English Courses
The English program supports Lincoln University's institutional mission. We offer courses and degrees in the Liberal Arts and inextricably support programs for Teacher Education, Journalism, and enriching humanities courses offered in the General Education areas of diversity. The English program provides all freshman composition courses required under the General Education block and contains all the discipline-specific courses required for the B.S.Ed. in English and English certification for secondary teachers. The department's offerings feed two important programs. Our faculty and our courses have provided elementary, intermediate, and secondary educators to virtually every school district in our area.
Because we are an English Department within an HBCU and liberal arts institution, professors seek to incorporate texts, topics, and assignments that promote the exploration of diversity and multicultural contexts. In fact, several professors within the department weave lyrics, music videos, and contemporary art into the fabric of their curriculum, attempting to meet students where they are and connect themes of literature and rhetoric and composition with popular culture. These gestures are not merely "click bait" intended to briefly entertain over-stimulated young minds. Instead, English faculty recognizes the need to guide students in the process of applying course material in their own lives and toward becoming engaged citizens. English instructors encourage students to apply abstract theories to what they experience in their everyday world. Critical thinking requires deep understanding that can only come when students internalize and apply knowledge in creative and meaningful ways.
English courses are not only sturdy foundations to build future careers, but also micro-communities where students become authors of their own knowledge.
*Listed courses may not be taught every semester or every year. The department head and English faculty advisors have information about projected course offerings for a semester/year.
ENG 101 COMPOSITION AND RHETORIC I (4, fa, sp, su).
A writing course that focuses on expository, critical and analytical modes of essay writing. All students who have not qualified for the Honors Program will be placed in ENG 101. This course, completed with a minimum grade of "C" is the prerequisite to any higher - numbered English course except ENG 151H - 152H.
Students in ENG 101 engage in a range of projects that prompt them to explore the controversial issues, politics, and contented spaces of their communities and states. Readings in this course often include excerpts from "My Bondage, My Freedom" by Frederick Douglass, "Letter from Birmingham Jail," by Martin Luther King Jr., and "Nappy Love or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Embraced the Kinks" by Tamara Winfrey Harris.
ENG 102 COMPOSITION AND RHETORIC II (4, fa, sp, su).
A writing course that focuses on argumentative and persuasive writing, with a limited introduction to research and the fundamentals of literary analysis. Prerequisite: grade of "C" or higher in ENG 101. This course, completed with a minimum grade of "C," is a prerequisite to any higher - numbered English course except ENG 151H - 152H.
In a course of this nature, students are exposed to a plethora of literature, covering the gamut of historical periods, genres, and diverse author backgrounds. For example, students might begin the course with a comparison of creation myths from around the globe beginning with Africa and the Middle East. Students can expect other readings to include short stories such as "Sonny's Blues" by James Baldwin, "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid, "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker. Recent poetry selections taught have featured contemporary poets such as Tracy K. Smith, Yusef Komunyakaa, Major Jackson, and Claudia Rankine, as well as Harlem Renaissance poets such as Langston Hughes and Claude McKay, and Japanese Haiku.
ENG 151H HONORS COMPOSITION AND RHETORIC I (3, fa).
A writing course utilizing a variety of texts and non - traditional methods to reach the gifted learner. Expository writing is stressed. Prerequisite: English ACT sub - score of 24 or above or permission of instructor.
ENG 152H HONORS COMPOSITION AN D RHETORIC II (3, sp).
A continuation of ENG 151H, stressing analytical and research assignments. Prerequisite: grade of "C" or higher in ENG 101 or ENG 151H and permission of instructor.
ENG 101 - 102 or ENG 151H - 152H, with minimum grade of "C," are prerequisites for all other English courses.
ENG 200 INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE (3, fa).
A study of the major literary genres (fiction, poetry, drama) with the aim of developing in the student the ability to read imaginative writing critically with under standing and appreciation. ENG 207 SURVEY AMERICAN LITERATURE THROUGH 1865 (3).
The development of American literature through the Civil War. Features the various American subcultures, including those of African Americans and women, that have produced majo r forms and works, and focuses upon a greater aesthetic understanding of the salient literature of the period.
This course is listed under Area 8 (Diversity) on the General Education Advisement worksheet because of its commitment to diversity.
