The Bachelor of Arts in English offers students the opportunity to study literature, creative writing, film and media studies, writing and rhetoric, linguistics, folklore and mythology, and cultural studies. Of these seven concentrations, students pursue one or two that best match their interests and career objectives. Students are encouraged to pursue internships related to their concentrations and receive faculty mentorship throughout that process. In fact, English classes are kept small so faculty members may provide students with personalized attention. Students write in a range of traditional and digital forms and in a variety of contexts; student work culminates in a research project written for the major capstone course in their concentration. For students who want to challenge themselves even further, there is an Honors Program in English, which includes a thesis option, as well as other opportunities to pursue advanced research or creative projects; for those who want to become teachers, there is a bachelor’s/accelerated master’s program that English offers in conjunction with the College of Education and Human Development.
Policies
Students pursuing this degree must complete 36 credits in English/Linguistics beyond ENGH 300 (not including ENGH 302) with a minimum GPA of 2.00. At least 12 credits (including the capstone requirement) must be at the 400 level.
For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
300-level courses in English and linguistics teach the foundational principles for a field of study, include courses of broad scope, and provide an introduction to a genre, literary period, or methodology.
400-level courses in English and linguistics provide an in-depth approach to a field of study, a single genre, literary period, or methodology. They include special topics classes and English honors classes. Some 400 level courses require ENGH 305 Dimensions of Writing and Literature as a prerequisite.
Students choose at least one and no more than two of seven concentrations.
Students should consult with an English Department advisor to learn ways in which the Mason Core requirements can also satisfy college-level requirements for the English major.
Core Courses in the Major
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold Course | ||
| ENGH 301 | The Fields of English | 3 |
| Field Introduction Courses | ||
| ENGH 305 | Dimensions of Writing and Literature | 3 |
| Select 3 credits from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| General Linguistics (Mason Core) | ||
| Folklore and Folklife (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Cultural Studies | ||
| Introduction to Film (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Writing and Rhetoric | ||
| Introduction to Creative Writing (Mason Core) | ||
| Theory Course | ||
| ENGH 308 | Theory and Inquiry | 3 |
| Capstone Course | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| RS: Honors Thesis Writing Seminar (Mason Core) | ||
| RS: Topics in Folklore Research | ||
| RS: Topics in Literary Research (Mason Core) | ||
| RS: Topics in Film/Media History (Mason Core) | ||
| First Language Acquisition (Mason Core) | ||
| RS: Writing Ethnography (Mason Core) | ||
| RS: Writing Nonfiction for Publication (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| 1 | For many students this requirement will be met within the concentration. Those students will complete an additional 3 credit ENGH course above ENGH 302 Advanced Composition (Mason Core). |
English Department Requirements
Courses taken to fulfill this requirement may simultaneously satisfy a concentration. Special topics courses, when relevant, may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the department.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Literature before 1800 | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Literature of the Middle Ages | ||
| English Poetry and Prose of the 16th Century | ||
| Shakespeare | ||
| Shakespeare: Special Topics | ||
| English Renaissance Drama | ||
| English Poetry and Prose of the 17th Century | ||
| Augustan Age: 1660-1745 | ||
| Age of Sensibility: 1745-1800 | ||
| Restoration and 18th Century Drama | ||
| British Novel of the 18th Century | ||
| Early American Literature | ||
| Topics in Medieval and Renaissance Literature | ||
| Chaucer | ||
| Milton | ||
| Literature before 1915 | ||
| Select 3 credits from courses listed above and the following: | 3 | |
| British Poetry of the Romantic Period | ||
| Prose and Poetry of the Victorian Period | ||
| British Novel of the 19th Century | ||
| Literature of the American Renaissance | ||
| Post-Civil War American Literature, 1865-1920 | ||
| Development of the American Novel to 1914 | ||
| Beginnings of African American Literature Through 1865 | ||
| African American Literature: Reconstruction to 1903 | ||
| Continental Fiction, 1770-1880 | ||
| Continental Fiction, 1880-1950 | ||
| Minority, Folkloric, or Popular Literary and Cultural Traditions | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Topics: Women and Literature | ||
| Folklore and Folklife (Mason Core) | ||
| Popular Culture | ||
| Beginnings of African American Literature Through 1865 | ||
| African American Literature: Reconstruction to 1903 | ||
| African American Literature Through 1946 | ||
| Contemporary African American Literature | ||
| Topics in Ethnic American Literature | ||
| Global Voices (Mason Core) | ||
| The Idea of a World Literature (Mason Core) | ||
| World Literatures in English | ||
| Topics in Folklore Studies | ||
| Folklore and the Supernatural | ||
| Folk Arts and Folk Artists | ||
| Ethnicity and Migration in Folklore | ||
| RS: Topics in Folklore Research | ||
| Topics in Popular Literature | ||
| Science Fiction | ||
| Critical Study of Children's Literature | ||
| RS: Writing Ethnography (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Electives in the Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students must take 0-12 elective credits in the major as needed to meet the 36-credit requirement. | 0-12 | |
| Total Credits | 0-12 | |
Concentrations in the Major
Students choose one and no more than two concentrations. Special topics courses may be used to fulfill the requirements for a concentration when so designated by department.
