Program Overview

English, Bachelor of Arts

The English major at Johns Hopkins University requires students to demonstrate foreign language proficiency in at least one classical or modern foreign language. The major also requires students to complete a gateway course on literary critical method, AS.060.107 Introduction to Literary Study, ideally taken by the end of sophomore year. In addition to this course, students must complete nine additional English courses, all of which must be at least 3 credits each.

Requirements According to Course Level and Mode

• No more than 2 of the 9 additional English courses may be 100-level courses, excluding AS.060.107 Introduction to Literary Study.
• At least 5 courses must be at the 300-500 level, with no more than 2 of these 5 being independent study or senior essay courses (500-level courses).

Requirements According to Course Content

• At least 2 courses must be pre-1800 courses.
• At least 1 course must be in global and minority literature, identified by the POS-Tags ENGL-PR1800 and ENGL-GLOBAL, respectively.
• At least 1 of these 3 courses must be an upper-level discussion seminar (300- or 400-level).

Additional Considerations

• Only 2 of the 9 additional English courses required for the major may be taken in another JHU department, and those must be cross-listed with the English course offerings. All other English courses must be numbered AS.060.xxx.
• Courses taken at another institution that are not directly equivalent to a JHU course may not apply towards this requirement without permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
• Typically, up to two courses taken through approved study abroad programs may be applied towards the major with approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
• Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all major requirements, and courses may not be taken satisfactory/unsatisfactory.
• Languages taught at JHU that will apply towards the foreign language requirement currently include: Ancient Greek, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, Sanskrit, Spanish, Yiddish. American Sign Language is not accepted.

Course List

Writing and Communication in the Major

Students must complete at least 6 credits of Writing and Communication foundational ability coursework in one major. The English major is an inherently writing- and discussion-based major, so students easily will find many Writing and Communication course options among the department course offerings. Additionally, the one required course of the major, AS.060.107 Introduction to Literary Study, is designated a Writing and Communication course.

Advising for Students

All students, whether their goals are professional or not, should choose courses in consultation with their major advisor to suit their individual needs and satisfy departmental requirements. Students planning to enter graduate school in English should study a second foreign language. Students who have not yet been assigned to a major advisor may discuss departmental requirements and curriculum planning with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Honors in English

Departmental honors are awarded to undergraduate English majors who achieve a cumulative average of 3.6 or higher for all English courses taken to satisfy the major requirements. For more information about Honors in English, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies in English.

Senior Essay Option

Majors with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.6 in English courses by the end of the fall semester of their junior year may apply to write a senior essay in the fall of their senior year. For further information and deadlines, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies in English.

Sample Program of Study

First Year

• First Semester: English Elective at the 100 level (3 credits), other courses (3 credits)
• Second Semester: AS.060.107 Introduction to Literary Study (3 credits), other courses (3 credits)

Second Year

• First Semester: Foreign language (4 credits), Global and Minority Literature Course (3 credits), other courses (7 credits)
• Second Semester: Foreign language (4 credits), English Elective (3 credits), other courses (7 credits)

Third Year

• First Semester: Foreign language (3 credits), Pre-1800 Course at the 300 or 400-level (3 credits), English Elective at the 300-level (3 credits), other courses (9 credits)
• Second Semester: Foreign Language (3 credits), Pre-1800 Course (3 credits), other courses (6 credits)

Fourth Year

• First Semester: English Elective at the 300 or 400-level (3 credits), English Elective at the 300 or 400-level (3 credits), other courses (6 credits)
• Second Semester: English Elective at the 300 or 400-level (3 credits), other courses (3 credits)

Total Credits: 44