Literature, Writing and Publishing, BA
The requirements for the Literature, Writing and Publishing major are designed to provide a sense of the historical, cultural, and aesthetic context of American, English and world literatures. After students take WRI 1100: Writing and Research, and LWP 1000: Introduction to Digital Humanities, the major requires five “gateway” courses, five 3000-level courses, WRI 3010: Critical Writing and Literary Analysis, two seminars (4000-level), LWP 4995 (Independent Study/Thesis Proposal) and LWP 4997 (Senior Thesis).
Gateway Courses
Gateway courses are an introduction to analytical thinking, inquiry, and collaboration; they are writing intensive and concentrate on cultural materials along with literary readings in all genres. The gateway courses are: a two-course sequence in American Literature (LWP 2110 and LWP 2120), a two-course sequence in British Literature (LWP 2115 and LWP 2102), and one 2000-level course in world literature and global themes. The course sequence for the LWP major follows the numbering of courses so prospective majors are advised to complete the 2000-level requirements before moving to the 3000-level courses.
Upper Level Department Courses
Upper level literature courses provide students with a selection of literary genres and critical writing assignments. Additionally, the courses offer an understanding of the aesthetic and cultural background of the time period or focus of the course. Most 3000-level courses are offered on a two-year rotation. Three and 4000-level courses offer a more specific focus and smaller, discussion-based classes where students produce independent research papers and analyze texts at a high level of sophistication. Students interested in a particular period of American or British literature will be able to find a course on that period offered each year. Students wishing to focus on a specific idea may design an independent study with a member of the department.
Senior Thesis
Literature, Writing, and Publishing majors finish their BA with a senior thesis. Students work with a mentor of their choosing to produce a 30-page piece of writing. Students choose what they want to focus on. The thesis can be a work of literary analysis or a work of their own creative writing.
The Department of Literature, Writing, and Publishing strongly recommends that LWP majors use some of their elective and General Education credits to pursue a complementary minor.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Program | ||
| Writing (WR) | 3 | |
| Quantitative Literacy (QR) | 3-4 | |
| Oral Communications (OC) | 3 | |
| Fitness/Health (FH) | 2-3 | |
| Information, Technology & Media Literacy (ITML) | 3 | |
| Computer Tools | ||
| Religious Studies (RS) | 3 | |
| Freshman Seminar (FS) | 1 | |
| Humanistic & Creative Expression (HCE) | 6 | |
At least one course in Fine Arts (FA) | ||
| Natural & Physical World (NPW) | 6-10 | |
| Philosophical, Ethical & Moral Dimensions (PEM) | 6 | |
At least one course in Philosophy (PHI) | ||
| Environment & Human Experience (SEH) | 6 | |
| World Heritage & Global Perspectives (WHG) | 6 | |
At least one course in History (HIS) | ||
| English Major | ||
| LWP-1000 | Introduction to Digital Humanities | 3 |
| LWP-2110 | AML: Colonial to Renaissance | 3 |
| LWP-2120 | American Realism to Modernism Literature & Culture Culture | 3 |
| LWP-2102 | Romanticism to Modernism | 3 |
| LWP-2115 | BRL: Epic to Novel | 3 |
| Any 2000-level World Literature course (World Literature Gateway) | 3 | |
| Select five LWP courses 3000 or higher | 15 | |
| Select two LWP courses 4000-4399 | 6 | |
| LWP-4995 | Independent Study in English | 1-3 |
| LWP-4997 | Senior Thesis | 3 |
| LWP-3010 | Critical Writing and Analysis | 3 |
| Liberal Arts 2 | 3 | |
| General electives 2 | 24 | |
| Total Hours | 121-129 | |
| 1 | The successful completion of LWP-4997 Senior Thesis satisfies the College’s Comprehensive Examination/Thesis Requirement. |
| 2 | Majors are encouraged to take at least 6 credits in a foreign language Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree must complete 2/3 of their degree credits (i.e. minimum 90 credits) from courses in the Liberal Arts category. For specific academic subjects, see here. |
The General Education Program is the academic cornerstone of St. Francis College and affirms its mission to graduate educated, well-rounded students to enter and participate in a changing and culturally diverse world.
As an integrated program of studies, it focuses on developing the skills expected of a liberally educated person. It provides students with a broadly-based foundation outside their areas of specialization, an understanding of how various disciplines intersect and differ, and assists in cultivating a disposition for lifelong learning.
Institutional Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate sensitivity to creative expression
- Communicate ideas and information through written, oral, visual and digital media
- Employ critical and analytical skills
- Value diverse perspectives of the human experience
- Implement information, technology and media literacy
- Demonstrate quantitative literacy
Foundation Courses- First Year College (18 credits)
To ensure refinement of basic reasoning and cognitive skills needed for successful completion of any college degree program, the general education program requires 18 credits in foundational courses targeting student learning outcomes (SLOs) in writing; quantitative reasoning; oral communications; information, technology, and media literacy; fitness or health; religious studies; and the Freshman Seminar. Each student is required to successfully complete one course in each of the areas of the First Year College.
Bodies of Knowledge (30 credits)
A selection of 30 credits in broad areas of inquiry, designated as Bodies of Knowledge, allow students the flexibility to gain breadth and depth in a field outside of a major. Each student is required to successfully complete two different courses in each of the five Bodies of Knowledge.