Adelphi’s program in English encourages students to discover the pleasures and values of the written word in their own writing and that of acknowledged artists. The program gives students as comprehensive an acquaintance as possible with the work of important writers and interesting writers. The program also provides a close look at the ways in which good writing gains its power.

The English curriculum emphasizes historical development by requiring students to take the three-semester survey called “Literature in English.” Students must also take a course in literary criticism and theory called “Interpretive Theories and Methods."

The program offers two major tracks: literature and creative writing. Each track produces the cultural reference and skill in using language artfully that are requisite in any profession—administration, advertising, journalism, law, librarianship, writing, teaching, to name a few—in which language is the paramount tool. In addition, the creative writing track prepares students for advanced work in poetry, fiction, and playwriting.


Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English (36 credits)
The English major has a foreign language requirement, and is comprised of two tracks: literature and creative writing. Regardless of track, all English majors are required to take the following courses (12 credits):

Course#	Course Title	Credits
ENG 231	Literature in English I	3 cr
ENG 232	Literature in English II	3 cr
ENG 233	Literature in English III	3 cr
ENG 250	Interpretive Theories & Methods (additional prerequisite ENG 107)	3 cr

Grading
Students must receive a minimum of a grade of C (2.0) in any class taken for the major to receive credit in the major.

Honors in English
Students graduating with a 3.5 GPA or higher in English courses are eligible for honors in English. The student graduating with the highest GPA in English courses (provided it is at least 3.5) receives the Koster Award and Departmental Honors. The Department of English also awards the Roundtable Prize for Graduate Studies, honors in creative writing, honors in English, and the Donald Everett Axinn Awards in Creative Writing.