ENG 208 SURVEY OF AMERICAN LITERATURE: 1865 - PRESENT (3).
The development of American literature from the Civil War to the present. With an emphasis on major works, including those of African Americans and women, this course traces the maturation of American literature through the Modernist period and beyond .
This course is listed under Area 8 (Diversity) on the General Education Advisement worksheet because of its commitment to diversity.
ENG 210 SURVEY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE I. (3).
The development of English literature through the sixteenth century. Emphasis on major forms and works.
ENG 211 SURVEY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE II. (3).
A study of English literature from the Age of Reason through Modernism with emphasis on major writers and literary trends and types. Reading of primary texts will be stressed.
ENG 216 AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE (3, sp, odd).
Readings in the literary interpretation of the African American experience by African American authors, viewed within a comprehensive, historical context. Prerequisite: EN G 207 or 208.
ENG 271 INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE WRITING (3, fa).
An introductory course in writing poetry and short stories focusing on students' own writing. Students learn to give and receive constructive criticism on creative work.
The English creative writing faculty is deeply invested in showcasing a diverse range of writers and writings to students. English creative writing faculty firmly believes for one to become a good writer, one must read. These courses are writing and reading intensive.
ENG 301H HONO RS INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE (3, sp).
Intensive study of major literary genres (fiction, poetry, drama) with the aim of expanding student appreciation and critical reading/writing skills. May focus on a topic or theme.
ENG 316 WRITING AND RESEARCH (3, fa , even).
Students will develop their writing and research skills through practice with writing analytical essays and research papers. Guided practice in research methods, source evaluation, critical analysis, and documentation style. This course is design a ted writing intensive.
ENG 320 MASTERPIECES OF WORLD LITERATURE (3, sp, odd).
Focuses on reading and appreciation of various ethnic, regional, and national literatures (not including British and American literature). Students will examine different genres, periods, and literatures of diverse geographies.
ENG 325 GRAMMAR (3, fa)
An intensive study of the conventions governing grammar in English. ENG 335 HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE (3, sp, odd).
A study of the development of the English language from Anglo Saxon to the p resent.
ENG 340 WOMEN AND LITERATURE (3, sp, even).
A study of representative stories, novels, poems, essays and memoirs by nineteenth and twentieth century American, European, African, and Asian women writers.
ENG 370H HONORS SPECI AL TOPICS IN LITERATURE (3).
Concentrated study of a specific topic to be listed in course schedule. Provided that different material is covered, course may be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours.
ENG 375 FICTION WRITING WORKSHOP (3, sp).
Short fiction writing. Focus is on students' writing. Students learn to give and receive constructive criticism on creative work. Students may re - enroll for maximum of nine hours credit. Prerequisite: ENG 101 - 102 or 151H - 152H and ENG 271 with a minimum grade of "C."
The English creative writing faculty is deeply invested in showcasing a wide range of diverse fiction writers and stories to students. English creative writing faculty firmly believes for one to become a good writer, one must read. These courses are writing and reading intensive.
ENG 376 POETRY WRITING WORKSHOP (3, fa).
Poetry writing. Focus is on students' writing. Students learn to give and receive constructive criticism on creative work Students may re - enroll for maximum of nine hours credit. Prerequisites: ENG 101 - 102 or 151H - 152H, ENG 200 and ENG 271 with a minimum grade of "C."
The English creative writing faculty is deeply invested in showcasing a diverse range of poets and poems to students. English creative writing faculty firmly believes for one to become a good writer, one must read. These courses are writing and reading intensive.
ENG 401 SHAKESPEARE (3, sp, odd).
A study of the sonnets and several plays. Prerequisite: ENG 200.
ENG 404 THE ROMANTIC MOVEMENT IN ENGLISH POETRY (3, fa, odd).
Intensive study of the poetry an d critical writings of key Romantics. This course is designated w riting intensive. Prerequisite: ENG 200.
ENG 405 VICTORIAN LITERATURE (3, sp, even).
Intensive reading of selected prose, drama, and poetry of the period. Prerequisite: ENG 200.
ENG 409 THE NOVEL (3, sp, odd).
Examines the history, structure and criticism of the novel as a literary genre through a thematic, historic, or regional/ethnic survey of selected works. May also focus on the intensive study of a particular author or a par ticular literary/historical movement.
