UNCA Catalog: Courses of Instruction
UNCA Catalog: Table of Contents

Literature (LIT) and Language (LANG)

Associate Professor Ho (Chair); Professors Caulfield, Downes, Gillum, Hopes, Moseley, Rackham, Yeager; Associate Professors Ashburn, Chess, D. James; Assistant Professors Horvitz, Katz, Sawin

Concentration in Literature

The concentration in Literature offers students an opportunity to study world literature rather than only British and American literatures. It concentrates on the direct experience of fiction, drama and poetry, as well as on placing authors and their works within a literary history and cultural context. Literature courses incorporate extensive participation in class discussion, group inquiry and individual research.

A sequence of core courses offers broad coverage of the field of literature and provides a solid foundation for majors who plan to continue the study of literature in graduate school. The study of literature also prepares students well for law, medicine, business and other graduate programs.

1. Required courses in the major--36 hours, including: LIT 241 (with no more than an additional three hours elected from 200-level courses), 321, 322, 323, 324, 354 or 356, 491; 9-12 hours selected from other 300- or 400-level courses (up to 3 hours may be substituted from Language courses numbered above 350); and three hours selected from LIT 481, 483, 485 or 487.
2. Required courses outside the major--None.
3. Foreign language requirement--A minimum of six semester hours.
4. Other departmental requirements A two-part demonstration of competency in the discipline, including a written examination and Senior Thesis; an additional demonstration of oral competency is required in Literature 491.

Concentration in Creative Writing

The concentration in Creative Writing offers students the opportunity and incentive to develop their writing in a workshop setting and to support their writing with a strong background in literary studies. Students accepted into the program will receive individual assistance in understanding and extending their skills in writing poetry, fiction and/or playwriting. The goal of the program is to foster confident undergraduate writers who work with a sound knowledge of their own literary tradition and who can produce works of publishable quality.

1. Required courses in the major--36 hours, including: LIT 241; 9 hours selected from LIT 321, 322, 323, 324; 354 or 356; 9 hours selected from other Literature courses (with no more than three hours below the 300 level); or LANG 260, plus 6 hours elected from Literature courses at the 300 level or above; 9 hours selected from Language 300-level or 400-level Creative Writing courses, of which at least 3 hours must be at the 400 level; LANG 497.
2. Required courses outside the major--None.
3. Foreign language requirement--A minimum of 6 semester hours.
4. Other departmental requirements--A two-part demonstration of competency in the discipline, including a written examination and a Senior Creative Writing Project; an additional demonstration of oral competency will be fulfilled by a required public reading of creative work in the senior year.

English with Teacher Licensure

Designed especially for prospective teachers, this concentration prepares students in a broad range of areas expected of English teachers: literature, composition, language and drama, speech or communications.

1. Required courses in the major--30 hours, including: LIT 241, 321, 322, 323, 324, 352, 354 or 356, 491; three hours selected from LIT 481, 483, 485, 487; LANG 323.
2. Required courses outside the major for 9-12 licensure--DRAM 102 or DRAM 317. Required courses outside the major for 6-9 licensure--DRAM 102 or DRAM 210. Required courses outside the major for K-6 licensure--None. (See Education section for full licensure requirements.)
3. Foreign language requirement--A minimum of six semester hours.
4. Other departmental requirements for 9-12 licensure--Three additional hours of electives chosen from DRAM 210, LANG 367/MCOM 367, MCOM 382 or a Literature course 300 level or above; demonstration of competency examination; required professional education courses. (See Education section.) Other departmental requirements for 6-9 certification DRAM 317 and three additional hours of electives chosen from DRAM 210, LANG 367/ MCOM 367, MCOM 382 or a 300-400 level Literature course; demonstration of competency examination; required professional education courses. (See Education section.)

Declaration of Major in Literature and Language

Declaring a major in Literature requires the student to complete a Declaration of Major form that must be signed by the department chair. Before declaring a major, students must satisfy the LANG 102 and Library Research requirements.