Available Concentrations
- Concentration in Creative Writing (CW)
- Concentration in Cultural Studies (CULT)
- Concentration in Film and Media Studies (FILM)
- Concentration in Folklore and Mythology (FOLK)
- Concentration in Linguistics (LING)
- Concentration in Literature (LIT)
- Concentration in Writing and Rhetoric (WRTR)
Concentration in Creative Writing (CW)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Digital Creative Writing | ||
| Poetry Writing | ||
| Fiction Writing | ||
| Creative Nonfiction Writing | ||
| Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop | ||
| Advanced Workshop in Nonfiction | ||
| Advanced Poetry Writing Workshop | ||
| Topics in Creative Writing | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Cultural Studies (CULT)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Topics: Women and Literature | ||
| Folklore and Folklife (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Cultural Studies | ||
| Popular Culture | ||
| Beginnings of African American Literature Through 1865 | ||
| African American Literature: Reconstruction to 1903 | ||
| African American Literature Through 1946 | ||
| Contemporary African American Literature | ||
| Topics in Ethnic American Literature | ||
| Global Voices (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Film (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Folklore Studies | ||
| Folklore and the Supernatural | ||
| Folk Arts and Folk Artists | ||
| Ethnicity and Migration in Folklore | ||
| Cultural Constructions of Sexualities | ||
| Topics in Popular Literature | ||
| Critical Study of Children's Literature | ||
| Topics in Film/Media Studies | ||
| May include one course from outside the English Department chosen from: | ||
| Topics in Communication and Gender | ||
| Globalization and Culture | ||
| Psychology of Gender | ||
| Contemporary Gender Relations (Mason Core) | ||
| Current Issues in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Feminist Theories of Gender, Sexuality, and Race | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Film and Media Studies (FILM)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Introduction to Cultural Studies | ||
| Popular Culture (with department approval) | ||
| Global Voices (Mason Core) (with department approval) | ||
| Introduction to Documentary (Mason Core) | ||
| Television Studies | ||
| Introduction to Film (Mason Core) | ||
| Film and Video Forms | ||
| Cultural Constructions of Sexualities (with department approval) | ||
| RS: Topics in Film/Media History (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Film/Media Theory | ||
| Topics in Film/Media Studies | ||
| May include one course from outside the English Department chosen from: | ||
| Cyberpunk | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Gender, Race, and Class in the Media | ||
| Visual Communication | ||
| Media Criticism | ||
| Topics in Communication and Gender | ||
| The History of World Cinema (Mason Core) | ||
| Global Horror Film (Mason Core) | ||
| Ethics of Film and Video (Mason Core) | ||
| French and Francophone Cinema | ||
| Topics in World Cinema | ||
| Japanese Cinema | ||
| Music in Motion Pictures (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in (Post) Soviet Film | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Folklore and Mythology (FOLK)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credits in folklore and mythology from the following: | 6 | |
| Folklore and Folklife (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Myth and Literature | ||
| Topics in Folklore Studies | ||
| Folklore and the Supernatural | ||
| Folk Arts and Folk Artists | ||
| Ethnicity and Migration in Folklore | ||
| RS: Topics in Folklore Research | ||
| Internship | ||
| RS: Writing Ethnography (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Folklore Studies | ||
| May include one course from outside the English Department chosen from: | ||
| Qualitative Methods: Nonstatistical Approaches in Culture and Social Research | ||
| Greek and Roman Epic (Mason Core) | ||
| Select up to 6 credits related to folklore and mythology from the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Cultural Studies | ||
| Literature of the Middle Ages | ||
| Shakespeare | ||
| Shakespeare: Special Topics | ||
| British and Irish Drama after 1900 | ||
| Beginnings of African American Literature Through 1865 | ||
| African American Literature: Reconstruction to 1903 | ||
| African American Literature Through 1946 | ||
| Contemporary African American Literature | ||
| Global Voices (Mason Core) | ||
| Chaucer | ||
| Milton | ||
| May include one course from outside the English Department chosen from: | ||
| Peoples and Cultures of Latin America (Mason Core) | ||
| Ancient Mesoamerica (Mason Core) | ||
| Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (Mason Core) | ||
