COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in English at CSUSB requires a total of 120 units, with 51 units specific to the major. The lower-division curriculum consists of foundational courses in English studies, including Introduction to English Studies, historical approaches to English, American, and British literature, Writing in the Public Sphere, Introduction to Creative Writing Studies, and Introduction to Linguistics, totaling 21 units. Upper-division requirements include courses that focus on advanced literary analysis and professional development, such as Analysis of Poetry and Drama, Analysis of Fiction and Nonfiction Prose, Studies in Literary Theory, and Professional Pathways for English Majors, accounting for 12 units.Students must also complete 18 units in a concentration, choosing from Creative Writing, Linguistics, Literature, Rhetoric and Writing Studies, or a Self-Directed Study. The Creative Writing concentration emphasizes literary movements, writing workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and specialized genres, along with internships or advanced creative projects. The Linguistics concentration covers language, thought, grammar, phonetics, sociolinguistics, child language development, speech and language pathology, and includes upper-division electives or internships. The Literature concentration allows students to explore diverse literary traditions, periods, genres, and authors, with options for senior seminars and experiential learning. The Rhetoric and Writing Studies concentration focuses on public and professional writing, literacy, rhetoric, tutoring, teaching, and community-based writing, combined with elective English courses. The Self-Directed Study concentration permits students to create a personalized plan of upper-division courses, with prior approval from the English faculty, allowing up to six units from outside the major and emphasizing experiential learning such as internships, study abroad, honors projects, or practicums.Overall, the program integrates multiple approaches to English studies, combining theoretical and practical experiences to develop students’ analytical, creative, and professional skills. Graduates are prepared for careers in writing, communication, education, public relations, and related fields, as well as for graduate study, while also developing the ability to engage critically and responsibly in civic and community contexts.