The Bachelor of Arts in English offers students the opportunity to study literature, creative writing, screen cultures, 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/Folklore with at least 33 of those credits beyond ENGH 300 (not including ENGH 302) with a minimum GPA of 2.00. At least 9 credits (including the capstone requirement) must be at the 400 level. Any ENGH/LING/FOLK course at the lower level (except ENGH 100, 101, 121, 122, and 123 as well as ENGH ---) may be counted as 3 credits of the required 36 credits for the major.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
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 (Mason Core) 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 (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Select 3 credits from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Introduction to Linguistic Analysis (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 (Mason Core) | ||
| RS: Topics in Literary Research (Mason Core) | ||
| RS: Topics in Screen Cultures Research (Mason Core) | ||
| RS: First Language Acquisition (Mason Core) | ||
| RS: Writing Ethnography (Mason Core) | ||
| RS: Writing Nonfiction for the Public (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
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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 | ||
| Introduction to Shakespeare | ||
| Studies in Shakespeare | ||
| 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 | ||
A second course from literature before 1800 list above | ||
| 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 Art and Folk Artists | ||
| Folklore and Migration | ||
| RS: Topics in Folklore Research (Mason Core) | ||
| 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 Folklore and Mythology (FOLK)
- Concentration in Linguistics (LING)
- Concentration in Literature (LIT)
- Concentration in Screen Cultures (SCRC)
- 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 | ||
A maximum of 3 hours in literature, 500-level writing, or independent study with approval of undergraduate director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Cultural Studies (CULT)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Introduction to Screen Cultures (Mason Core) | ||
| 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) | ||
| Screening the Global City (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Folklore Studies | ||
| Folklore and the Supernatural | ||
| Folk Art and Folk Artists | ||
| Folklore and Migration | ||
| Cultural Constructions of Sexualities | ||
| Topics in Popular Literature | ||
| Critical Study of Children's Literature | ||
| Topics in Screen Cultures | ||
| May include one course from outside the English Department chosen from: | ||
| Topics in Communication and Gender | ||
| Globalization and Culture (Mason Core) | ||
| 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 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 Art and Folk Artists | ||
| Folklore and Migration | ||
| RS: Topics in Folklore Research (Mason Core) | ||
| Internship | ||
| RS: Writing Ethnography (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Folklore Studies | ||
| May include one course from outside the English Department chosen from: | ||
| Ethnographic Research Methods | ||
| 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 | ||
| Introduction to Shakespeare | ||
| Studies in Shakespeare | ||
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Course | ||
| Choose one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Linguistic Variation | ||
| Introduction to Linguistic Analysis (Mason Core) | ||
| Capstone Course | ||
| LING 480 | RS: First Language Acquisition (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Choose any two LING courses not listed above | 6 | |
| 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 | ||
| Introduction to Shakespeare | ||
| Studies in Shakespeare | ||
| 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 | ||
| Early American Literature | ||
| 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 | ||
| African American Literature Through 1946 | ||
| Contemporary African American Literature | ||
| Topics in Ethnic American Literature | ||
| Twentieth-Century Poetry | ||
| Twentieth-Century Fiction | ||
| Contemporary Fiction | ||
| Contemporary 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 Screen Cultures (SCRC)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Introduction to Screen Cultures (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Cultural Studies | ||
| Popular Culture (with department approval) | ||
| Global Voices (Mason Core) (with department approval) | ||
| Documentary and Non-Fiction Film/Media (Mason Core) | ||
| Global TV (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Film (Mason Core) | ||
| Screening the Global City (Mason Core) | ||
| Cultural Constructions of Sexualities (with department approval) | ||
| RS: Topics in Screen Cultures Research (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Film/Media Theory | ||
| Topics in Screen Cultures | ||
| May include one course from outside the English Department chosen from: | ||
| Cyberpunk | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Gender, Race, and Class in the Media | ||
| Media Criticism | ||
| Topics in Communication and Gender | ||
| Introduction to World Cinema (Mason Core) | ||
| Global Horror Film (Mason Core) | ||
| Ethics of Film and Video (Mason Core) | ||
| French and Francophone Cinema | ||
| Contexts for Global Cinema (Mason Core) | ||
| Japanese Cinema | ||