Minor in Literature

18 hours in Literature: LIT 241 (with no more than three additional hours selected from 200-level courses), six hours selected from LIT 321, 322, 323, 324; six to nine additional hours selected from courses above 300 level.

Minor in Creative Writing

18 hours in Literature and Language courses: LIT 241, 6 hours selected from LIT 321, 322, 323, 324; 9 additional hours selected from LANG 353, 361, 363, 365, 366, 367, 461, 463, 465 (at least 3 of these hours must be at the 400 level).

University Writing Center

The University Writing Center provides assistance in composition for anyone in the university community. Faculty guidance and peer tutoring are available for problems in drafting, revising, grammar and mechanics. Instructors in courses throughout the university may also require that their students seek assistance with specific writing problems.

Courses in Language

101 Writing as Inquiry (3)

Introduction to the writing process and to the discipline of the writer; intensive work on discovery of subject, drafting, revising and editing; character sketches, reports, interviews and the familiar essay; focus on relationship between language and exploration of ideas and values. Some sections may be taught on the computer. A grade of C or better is required. Fall and Spring.

102 Writing and Critical Thinking (3)

Development of critical writing and thinking skills through close reading of both prose nonfiction and literature. Emphasis on analytical and persuasive essays; includes research and use of secondary sources. A grade of C or better is required. Prerequisite: competency in or exemption from LANG 101; Pre- or corequisite: LR 101 or 102. Fall and Spring.

103 Writing Intensive Workshop (1)

Taught in conjunction with LANG 101 and LANG 102. Emphasis is on responding to LANG 101 and 102 assignments by discovering, drafting, researching, revising and editing. Enrollment in this course by placement or permission of instructor. Corequisite: LANG 101 or 102. (Grading S/U). Fall and Spring.

260 Introduction to Creative Writing (3)

A first workshop experience for students interested in the composition of poetry, fiction and other imaginative writing. Fulfills General Education Arts lab requirement. Prerequisite: completion of freshman composition requirement. Fall and Spring.

323 The Teaching of Writing and Standard Grammar (3)

Approaches to teaching writing, improving writing skills, learning self-evaluation and methods of evaluating others; demonstration of a working knowledge of standard grammar and usage. Fall.

351 Writing for Business and the Professions (3)

Application of the writing process to the special needs of business and professional contexts. Prerequisite: freshman composition requirement. See department chair.

353 Advanced Essay Writing (3)

An advanced writing course in which students further develop their language skills by writing essays on interdisciplinary topics using a variety of modes: argumentation, exposition, narration and description. The thematic focus of the course may vary. Prerequisites: freshman composition requirement; 45 credit hours. See department chair.

361 Poetry Writing Workshop (3)

A workshop in writing for students' creative efforts: classroom presentations; development of the beginning writer's critical ability. May be repeated once for credit. Does not fulfill General Education Arts lab requirement. Spring.

363 Fiction Writing Workshop (3)

A forum for students' creative efforts: classroom presentations; development of the beginning writer's critical ability. May be repeated once for credit. Does not fulfill General Education Arts lab requirement. Fall and Spring.

365 Playwriting Workshop (DRAM 365) (3)

Beginning playwriting; development of scenario, dialogue and scenes; the writing of an original one-act play. Does not fulfill General Education Arts lab requirement.See department chair.

366 Creative Non-Fiction Workshop (3)

A workshop in the writing of creative non-fiction essays. Through the use of immersion reporting, students will learn to accurately portray a subject through narrative development, scenic construction, point of view, symbolic representation, voice, dialogue and descriptive detail. Does not fulfill General Education Arts lab requirement. See department chair.

367 Magazine Writing Workshop (MCOM 367) (3)

A workshop in the writing of essays, articles and other professional non-fiction; planning and gathering material, writing and marketing articles for specialized and general interest publications. Does not fulfill General Education Arts lab requirement. Prerequisite: Mass Communication majors: MCOM 201; or permission of the instructor. See department chair.