| Myth, Magic, and Mind (Mason Core) | ||
| Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Globalization (Mason Core) | ||
| Art and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Mason Core) | ||
| Greek Art and Archaeology (Mason Core) | ||
| Roman Art and Archaeology (Mason Core) | ||
| Early Renaissance Art in Italy, 1300-1500 (Mason Core) | ||
| High Renaissance Art in Italy, 1480-1570 (Mason Core) | ||
| Northern Baroque Art, 1600-1750 (Mason Core) | ||
| Arts of India (Mason Core) | ||
| Arts of Southeast Asia (Mason Core) | ||
| Arts of China (Mason Core) | ||
| Arts of Japan (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Linguistics (LING)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LING 306 | General Linguistics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| LING 480 | First Language Acquisition (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| English Grammar | ||
| Introduction to Sociolinguistics | ||
| Semantics and Pragmatics | ||
| Syntax I | ||
| Generative Phonology | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Field Work in Applied Linguistics | ||
| Applied Linguistics: Teaching English as a Second Language | ||
| English Phonetics | ||
| Psycholinguistics | ||
| Second Language Acquisition | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Literature (LIT)
When relevant, ENGH 400 Honors Seminar, ENGH 401 RS: Honors Thesis Writing Seminar (Mason Core), and ENGH 402 Honors Independent Study may be applied to this concentration.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Topics: Literary Surveys | ||
| Topics in Literature | ||
| Topics: Women and Literature | ||
| Literature of the Middle Ages | ||
| English Poetry and Prose of the 16th Century | ||
| Shakespeare | ||
| Shakespeare: Special Topics | ||
| English Renaissance Drama | ||
| English Poetry and Prose of the 17th Century | ||
| Augustan Age: 1660-1745 | ||
| Age of Sensibility: 1745-1800 | ||
| Restoration and 18th Century Drama | ||
| British Novel of the 18th Century | ||
| British Poetry of the Romantic Period | ||
| Prose and Poetry of the Victorian Period | ||
| British Novel of the 19th Century | ||
| British Poetry after 1900 | ||
| British Novel after 1900 | ||
| British and Irish Drama after 1900 | ||
| Early American Literature | ||
| Literature of the American Renaissance | ||
| Post-Civil War American Literature, 1865-1920 | ||
| Development of the American Novel to 1914 | ||
| Development of the American Novel since 1914 | ||
| American Drama of the 20th Century | ||
| American Poetry of the 20th Century | ||
| Beginnings of African American Literature Through 1865 | ||
| African American Literature: Reconstruction to 1903 | ||
| African American Literature Through 1946 | ||
| Contemporary African American Literature | ||
| Topics in Ethnic American Literature | ||
| Recent American Fiction | ||
| Recent American Poetry | ||
| Continental Fiction, 1770-1880 | ||
| Continental Fiction, 1880-1950 | ||
| Global Voices (Mason Core) (when topic is relevant, with departmental approval) | ||
| The Idea of a World Literature (Mason Core) | ||
| World Literatures in English | ||
| Modern Drama | ||
| Topics in Criticism (when topic is relevant, with departmental approval) | ||
| Literary Modes | ||
| Topics in Popular Literature | ||
| Topics in Medieval and Renaissance Literature | ||
| Chaucer | ||
| Milton | ||
| Topics: British Literary Periods | ||
| Topics: British Authors | ||
| Topics: American Authors | ||
| Topics: American Literary Periods | ||
| Science Fiction | ||
| Critical Study of Children's Literature | ||
| Topics in Fiction | ||
| Topics in Poetry | ||
| Topics in Drama | ||
| Topics in Literary Nonfiction | ||
| RS: Topics in Literary Research (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Writing and Rhetoric (WRTR)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Web Authoring and Design | ||
| Rhetoric and New Media | ||
| Introduction to Writing and Rhetoric | ||
| Writing Nonfiction Genres | ||
| Editing for Audience, Style, and Voice | ||
| Professional and Technical Writing | ||
| Creative Nonfiction Writing | ||
| Internship | ||
| Technical Editing | ||
| RS: Writing Ethnography (Mason Core) | ||
| Document Design | ||
| RS: Writing Nonfiction for Publication (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Writing and Rhetoric | ||
| Proposal Writing and Development | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Writing Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in English fulfill this requirement by successfully completing:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGH 305 | Dimensions of Writing and Literature | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Upper Level Courses
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.