| Music in Motion Pictures (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in (Post) Soviet Film | ||
| 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 | ||
| Rhetoric of the Essay | ||
| 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 the Public (Mason Core) | ||
| Advanced Technical Writing | ||
| 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 (Mason Core) | 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:
- PHIL 323 Classical Western Political Theory
- PHIL 324 Modern Western Political Theory
- PHIL 327 Contemporary Western Political Theory
- PHIL 393 Humanities College to Career
- PHIL 460 Senior Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Additionally, PHIL 253, RELI 235, RELI 333, and RELI 339 cannot be used to fulfill both the philosophy/religious studies requirement and the Mason Core literature 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 (Mason Core) | ||
| 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 Eastern Europe and Russia | ||
| 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 and HIST 125 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 317 | East Asian Cultures | 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 365 | Black and Minority Cultures in Arabic Literature (Mason Core) | 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 317 | The Black Pharaohs: Art and Archaeology of Ancient Nubia (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 482 | RS: Advanced Studies in Asian Art (Mason Core) | 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 | Global Dance Perspectives I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 361 | Economic Development of Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 362 | African Economic Development (Mason Core) | 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 317 | Geography of China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 325 | Geography of North Africa and the Middle East | 3 |
| GGS 399 | Select Topics in GGS | 3 |
| GOVT 332 | Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | 3 |
| GOVT 333 | Politics of East Asia | 3 |
| GOVT 338 | Politics of Eurasia | 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 in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 365 | Conquest and Colonization in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 366 | Comparative Slavery | 3 |
| HIST 377 | The Vietnam War (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 384 | Global History of Christianity (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 387 | Topics in Global History (Mason Core) | 3-6 |
| 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 |
| JAPA 380 | Japan in Motion | 3 |
| KORE 300 | Korean Culture and Society | 3 |
| KORE 320 | Korean Popular Culture in a Global World | 3 |
| KORE 385 | Introduction to Korean Linguistics | 3 |
| MUSI 103 | Musics of the World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 211 | Introduction to Religions of the "West" (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 212 | Introduction to Religions of Asia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 312 | Islam (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 313 | Hinduism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 314 | Chinese Philosophies and Religious Traditions | 3 |
| RELI 315 | Buddhism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 317 | Daoism | 3 |
| RELI 318 | Korean Philosophy and Religions | 3 |
| RELI 338 | Qur'an and Hadith | 3 |
| RELI 342 | Comparative Study of Mysticism | 3 |
| RELI 344 | Muhammad: Life and Legacy | 3 |
| RELI 358 | Islamic Thought (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 367 | Islamic Law, Society, and Ethics | 3 |
| RELI 368 | Islam, Democracy, and Human Rights (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 384 | Global History of Christianity (Mason Core) | 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 |
| WMST 407 | Transnational Sexualities | 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.
Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information.
- VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
- VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (lower-level) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Just Societies (optional) 1 | ||
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive 2 | 3 | |
| Mason Apex 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
In addition to covering content related to the designated category, Exploration level courses marked with a Just Societies "flag" are specifically designed to help students learn how to interact effectively with others from all walks of life, including those with backgrounds and beliefs that differ from their own. Courses marked with the Just Societies flag are available for students starting in Fall 2024. Students admitted prior to the Fall of 2025 are not required to take courses with a Just Societies flag but may wish to do so to increase their knowledge and skills in this important area. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely wiht their advisor to identify the appropriate Just Societies-flagged courses.
- 2
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.
- 3
Minimum 3 credits required.
Bachelor of Arts in English Sample Plan of Study
A sample four year graduation plan and degree planning worksheet can be found at https://academicaffairs.chss.gmu.edu/undergraduate-students/advising/advising-sheets. The plan is a recommended sequencing of courses based on prerequisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor each semester and with their PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.