461 Advanced Poetry Writing (3)

Intensive writing experience for students with an advanced or professional interest in the writing of poetry. May include study of contemporary and/or traditional poetry. May be repeated once for credit. Does not fulfill General Education Arts lab requirement. Prerequisite: LANG 361; or permission of instructor. Fall.

463 Advanced Fiction Writing (3)

Intensive writing experience for students with an advanced or professional interest in the writing of fiction, including the novel. May include study of contemporary short stories and/or novels. May be repeated once for credit. Does not fulfill General Education Arts lab requirement. Prerequisite: LANG 363; or permission of instructor. Fall and Spring.

465 Advanced Playwriting (3)

Intensive writing experience for students with advanced or professional interest in the dramatic arts. A final component of this course may include development and production of student scripts. May be repeated once for credit. Does not fulfill General Education Arts lab requirement. Prerequisite: LANG 365; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

497 Senior Paper in Creative Writing (3)

A siginficant manuscript of poetry or fiction or a full-length play. Prerequisites: LANG 461 or 463 or 465; and permission of department chair. (An IP grade may be awarded at discretion of instructor. Fall and Spring.

499 Undergraduate Research in Creative Writing (1-6)

Individual work in poetry, fiction or playwriting for advanced writing majors. Prerequisites: LANG 461, 463 or 465 as appropriate. An IP grade may be awarded at the discretion of the instructor. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours credit. See department chair.

171-3, 271-3, 371-3, 471-3 Special Topics in Language (1-3)

Courses not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for which there may be special needs. May be repeated for credit as often as permitted and as subject matter changes. See department chair.

Courses in Literature

241 Introduction to Poetry (3)

Close reading of a variety of poetic forms with emphasis on developing an appreciation of the poet's craft and vision. Prerequisite: freshman composition requirement; or permission of instructor. Fall and Spring.

242 Southern Literature (3)

A study of Southern fiction, drama and poetry, with special attention to major Southern writers. Topic and theme may vary. Prerequisite: freshman composition requirement; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

244 African American Literature (3)

An introductory survey of black fiction, poetry and prose narrative in the United States from slavery to the present. Examines historical development as well as political and social influences. Topic and theme may vary. Prerequisite: freshman composition requirement; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

245 Women in Literature (3)

A study of various aspects of women in literature both as writers and as subjects. Topic and theme may vary. Prerequisite: freshman composition requirement; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

246 Introduction to Shakespeare (3)

A study of the major comedies, histories and tragedies of Shakespeare, with emphasis on cultural and historical background. Prerequisite: freshman composition requirement; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

321 Beginnings of Western Literature (3)

Major Western European literary works through the medieval period studied against their literary, historical and intellectual backgrounds. Prerequisite: LIT 241; or permission of instructor. Fall and Spring.

322 Western Literature: Renaissance to Enlightenment (3)

Major works of English and continental literature from the Renaissance through the Neo-classic periods, studied against their literary, historical and intellectual backgrounds. Prerequisite: LIT 241; or permission of instructor. Fall and Spring.

323 Western Literature: Romantic to Modern (3)

Major works of English and continental literature from the Romantic through the Modern periods, studied against their literary, historical and intellectual backgrounds. Prerequisite: LIT 241; or permission of instructor. Fall and Spring.

324 American Literary Tradition (3)

The American experience, from the beginning to the present, examined through its literature. Emphasis on major writers. Prerequisite: LIT 241; or permission of instructor. Fall and Spring.

349 Studies in Contemporary Literature (3)

New forms of poetry and fiction by current authors. Emphasis on imaginative qualities as well as critical analysis. Prerequisite: LIT 323; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

351 Beginning Old English (3)

An introductory study of Old English prose and poetic texts with relevant cultural and historical background. No prior familiarity with Old English required. See department chair.

352 History of the English Language (3)

Studies in the development of the English language from its Indo-European backgrounds to the present; introduction to several aspects of linguistics; elementary readings in Old and Middle English. Spring.

354 Masterpieces of Drama (3)

An intensive survey of major dramatic works focusing on historical development from Greek drama to the present, on various types of drama, and on an analysis of the distinctive elements of dramatic literature as an art form. Spring.

