry. 3 Credits.

An intensive study of poetic principles as exhibited in the poetry of selected authors, themes, or types.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.

ENGL 440. Studies in World Literature. 3 Credits.

An advanced course of selected genres, authors, themes, or eras in World Literature.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.
Repeatable: Up to 6 Credits.

ENGL 450. Studies in British Literature. 3 Credits.

An advanced course of selected genres, authors, themes, or eras in British literature. May be repeated for credit.
Typically Offered: Fall, even years.
Repeatable: Up to 6 Credits.

ENGL 460. Studies in American Literature. 3 Credits.

An advanced course which examines selected genres, authors, themes, or eras in American Literature. May be repeated for credit.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.
Repeatable: Up to 6 Credits.

ENGL 480. Shakespeare. 3 Credits.

A study of Shakespeare's life, times, and writings, emphasizing major plays.
Typically Offered: Spring.

ENGL 490. Methods of Teaching English. 3 Credits.

An examination of the curriculum, methods, materials, trends, and philosophy in the teaching of the English language arts in secondary schools. Students must successfully complete ENGL 490 with a C or better prior to student teaching.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Teacher Education.

ENGL 491. Senior Capstone. 2 Credits.

A course which provides the opportunity for upper-level students to work individually with professors in designing and completing a Senior Thesis, as well as exposing future graduates to discipline-specific career expectations and processes.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grading: S/U only.

ENGL 494. Undergraduate Research. 3-12 Credits.

The course is designed to integrate subject matter from major coursework and other disciplines into a project that leads to the creation of an original body of knowledge.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

ENGL 497. Internship. 3 Credits.

An opportunity for students to apply classroom learning to an on-the-job work experience. Internship must be related to the student's major or minor course of study and may be in any geographic location. Credit is granted for three hours per semester and may be repeated up to a maximum of six credit hours. Application and approval through Career Services.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisites: Junior Standing or Senior Standing and cum GPA of 2.50 or higher.
Grading: S/U only.
Repeatable: Up to 6 Credits.

ENGL 499. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

SPAN 101. 1st Year Spanish I. 3 Credits.

A study of grammar, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish for students who have had no previous knowledge of the language.
Typically Offered: Fall.

SPAN 102. 1st Year Spanish II. 3 Credits.

A study of grammar, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish for students who have basic knowledge of the present tense and beginning vocabulary.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Prerequisite: SPAN 101.

SPAN 194. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Directed reading, study, and/or activities in selected topics.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

SPAN 199. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

SPAN 201. 2nd Year Spanish I. 3 Credits.

A continuation of SPAN 101 and 102 with further development of grammar, speaking, reading, and writing skills to increase vocabulary.
Typically Offered: Fall.
Prerequisite: SPAN 102.

SPAN 202. 2nd Year Spanish II. 3 Credits.

A continuation of SPAN 201 with further development of grammar, speaking, reading, and writing skills to increase vocabulary.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Prerequisite: SPAN 201.

SPAN 215. Spanish Conversation. 3 Credits.

An opportunity for skilled development in speaking and listening to the language.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Prerequisite: SPAN 202.

SPAN 220. Introduction to Hispanic Literature & Culture. 3 Credits.

The reading and discussion of outstanding literary works of Spanish and Spanish American literature as well as Hispanic culture.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.
Prerequisite: SPAN 202.

SPAN 251. Spanish Grammar and Composition. 3 Credits.

A course designed to further develop knowledge of the Spanish language for enhanced oral and written communication.
Typically Offered: Fall, even years.
Prerequisite: SPAN 202.

SPAN 294. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Directed reading, study, and/or activities in selected topics.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

SPAN 299. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

SPAN 350. Hispanic Culture and Civilization. 3 Credits.

A study of various aspects of Hispanic culture and civilization through the centuries.
Typically Offered: Fall, even years.
Prerequisite: SPAN 202.

SPAN 391. Global Seminar. 2 Credits.

Interdisciplinary examination of a specific language, culture, and its current local/global issues. In-depth experiences in the country of student's choice. Required before a study-abroad program travel.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.

SPAN 393. Practicum in Teaching Spanish. 1-3 Credits.

An opportunity for firsthand experience in teaching Spanish. By Arrangement.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.

SPAN 394. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Directed reading, study, and/or activities in selected topics.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

SPAN 396. Travel to a Spanish Speaking Country. 2 Credits.

An opportunity to travel to a Spanish-speaking country in order to improve the understanding of language and culture.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Prerequisite: SPAN 202 with a grade of C or better and SPAN 391.
Repeatable: Up to 4 Credits.

SPAN 399. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

SPAN 420. Readings in Hispanic Literature. 3 Credits.

A study of selected literary texts in the Spanish language.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.
Prerequisite: SPAN 220.

SPAN 451. Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition. 3 Credits.

An advanced course designed to further develop knowledge of the Spanish language for enhanced oral and written communication.
Typically Offered: Spring, even years.
Prerequisite: SPAN 251.

SPAN 490. Methods of Teaching Spanish. 3 Credits.

A study of the curriculum, methods, materials, and trends in the teaching of Spanish. Students must successfully complete SPAN 490 with a C or better prior to student teaching.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Teacher Education.

SPAN 491. Senior Capstone. 2 Credits.

A course which provides the opportunity for upper-level students to work individually with their professors in designing and completing a Senior Project, as well as exposing future graduates to discipline-specific career expectations and processes.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grading: S/U only.

SPAN 494. Undergraduate Research. 3-12 Credits.

The course is designed to integrate subject matter from major coursework and other disciplines into a project that leads to the creation of an original body of knowledge.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

SPAN 496. Travel to a Spanish Speaking Country. 1-4 Credits.

An opportunity to travel to a Spanish-speaking country in order to improve the understanding of language and culture.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 4 Credits.

SPAN 497. Internship. 3-12 Credits.

An opportunity for students to apply classroom learning to an on-the-job work experience. Internship must be related to the student's major or minor course of study and may be in any geographic location. Credit is granted in the range of three to twelve hours per semester and may be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Application and approval through Career Services.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Prerequisites: Junior Standing or Senior Standing and cum GPA of 2.50 or higher.
Grading: S/U only.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

SPAN 499. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.