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.
Program Outcomes
- write effectively in a variety of genres, demonstrating understanding of audience, generic conventions, and the writing process
- write logically, clearly, concisely, and correctly
- analyze and interpret a range of cultural texts, including but not limited to literature, film, and folklore
- develop, design, and create a range of products, including artistic contributions
- conduct research, including finding and evaluating the reliability of sources
The accelerated master's program below specifies the BA in English as a feeder degree for its program. Many accelerated master's programs are available for any bachelor's degree at Mason. 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 folklore studies or a concentration in linguistics.
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 a BA in English or a BFA in Creative Writing and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (Secondary Education English concentration) in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 143 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.
BAM Pathway Admission 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 and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, and additional unit-specific criteria.
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific pre-requisites.
Accelerated Master’s Admission Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MEd program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form:
- 3.0 overall GPA
- Completion of specific undergraduate coursework
- Successfully meeting Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following which can be taken as Advanced Standing or Reserve Graduate credit (to be determined by the student and their advisor):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDRD 619 | Disciplinary Literacy | 3 |
| SEED 502 | Young Adult Literature in Multicultural Settings | 3 |
| SEED 522 | Foundations of Secondary Education | 3 |
| SEED 540 | Human Development and Learning: Secondary Education | 3 |
| SEED 569 | Teaching English in the Secondary School | 3 |
| SEED 669 | Advanced Methods of Teaching English in the Secondary School | 3 |
| SEED approved elective | ||
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Bachelor's Degree (any)/English, Accelerated MA (Folklore Studies Concentration)
Overview
Highly qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in their chosen major and an MA in English with a concentration in folklore studies in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree for policies related to this program.
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.
BAM Pathway Admission 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 Polices and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see the department's website.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits and a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 or above.
Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MA program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.50
- Minimum grade of B in each advanced standing course
- Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits with a minimum grade of B in each)
- FOLK 501 Advanced Introduction to Folklore and Folklife
- FOLK 510 Folklore and Ethnographic Research Methods
- FOLK 550 Topics in Public and Applied Folklore
- FOLK 560 Topics in Genre and Theory
- FOLK 570 Topics in Regional Folklore Studies
- FOLK 601 Folklore Theory and History
- FOLK 690 Field School for Cultural Documentation
Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program
- FOLK 501 Advanced Introduction to Folklore and Folklife
- FOLK 510 Folklore and Ethnographic Research Methods
- FOLK 550 Topics in Public and Applied Folklore
- FOLK 560 Topics in Genre and Theory
- FOLK 570 Topics in Regional Folklore Studies
- FOLK 601 Folklore Theory and History
- FOLK 690 Field School for Cultural Documentation
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Bachelor's Degree (any)/English, Accelerated MA (Linguistics Concentration)
Overview
Highly qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in a chosen major and an MA in English with a concentration in linguistics in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree for policies related to this program.
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.
BAM Pathway Admission 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 Polices and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits
Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MA program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.25
- Completion of LING 300 Linguistic Variation or LING 306 Introduction to Linguistic Analysis (Mason Core) and one other upper-division LING course.
- Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits)
Students who have already taken the undergraduate equivalents of these courses, before entering the BAM program, can substitute other graduate-level LING courses, as needed, with the approval of the academic advisor.
LING 514 Experimental Methods
LING 515 Statistical Methods in Linguistics
LING 516 Linguistic Field Methods
LING 517 Computational and Quantitative Methods in Lingusitics
LING 531 Phonetics
LING 532 Phonology A
LING 533 Phonology B
LING 535 Morphology
LING 536 Syntax A
LING 537 Syntax B
LING 538 Semantics and Pragmatics 1
LING 542 Second Language Acquisition 1
LING 641 First Language Acquisition
LING 643 Psycholinguistics
LING 651 Sociolinguistics
LING 653 Typology
LING 671 Computational Linguistics I
Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program
500- or 600-level LING courses
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.