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Grand Canyon University‛s Bachelor of Arts in English Literature is designed to provide students with knowledge of the history of English and American literature as well as an understanding of the works of selected authors, periods and genres. Students will acquire skills and practice in written and oral communication, critical thinking about literary and other texts, and grammar and linguistics relevant to primary and secondary teaching. Since this English literature degree enhances a student‛s understanding of linguistics and rhetoric, graduates may be well suited for careers in editing, technical writing or grant writing. Other positions graduates may pursue include that of a paralegal, journalist, copywriter or public relations specialist.
Students of the English literature degree will may gain a critical appreciation for literature and recognize its broad value and potential to expand students‛ perspectives and transform their visions of the world. Learners will study the major periods of literature including the Old English, Enlightenment and Romantic all the way through the modern period. Courses will study the development of the novel as well as the progression and types of the short story.
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University‛s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
| Competency | Requirements | GCU Course Options | Total Credits |
| University Foundations | Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community. Students with fewer than 24 credits will fulfill the University Foundations requirement with a specified lower-division course. An upper-division selection will be made available to students that enter the university with more than 24 credits. | UNV-103/303, University Success: 4 credits | 4 credits |
| Effective Communication | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition. | UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits |
9-12 credits |
| Christian Worldview | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV 101. | CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4 credits | 4 credits |
| Critical Thinking | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher. | PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4 credits MAT-134, Applications of Algebra: 4 credits BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4 credits |
11-12 credits |
| Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). | HIS-221, Themes in U. S. History: 4 credits PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course. |
6-8 credits |
| Course # | Course Title | Course Description | Credits |
| ENG-250 | Analysis of World Literature | This course is a study of some diverse works in world literature. It introduces all advanced English course offerings. Students will also be introduced to methods of literary criticism and analysis. All students who plan to major in English should earn a 3.00 or above in this course before taking any upper division English courses. Prerequisites: ENG-105 and ENG-106, or satisfactory completion of GCU‛s written communication competency. | 4 |
| ENG-260 | English Literature I | This course is a survey of English Literature from the Old English period through the Enlightenment. Prerequisites: ENG-105 and ENG-106, or satisfactory completion of GCU‛s written communication competency; and ENG-250 for English majors. | 4 |
| ENG-270 | English Literature II | This course is a continuation of ENG-260, covering the Romantic period through the Modern period. Prerequisites: ENG-105 and ENG-106, or satisfactory completion of GCU‛s written communication competency; and ENG-250 for English majors. | 4 |
| PHI-305 | Ethical Thinking in the Liberal Arts | This course considers the role that ethical thinking plays in the liberal arts. Topics are set in historic, literary, artistic, political, philosophical, religious, social, and scientific perspectives. The impact and contributions of leaders in these fields are also considered. | 4 |
| ENG-350 | American Literature I | This course is a study of outstanding authors, their works, and the literary movements from the Colonial Age to Romanticism (1850). Prerequisites: ENG-105 and ENG-106, or satisfactory completion of GCU‛s written communication competency; and ENG-250 for English majors. | 4 |
| ENG-353 | American Literature II | This course is a survey of realism, naturalism, modernism, and postmodernism in American fiction, drama, and poetry of the 19th and 20th centuries. Prerequisites: ENG-105 and ENG-106, or satisfactory completion of GCU‛s written communication competency, and ENG-250 for English majors. | 4 |
| ENG-358 | Introduction to English Grammar and Linguistics | This course is a review of basic English syntax, form, and mechanics. It also introduces principles of grammar and linguistics and explores the historical development of English and its variations across social contexts. Prerequisites: Grade of 2.00 or higher in ENG-105 and ENG-106, or satisfactory completion of GCU‛s written communication competency. | 4 |
| ENG-450 | Shakespeare | This course is a study of Shakespeare‛s major plays and his development as a dramatist, including some consideration of Shakespeare‛s cross-cultural reception. Prerequisite for English majors only: ENG-260 | 4 |
| ENG-425 | Major Author | This course focuses upon the study of the works of a major author, with emphasis on the author‛s seminal works and with suitable reference to the author‛s biography and other works of merit. | 4 |
| ENG-424 | Literary Movement | This course surveys the major works and figures of a literary movement, including examining that movement‛s historical and cultural contexts. | 4 |
| ENG-356 | The Short Story | This course is a study of the short story in English and in translation, its development, the different types, and an analysis of technique. Prerequisites: ENG-105 and ENG-106, or satisfactory completion of GCU‛s written communication competency; and ENG-250 for English majors. | 4 |
| ENG-460 | The Novel | This course is a study in the development of the novel focusing primarily on the reading and discussion of 19th and 20th century British and American works. Prerequisites: ENG-105 and ENG-106, or satisfactory completion of GCU‛s written communication competency, and ENG-250 for English majors. | 4 |
| Required Course Total Credit: | 48 | ||
| General Education Requirements: | 34 - 40 credits |
| Courses: | 48 credits |
| Open Elective Credits: | 32 - 38 credits |
| Total Degree Requirements: | 120 credits |
This program is offered in the following formats or locations:
Enjoy Grand Canyon University's traditional campus experience. Nestled on over 90 acres in the heart of Phoenix, over 6,500 students live and attend class on the GCU campus. New modern classrooms, suite style dorms and a focus on creating a rich student life make GCU a top choice for high school graduates.
An online education allows you the flexibility to fulfill your educational goals without distracting you from your career. Full-time faculty members support our online students while our dynamic tools allow for engaging and challenging discussions with classmates. Classes start every month.
Program Disclosure
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* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.