Introductory Course Descriptions


Sign up for one or more of the following!


English 150, Being Human: the Monster. Our culture’s obsession with monsters is complex and fascinating, and a clue to the social and political anxieties haunting us. Every era has its signature monster, from mutant animals in the 1950's to zombies in the 2000's. What best depicts our decade’s monstrosity? In this course, “Being Human: The Monster,” we will examine the pervasiveness of monstrosity and monsters, both fictional and real, within and without, in literature and popular culture.
Class meets on Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 1:00 p.m. - 1:50 p.m.

English 220, Introduction to Literature. Would you enjoy reading imaginative short stories, plays, and poetry while earning General Education credit in the category of Humanities and Fine Arts?  Would you like to participate in lively discussions about what makes some classic and contemporary works more compelling and memorable than others?  If so, join a group of like-minded students for a semester of exploring literary works and techniques. You will be glad you did!
Class meets on Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.

English 225, Intro to Film. This course, a general introduction to film studies, is intended to help students become more active, critical viewers of films and to be able to communicate that understanding in writing. Movies, like works of literature, are texts that can be analyzed and interpreted; this process adds to our understanding and enjoyment. Students will view a number of films from different time periods, genres, and artistic approaches, and they will learn about narrative and stylistic elements used by filmmakers. 
Class meets on Tuesday/Thursday, 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

English 229, Introduction to Creative Writing, gives students a chance to try their hand at poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and/or scriptwriting. We practice fundamental skills and elements of craft, while also encouraging students to explore their own personal areas of interest. The course will provide you with a friendly and helpful audience for your work, enhance your simple love of words, and prepare your writing for possible publication.
Class meets Tuesday/Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., or 2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m., or 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., or Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.

English 333, Fantasy and Science Fiction. If you would like your response to reading science fiction or fantasy literature to be more thoughtful than “cool explosion or elvin sword battle!” then this course is for you.  We will learn how science fiction and fantasy can not only capture the imagination but can tell us important things about the fears and desires of the culture during which they were written and read.  We will talk about topics like lost worlds, monsters, transformation, time travel, invasion, exploration, technology, and utopias and dystopias. 
Class meets Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

 

 

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