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Major Requirements

Ours is a department of scholars and literary artists committed to diversity- not only racial, ethnic, and social diversity but also artistic, intellectual, and pedagogical diversity as well. Thus we conduct much of our intellectual lives in intense conversation, not just in the classroom and in conferences with our students, but also in our public thinking, writing and artistic work. These discussions not only challenge and engage us, but also refresh and change us.

The following information is from the Vassar College Catalogue.

Requirements for Concentration: A minimum of twelve units, comprising either eleven graded units and an ungraded senior tutorial, or twelve graded units including a senior seminar in the English 300 range of course offerings. Four units must be elected at the 300-level. At least six units, including either the senior tutorial or the 300-level seminar must be taken at Vassar.  No AP credit or course taken NRO may be counted toward the requirements for the major.

Distribution Requirements: Majors are required to take two units of work in literature written before 1800 and one unit of work in literature written before 1900.
They must also take one course that focuses on issues of race, gender, sexuality, or ethnicity.

Recommendations: English 101 and 170 are strongly recommended as foundational courses, and students are also strongly encouraged to work from the 200 to the 300-level in at least one field of study.  Acquaintance with a classical language (Latin or Greek) or with one or more of the languages especially useful for an understanding of the history of English (Old English, German, or French) is useful, as are appropriate courses in philosophy, history, and other literatures.

Further information: Applicants for English 209-210 (Narrative Writing), English 211-212 (Verse Writing), and English 305-306 (Senior Composition), must submit samples of their writing before spring break.  Details about these deadlines, departmental procedures, and current information on course offerings may be found in the Alphabet Book available in the department office.

Correlate Sequences in English: The department offers seven correlates in English. Race and Ethnicity; Literary Theory and Cultural Studies; Poetry and Poetics; Literary Forms; British Literary History; American Literary History and Creative Writing. Further information is in this booklet.