Additional Electives
Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.
College Level Requirements for the BA Degree
In addition to the Mason Core program, students pursuing a BA degree must complete the coursework below. Except where expressly prohibited, a course used to fulfill a college level requirement may also be used simultaneously to satisfy other requirements (Mason Core requirements or requirements for the major).
Philosophy or Religious Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
PHIL 1 | ||
| 1 | Note that the following courses may not be used to fulfill this requirement:
|
Social and Behavioral Sciences
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits of social and behavioral sciences from the following (additional to the Mason Core social and behavioral sciences requirement) 1 | 3 | |
| ANTH | ||
| CRIM | ||
| ECON | ||
| GOVT | ||
| HIST 2 | ||
| LING | ||
| PSYC | ||
| SOCI | ||
| Or choose from the following GGS courses: | ||
| Major World Regions (Mason Core) | ||
| Human Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Geoinformation Technologies | ||
| Political Geography | ||
| Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| Population Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Economic Geography | ||
| Urban Geography | ||
| Geography of the United States | ||
| Geography of Latin America | ||
| Geography of Europe | ||
| Geography of North Africa and the Middle East | ||
| Geography of the Soviet Succession States | ||
| Urban Planning | ||
| Geography of Virginia | ||
| 1 | The two courses used to fulfill the combined college and Mason Core requirements must be from different disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. |
| 2 | HIST 100 History of Western Civilization (Mason Core) and HIST 125 Introduction to World History (Mason Core) may not be used to fulfill this requirement. |
Foreign Language
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language, fulfilled by: 1 | ||
Or achieving a satisfactory score on an approved proficiency test | ||
Or completing the following ASL three course sequence: | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) I | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) II | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) III | ||
| 1 | Students who are already proficient in a second language may be eligible for a waiver of this requirement. Additional information on waivers can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs. |
Non-Western Culture
Select 3 credits of an approved course in the study of a non-Western culture (additional to the Mason Core requirement in global understanding)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits (additional to Mason Core Global Understanding requirement) 1 | ||
| ANTH 114 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 300 | Civilizations | 3 |
| ANTH 302 | Peoples and Cultures of Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 307 | Ancient Mesoamerica (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 308 | Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 309 | Peoples and Cultures of India (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 313 | Myth, Magic, and Mind (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 314 | Zombies | 3 |
| ANTH 330 | Peoples and Cultures of Selected Regions: Non-Western | 3 |
| ANTH 332 | Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Globalization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 381 | Medical Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 396 | Issues in Anthropology: Social Sciences (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARAB 360 | Topics in Arabic Cultural Production | 3 |
| ARAB 420 | Survey of Arabic Literature | 3 |
| ARAB 440 | Topics in Arabic Religious Thought and Texts (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 203 | Survey of Asian Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 204 | Survey of Latin American Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 206 | Survey of African Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 318 | Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt | 3 |
| ARTH 319 | Art and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 320 | Art of the Islamic World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 382 | Arts of India (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 383 | Arts of Southeast Asia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 384 | Arts of China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 385 | Arts of Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 386 | The Silk Road (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 482 | RS: Advanced Studies in Asian Art | 3 |
| CHIN 318 | Introduction to Classical Chinese (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 320 | Contemporary Chinese Film | 3 |
| CHIN 325 | Major Chinese Writers (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 470 | Special Topics in Chinese Studies | 3 |
| DANC 118 | World Dance (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 361 | Economic Development of Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 362 | African Economic Development (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FREN 451 | Topics in Sub-Saharan Francophone Literature and Culture | 3 |
| FREN 454 | Topics in Caribbean Francophone Literature and Culture | 3 |
| GGS 101 | Major World Regions (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 316 | Geography of Latin America | 3 |
| GGS 325 | Geography of North Africa and the Middle East | 3 |
| GGS 330 | Geography of the Soviet Succession States | 3 |
| GGS 399 | Select Topics in GGS | 3 |
| GOVT 328 | Global Political Theory | 3 |
| GOVT 332 | Government and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | 3 |
| GOVT 333 | Government and Politics of Asia | 3 |
