ENG 608 - The Theory and Teaching of Literature (4 Credit Hours)

This course introduces students to the principal theoretical schools for interpreting literature, considering these in light of popular literature pedagogies. Students will review these schools considering the ways in which different theoretical frameworks allow for different readings of literary texts. Students will develop their own original arguments about literary texts, and they will do so in dialogue with existing scholarly debates and conversations. Among other genres, students will complete an extended research essay, a theory-informed unit proposal for a college classroom, and a statement of teaching philosophy.

ENG 615 - Special Topics in Literature (3 Credit Hours)

This course explores a special topic in literary studies, including, but not limited to: identity, literary theory, and major authors and/or literary periods. Students will engage scholarly conversations related to the selected topic. Students will also complete close readings and an extended research essay.

ENG 620 - Special Topics in Composition (3 Credit Hours)

This course reviews the rhetorical canon, paying special attention to its history and how an understanding of that tradition might be applied to the contemporary English classroom. Students will explore classical and contemporary rhetorical theory. Students will also complete an extended research project related to the rhetorical tradition and/or its application in the postsecondary teaching of English.

ENG 624 - Theory and Teaching of Composition (4 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the theories that inform the teaching of composition, focusing on how writing is learned and the various ways it can be taught. Students will engage with theories for assigning and assessing writing, for teaching students from various backgrounds, and for teaching writing with digital tools. The course emphasizes using theory and research to design courses, assignments, and activities.

ENG 690 - English Studies Capstone Seminar (4 Credit Hours)

Students will develop and pursue an extended research project in English studies. Students may pursue projects related to composition studies, rhetorical theory, literature and literary theory, or any other subfield of English. The course will guide students through the process of completing an extended research project. Students will also consider the relevance their project has for the teaching of college English in traditional and dual-enrollment teaching contexts.

ENG 700 - Graduate Research Writing (4 Credit Hours)

This course prepares students for graduate-level writing genres including research reports, research articles, and thesis papers. Students will review the conventions and rhetoric of writing in their profession and compare these with the norms of scholarly writing. Students will examine how writing supports the development of new ideas that allow researchers to make a meaningful contribution to their discipline.

ENG 800 - Doctoral Writing & Research (3 Credit Hours)

In this course, students prepare to be active participants in advanced professional and academic discourse communities by practicing the writing and research strategies associated with their chosen field of study. By calling attention to the conventions of research writing, the course provides students the analytical tools that will help them join ongoing scholarly conversations. Students will analyze and compose a variety of academic writing genres as they develop a literature review over the course of the term. They will also develop their presentation, peer review, proofing, and reflection skills in alignment with the standards of advanced academic study.

Course Prerequisites - GRAD 888

ENG 8010 - Introduction to Doctoral Studies, Writing, and Research (3 Credit Hours)

This course will establish the doctoral program structure and associated expectations, requirements, and support resources, as well as prepare students to be active participants in advanced professional and academic discourse by examining and practicing the writing conventions associated with their chosen field of study. As part of an intentional learning community, students will become familiar with the varied conventions of disciplinary writing and analyze the ongoing scholarly conversations pertinent to their academic interest by identifying common scholarly writing conventions, composing knowledge base articles, and responding to both their peers’ works in progress and published scholarly writing.

Course Prerequisites - See Academic Advisor

ENG 8020 - Doctoral Writing & Research (3 Credit Hours)

This course will build on the foundational work of ENG8010 to ensure that students continue to compose in academic and professional genres in order to compose and communicate scholarly arguments and perspectives in their chosen field of study. In addition to applying scholarly writing conventions associated both with doctoral scholarship and with their chosen field of study, students will continue to cultivate a learning community and develop field-specific research in order to compose knowledge-base articles, annotated bibliographies, literature reviews and analytical research papers. Credit cannot be earned in ENG 8020 by students who already have credit for ENG 800.

Course Prerequisites - GRAD 888 or ENG 8010

ENTR 395 - Foundations of Entrepreneurship (4 Credit Hours)

Foundations of Entrepreneurship is an introductory course that examines the theory, practice, and tools of entrepreneurship. Various entrepreneurship structures and how such structures result in different unique pathways to success are explored. Students will focus on the importance of developing an entrepreneurial mindset as they assess their individual values and determine their affinity for entrepreneurial thinking, while also reviewing the risks and rewards of entrepreneurial businesses in the context of their chosen entrepreneurial philosophy. Finally, students will identify and evaluate opportunities for new ventures, and consider a strategic approach for successful business plan development.

Course Prerequisites - PF 121 or PF 321, ENG 120, COMM 150 or SPCH 100, MGMT 312