355 Modern Drama (DRAM 355) (3)

A study of form and meaning in modern drama from Ibsen to the present. Fall.

356 Art of the Novel (3)

An intensive study of the novel and its historical dimensions with emphasis on meaning and technique. Spring.

357 Modern Poetry (3)

An intensive study of modern poets. May be repeated as content varies. Prerequisite: LIT 241; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

358 Black Literature (3)

A major author, topic, or theme studied in historical/intellectual context; or an in-depth study of two or three authors. May focus on Afro-American, African or Caribbean writers. May be repeated for credit as content varies. See department chair.

359 Major Women Writers (3)

An in-depth study of two or three major women writers. May be repeated as content varies. See department chair.

360 Modern Jewish Writers (3)

Major authors, topics or themes studied in historical, cultural and/or intellectual contexts. May include works in translation and may focus on American, European, Middle Eastern, African or Asian Jewish writers. May be repeated for credit as content varies. Every other year.

365 Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (CLAS 365) (3)

An introduction to the literature of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) in translation. Examines the many forms of literature in the biblical library through close reading; explores the history, culture and religion of ancient Israel against the backdrop of the ancient Near East and introduces students to several modern critical approaches to the study of the Hebrew Bible. Odd years Fall.

441 Studies in Ancient Literatures (3)

A major author, topic or theme (e.g., Greek Drama, Old Testament, Virgil) studied against the historical and intellectual background of the period. May be repeated as content varies. Prerequisite: LIT 321; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

442 Studies in Medieval Literature (3)

A major author, topic or theme (e.g., mystery plays, medieval lyrics, Boccacio) studied against the historical and intellectual background of the period 700-1500. May be repeated as content varies. Prerequisite: LIT 321; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

443 Studies in the Renaissance (3)

A major author, topic or theme (e.g., Tudor drama, religious poetry, Spenser) studied against the historical and intellectual background of the period 1500-1660. May be repeated as content varies. Prerequisite: LIT 322; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

444 Studies in the 17th and 18th Centuries (3)

A major author, topic or theme (e.g., Augustan satire, Restoration Comedy, Samuel Johnson) studied against the historical and intellectual background of the period. May be repeated as content varies. Prerequisite: LIT 322; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

445 Studies in 19th-Century Literature (3)

A major author, topic or theme (e.g., Hawthorne and Melville, Romantic poetry, the Naturalist Movement) studied against the historical and intellectual background of the period. May be repeated as content varies. Prerequisite: LIT 323; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

446 Studies in Modern Literature (3)

A major author, topic or theme (e.g., Kafka, Existentialist writing, the Lost Generation) studied against the historical and intellectual background of the period. May be repeated as content varies. Prerequisite: LIT 323; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

481 Seminar in Dante (3)

An intensive study of the Divine Comedy and other texts as relevant, in translation. Prerequisite: LIT 321. See department chair.

483 Seminar in Chaucer (3)

An intensive study of The Canterbury Tales and other texts as relevant, in Middle English. Prerequisite: LIT 321. See department chair.

485 Seminar in Shakespeare (3)

An intensive study of a theme or topic in Shakespeare (e.g., the minor plays, Shakespeare and Marlowe, Shakespeare's sources). Prerequisite: LIT 322. Fall.

487 Seminar in Milton (3)

An intensive study of Paradise Lost and other texts as relevant. Prerequisite: LIT 322. See department chair.

491 Senior Seminar (1)

A synthesizing and unifying course devoted to important issues in literary philosophy, criticism and history; senior paper written as part of requirements. Prerequisite: senior standing; or permission of department chair. Fall and Spring.

499 Undergraduate Research in Literature (1-6)

Independent research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. An IP grade may be awarded at discretion of instructor. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours credit. See department chair.

171-3, 271-3, 371-3, 471-3 Special Topics in Literature (1-3)

Courses not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for which there may be special needs. May be repeated for credit as often as permitted and as subject matter changes. See department chair.

Return to the top of the page