| GOVT 338 | Government and Politics of Russia | 3 |
| GOVT 340 | Central Asian Politics | 3 |
| GOVT 341 | Chinese Foreign Policy | 3 |
| GOVT 345 | Islam and Politics | 3 |
| GOVT 433 | Political Economy of East Asia | 3 |
| HIST 251 | Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 252 | Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 261 | Survey of African History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 262 | Survey of African History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 271 | Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 272 | Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 281 | Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 282 | Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 326 | Stalinism | 3 |
| HIST 327 | The Soviet Union and Russia Since World War II | 3 |
| HIST 328 | Rise of Russia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 329 | Modern Russia and the Soviet Union (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 353 | History of Traditional China | 3 |
| HIST 354 | Modern China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 356 | Modern Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 357 | Postwar Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 358 | Post-1949 China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 360 | History of South Africa (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 364 | Revolution and Radical Politics in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 365 | Conquest and Colonization in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 366 | Comparative Slavery | 3 |
| HIST 367 | History, Fiction, and Film in Latin America | 3 |
| HIST 387 | Topics in Global History (Mason Core) | 3-6 |
| HIST 426 | The Russian Revolution | 3 |
| HIST 460 | Modern Iran (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 461 | Arab-Israeli Conflict | 3 |
| HIST 462 | Women in Islamic Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 465 | The Middle East in the 20th Century | 3 |
| JAPA 310 | Japanese Culture in a Global World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| JAPA 340 | Topics in Japanese Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| KORE 320 | Korean Popular Culture in a Global World | 3 |
| MUSI 103 | Musics of the World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 211 | Religions of the West (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 212 | Religions of Asia | 3 |
| RELI 240 | Death and the Afterlife in World Religions | 3 |
| RELI 272 | Islam | 3 |
| RELI 313 | Hinduism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 314 | Chinese Philosophies and Religious Traditions | 3 |
| RELI 315 | Buddhism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 337 | Mysticism: East and West | 3 |
| RELI 365 | Muhammad: Life and Legacy | 3 |
| RELI 374 | Islamic Thought (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 375 | Qur'an and Hadith | 3 |
| RELI 379 | Islamic Law, Society, and Ethics | 3 |
| RELI 387 | Islam, Democracy, and Human Rights | 3 |
| RELI 490 | Comparative Study of Religions (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 353 | Russian Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 354 | Contemporary Post-Soviet Life (Mason Core) | 3 |
| 1 | A course used to fulfill the Mason Core global understanding requirement may not be simultaneously used to satisfy this college-level requirement. A course used to fulfill this requirement may be used simultaneously to fulfill any other requirements (Mason Core requirements, college-level requirements, or requirements for the major). Additional information on waivers can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs. |
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (ENGH 101) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Understanding | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Western Civilization/World History | 3 | |
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communications (ENGH 302) | 3 | |
| Writing-Intensive 1 | 3 | |
| Synthesis/Capstone 2 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
| 1 | Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core. |
| 2 | Minimum 3 credits required. |
Honors in the Major
Highly qualified students in the BA in English program may pursue advanced work leading to graduation with honors in the major. To graduate with honors in the major, students must complete a two-course honors sequence and receive a minimum GPA of 3.50 in all courses counted toward the major and, separately, a minimum GPA of 3.50 in their honors courses. Honors courses may simultaneously satisfy concentration and distribution requirements in the major.
Students may satisfy the honors course sequence in one of the following ways:
- BA students may take two sections of ENGH 400 Honors Seminar
- BA students may take one section of ENGH 400 Honors Seminar and ENGH 401 RS: Honors Thesis Writing Seminar (Mason Core)
BA students with a concentration in creative writing may write a creative honors thesis in ENGH 401 RS: Honors Thesis Writing Seminar (Mason Core). In special cases, BA students with a concentration in creative writing may apply to the Honors Coordinator and ENGH 495 instructor for permission to use ENGH 495 as a substitute for ENGH 401.
Students interested in pursuing honors in the major should consult the English Department for more information.
The accelerated master's programs in the list below specify the BA in English as a feeder degree for their programs. It is important to note, however, that many accelerated master's programs are available for any bachelor's degree at Mason, including this one. See the full list of degrees with accelerated programs at George Mason. In addition, as a student with a BA in English you may be particularly interested in the accelerated MA in English with a concentration in linguistics.