ENG 411 MODERN POETRY (3, fa even).
Close reading of significant works of British and American poetry, chiefly from the twentieth century. Prerequisite: ENG 200 or 210 or 211.
ENG 413 MODERN DRAMA (3, fa, odd).
Close reading of significant works of British, American, and continental drama, from the mid - nineteenth century to the present.
ENG 417 CLASSICAL GREEK AND ROMAN LITERATURE (3, sp even).
Examines the literature of Ancient Greece and Rome, in troducing students to the works of several Greek and Roman playwrights, poets and essayists. The course will require students to study ways in which these writers have influenced and continue to influence the western canon.
ENG 419 LITERARY CRITICISM (3, fa even).
Critical the ories and approaches that have influenced the study of western literature. Prerequisites: ENG 200 and ENG 207 or 208 or 210 or 211.
ENG 470 SPECIAL TOPICS IN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (1 - 3).
Topic to be listed in course schedule. Con centrated study of a specific author, work, or topic. Prerequisite: three upper - division hours in English appropriate to the topic. Provided that different material is covered, course may be repeated for maximum of nine hours credit.
ENG 470 H HONORS SPECIAL TOPICS IN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (3).
Concentrated study of a specific author, work, or topic. Topic to be listed in course schedule. Prerequisite: 3 hours upper division credit in English appropriate to topic.
ENG 471H HONORS SPECIAL TOPICS IN CREATIVE WRITING (1 - 3).
Topic to be listed in course schedule. Concentrated study of particular sub - genre of writing. Focus on students' writing. Students will receive c onstructive criticism on a major writing project. Prerequisite: ENG 271 and instructor's permission. Provided that different material is covered, course may be repeated for maximum of six hours credit. Prerequisite: 3 hours upper division credit in English appropriate to topic.
ENG 473H HONORS SPECIAL TOPICS IN AFRICAN AMERICA N L ITERATURE (1 - 3).
Topic to be listed in course schedule. Intensive study of a period, a genre, or the works of a single author within the A frican American experience. Prerequisite: 3 hours upper division credit in English appropriate to topic. Provided tha t different material is covered, course may be repeated for maximum of six hours credit.
ENG 474 INTERNSHIP IN EDITING AND PUBLISHING (3, sp).
Provides students with an opportunity to design, edit, and produce an art and literature magazine. Course may be repeated for maximum of six hours credit. Prerequisite: ENG 200 and a 300 - level creative writing workshop.
Each spring, our students also interview a diverse pool of contemporary writers for the magazine. Recently, students have interviewed Pulitzer Prize Winner Tracy K. Smith, National Book Award Winner Nikky Finney, and Poets' Prize Winner and Director of the Tampa MFA Program Erica Dawson. These women, all African-American writers, exhibit our magazine's inflexible commitment to diversity.
ENG 475 ADVANCED FICTION WORKSHOP (3, sp, odd).
Advanced fiction writing. Focus is on students' writing. Writing and workshop experience assumed. P rerequisite: ENG 375. Course may be repeated for maximum of six hours credit.
The English creative writing faculty is deeply invested in showcasing a wide range of diverse fiction writers and stories to students. English creative writing faculty firmly believes for one to become a good writer, one must read. These courses are writing and reading intensive.
ENG 476 ADVANCED POETRY WORKSHOP (3, fa, even).
Advanced poetry writing. Focus is on students' writing. Writing and workshop experience assumed. Prerequisite: ENG 376. Course m ay be repeated for maximum of six hours credit.
The English creative writing faculty is deeply invested in showcasing a diverse range of poets and poems to students. English creative writing faculty firmly believes for one to become a good writer, one must read. These courses are writing and reading intensive.
ENG 482H HONORS THESIS
ENG 490 PROBLEMS AND PRACTICE IN THE TEACHING OF GRAMMAR AND WRITING (3, sp, odd).
Approaches and applications in the teaching of grammar and writing. Students will review grammar and writing concepts, design grammar tests and writing assignments, create rubrics, and evaluate writing. Meets Missouri secondary certification requirements. This course is designated writing intensive. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG 101/102 and three upper - division English classes.
ENG 498 INTERNSHIP (3).
Provides students with an opportunity to apply their English skills in a work setting and to begin formulating a career plan. Department head consent required.