COURSE CURRICULUM

The English major at California State University, Sacramento requires a total of 44 units and is structured to develop strong reading, writing, analytical, and interpretive skills through the study of literature and language. The program includes lower division introductory courses, upper division advanced coursework, a historical breadth requirement, and elective courses that allow students to explore specialized areas within English studies. This curriculum helps students build a comprehensive understanding of literary traditions, language development, and critical analysis.The required lower division courses total 9 units. Students must select three courses from introductory literature options that provide a foundation in literary study. These include ENGL 40A Introduction to British Literature I, ENGL 40B Introduction to British Literature II, ENGL 50A Introduction to American Literature I, ENGL 50B Introduction to American Literature II, and ENGL 65 Introduction to World Literatures in English. These courses introduce students to major literary works, historical contexts, and analytical approaches to reading and interpreting texts.The required upper division courses total 10 units and focus on advanced writing and critical study. ENGL 120A Advanced Composition strengthens students’ analytical writing and research skills. ENGL 198X Senior Portfolio allows students to compile and present their academic work and achievements. ENGL 198T Senior Seminar in English provides an opportunity for advanced discussion and research on specialized literary topics, helping students integrate the knowledge they have gained throughout the program.Students must also complete a historical breadth requirement, which ensures exposure to important literary periods or the development of the English language. This requirement can be satisfied through courses such as ENGL 40A Introduction to British Literature I, ENGL 50A Introduction to American Literature I, ENGL 110B History of the English Language, or other courses focusing on literary periods such as medieval literature, Renaissance literature, Shakespeare, early American literature, and eighteenth-century British literature.In addition, students complete 25 units of electives. These elective courses allow students to explore different literary periods, authors, genres, and topics in greater depth while also fulfilling the historical breadth requirement if it has not already been met through the lower division courses. Through this combination of foundational study, advanced coursework, and specialized electives, the English major prepares students for careers in writing, education, communication, publishing, and other fields that require strong analytical and language skills.