- English, BA or Creative Writing, BFA/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education English concentration)
- Bachelor's Degree (selected)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Women and Gender Studies Concentration)
- Bachelor's Degree (selected)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Social Justice and Human Rights Concentration)
English, BA or Creative Writing, BFA/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education English concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's option and obtain both a BA in English or a BFA in Creative Writing and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (concentration in secondary education English) in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of 149 credits. See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree for policies related to this program.
This accelerated option is offered jointly by the Department of English and the School of Education.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Accelerated Option Requirements
Students complete the following courses in their senior year:
| Senior | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| SEED 540 | 3 | EDRD 619 | 3 |
| SEED 569 | 3 | SEED 669 | 3 |
| 6 | 6 | ||
| Total Credits 12 | |||
While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students are able to apply two of the courses listed above to both the bachelor's and master's degrees. These courses are considered advanced standing for the MEd. A minimum grade of B must be earned to be eligible to count as advanced standing. The other two courses are taken as reserve graduate credit and do not apply to the undergraduate degree. Early in their final undergraduate semester, students must submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form to the CEHD Admissions Office and specify which of the four courses are to be designated as advanced standing and reserve graduate credit.
Bachelor's Degree (selected)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Women and Gender Studies Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates in select majors may apply to the accelerated master's degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in women and gender studies. If accepted, and depending on their undergraduate major, students will be able to earn a bachelor's degree in their chosen major and a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in women and gender studies after satisfactory completion of 150 credits, sometime within five years.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
Selected Majors
Anthropology, Sociology, English, History, Philosophy, Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Psychology, Government and International Politics, and Communication.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to the accelerated MAIS, see the departmental web site.
Accelerated Option Requirements
While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students complete two graduate courses as indicated on their Accelerated Master's Program Application with a minimum grade of B in each course. Once admitted to the accelerated master's pathway, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 in all course work. Upon completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree in the semester indicated in the application, they submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form and are admitted to graduate status.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Special Topics | ||
| Feminist Approaches to Social Research | ||
| Feminist Theories | ||
| Transnational Issues of Gender and Race | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
As graduate students, accelerated master's students have an advanced standing. They must meet all master's degree requirements except for the two courses (6 credits) they completed as undergraduates. Students must begin their master's program the semester immediately following conferral of the undergraduate degree.
Reserve Graduate Credit
Students may take up to 6 additional graduate credits as reserve graduate credit. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree. To apply these credits to the master's degree, students should use the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Special Topics | ||
| Feminist Approaches to Social Research | ||
| Feminist Theories | ||
| Transnational Issues of Gender and Race | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
The ability to take courses, including ones not listed above, for reserve graduate credit is available to all high achieving undergraduates with the permission of the department. Permission is normally granted only to qualified Mason seniors within 15 hours of graduation. See AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.
Bachelor's Degree (selected)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Social Justice and Human Rights Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates in select majors (listed below) may apply to the accelerated master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Social Justice and Human Rights. If accepted, and depending on their undergraduate major, students will be able to earn an undergraduate degree in their chosen major and a master's in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Social Justice and Human Rights after satisfactory completion of 150 credits, sometimes within five years.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
Selected Majors
Anthropology, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Sociology, English, History, Philosophy, Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Psychology, Government and International Politics, Integrative Studies, and Communication.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to the accelerated MAIS, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental web site.
Accelerated Option Requirements
While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students complete INTS 540 Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights and one course chosen from the list of electives for the MAIS concentration in Social Justice and Human Rights as indicated on their Accelerated Master's Program Application with a minimum grade of B in each course. Once admitted to the accelerated master's pathway, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 in all coursework. Upon completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree in the semester indicated in the application, they submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form and are admitted to graduate status.
As graduate students, accelerated master's students have an advanced standing. They must meet all master's degree requirements except for the two courses (6 credits) they completed as undergraduates. Students must begin their master's program the semester immediately following conferral of the undergraduate degree.
Reserve Graduate Credit
Students may take up to 6 additional graduate credits as reserve graduate credit (chosen from the list of electives for the MAIS concentration in social justice and human rights). These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree. The ability to take courses for reserve graduate credit is available to all high achieving undergraduates with the permission of the program. Permission to take a graduate course for reserve graduate credit is normally granted only to Mason seniors within 15 hours of graduation. See AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select up to 6 credits from the list of electives for the MAIS concentration in social justice and human rights | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |