Undergraduate Course Descriptions: Summer 2024
Multiple sections of ENGL 1010, 1020, 2201, and 2202 will be offered in first, second, and full term summer sessions. For the most up-to-date list of classes offered, visit the dynamic schedule.
Click on each course title to read the professor's full course description; click on each thumbnail image to view the course flyer.
First Term Upper-Division:
ENGL 3325 - African American Literature Through the Harlem Renaissance | Dr. Verner
Mitchell | Online
The Harlem Renaissance, the mecca of African American vernacular expressions, represents
a historical period in which America’s 20th-century “New Negro” found a safe haven
for all manner of artistic talent. This course presents a chronological tracing of
the African American voices that have historically defined the Harlem ethos. These
voices include Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, W. E. B. Du Bois, Countee Cullen,
Ida B. Wells, et al. The flow of this course is partitioned into three sections: Pre-Harlem
Literature, Harlem Literature and Post-Harlem Literature. Topics of exploration include
Afrocentrism, call and response, passing, etc. Students will explore how the literature
of Harlem Renaissance informed the black ethos.
ENGL 3329 - Major Authors in American Lit: Hardboiled Crime Fiction | Dr. Jeffrey
Scraba | MTWRF 12:45-2:25pm
Through close consideration of five vital 20th-century American authors—Dashiell Hammett,
James M. Cain, Raymond Chandler, Patricia Highsmith, and Chester Himes—and selected
film adaptations of their work, we will examine the distinctly American genre of hardboiled
crime fiction from its beginnings in the pulp magazines of the 1920s through the complex
noir fiction of the 1950s and 1960s. The first objective of the course is to study
the emergence and codification of genre: we will explore how a new type of literary
work comes into existence by adapting older forms, how the implicit rules of this
new genre become established, and how writers experiment with these new rules. The
second objective of the course is to study this fiction as a response to and reflection
of historical conditions: with particular attention to the ways in which these novels
work through problems of race, gender, class, and sexuality, we will investigate how
they reflect American culture in the middle decades of the twentieth century.
ENGL 3501 - Modern English Grammar | Dr. J. Elliott Casal | Online
In this course we will learn about the English language structurally – with a focus
on grammatical constructions, morphology, and words. We will consider different Englishes
and how English grammar varies within and across communities. Our approach will be
descriptive (how grammar is used) rather than prescriptive (how we think it should
be used), and we will discuss the importance of context and genre (e.g., standard
and academic varieties of English). Students in this class will analyze a variety
of syntactic structures and be able to identify common learner errors, differences
in dialects and varieties, and hypercorrections. Students will be able to effectively
use metalanguage to describe and analyze English grammar, and course work will include
active reflection on and analysis of language in use through work with linguistic
corpora.
ENGL 3601 - Intro to Tech and Professional Writing: Integrating AI & Professional
Writing | Dr. Will Duffy | Online
This course serves as an introduction to technical communication, and this particular
section of the course centers on the integration of Artificial Intelligence tools
in professional and technical writing. While familiarizing ourselves with an array
of common technical genres and the specific demands of each, we will work to develop
a flexible rhetorical literacy for analyzing, composing, and adapting such genres
for specific purposes. By the end of the course, emerging professional writers, engineers,
digital content managers, creative consultants, and business professionals will have
a stronger grasp of how to ethically and effectively harness AI tools to navigate
the ever-changing conventions of professional and technical communication.
ENGL 3603 - Engineering Communications | Prof. Gabrielle Alston | MTWR 12:45-2:25pm
Form and contexts of written and oral communications in engineering professions; extensive
practice in oral reporting, written reports, manuals, and proposals. *Does not apply to the English major or minor*
Second Term Upper-Division:
ENGL 3210 - Monsters, Demons, Heaven & Hell | Dr. Dean Clement | MTWRF 8:55-10:35am
Students taking this survey of British Literature to 1750 will encounter monsters,
dragons, werewolves, and even Satan himself, who sends these “Hell-hounds to lick up the draff and filth” of the earth, through a study of Old English, Middle English, and early modern English
epic, verse, and drama. This class will explore the literary, mythological, and theological
origins of these terrifying creatures, as well as their metaphorical purposes for
the writers and readers of the time.
ENGL 3604 - Persuasive Writing | Prof. Terry Ansbro | Online
Study and practice of writing essays and reports with emphasis on persuasion; introduction
to empirical and library research, application of rhetorical principles, and nature
of evidence, including numerical; academic and professional writing, editing, and
revision.
ENGL 4531 - Methods & Techniques in ESL | Prof. Tammy Jones | Online
This class is designed to introduce methods and techniques of teaching English as
a Second Language in various settings. It examines our current understanding of second
language acquisition and the varying methods and techniques used to teach language
skills to students in English at the K-12 level and in intensive and immigrant programs
in the US and overseas.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions: Fall 2024
Need more info?
For the most up-to-date list of classes offered, visit the dynamic schedule. For questions about classes, consult our undergraduate advising page or contact the listed instructor. To see what we'll be offering in future semesters,
visit our two-year course rotation template. Interested in studying literature, taking a writing workshop, improving your writing
skills, or brushing up your teaching skills, but don't want to pursue a degree? You
should apply as a Non-Degree Seeking Student.
Jump to:
- African American Literature Courses
- Applied Linguistics/TESOL Courses
- Creative Writing Courses
- Literature Courses
- Professional Writing Courses
- Honors & Internships
*Click on each course title to read the professor's full course description; click on each thumbnail image to view the course flyer.
General Education Requirements:
ENGL 1010 - English Composition (multiple sections; online courses available)
Practice in expository writing with emphasis on content, organization, and style (levels
of usage and sentence structure) for different purposes and audiences.
ENGL 1020 - English Composition/Analysis (multiple sections; online courses available)
Practice in expository writing that synthesizes ideas from various readings. Includes
library work and production of documented papers.
ENGL 2201 - Literary Heritage (multiple sections; online courses available)
Major texts of literary heritage; modes of literary expression and cultural context;
emphasis on works as products of their historical contexts and as processes shaping
human consciousness.
ENGL 2201.019 - Literary Heritage: LGBTQIA+ Literature | Prof. Nina Myers | TR 1:00-2:25
In this section of Literary Heritage, we will read texts representing the literary
modes of fiction, poetry, drama, and memoir with a focus on LGBTQ Literature. The
course will explore topics such as defining LGBTQ literature, the differences between
and among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer literature, and the changes
in LGBTQ writing over time. This course asks students to use various literary criticism
models (LGBTQ critical theory, Feminist, African American, and New Historicism analysis)
as lenses.
ENGL 2201.003 - Literary Heritage: The Eerie & Uncanny | Dr. Lorinda Cohoon | MWF
9:10-10:05
In this section of Literary Heritage, the focus will be on examples of the eerie and
the uncanny in plays, poems, and short stories.
ENGL 2202 - Literary Heritage: African American Literature (multiple sections; online
courses available)
Consideration of major texts of literary heritage with emphasis on African-American
culture; modes of literary expression and cultural context; emphasis on work as products
of historical contexts and as processes shaping human consciousness.
African American Literature:
ENGL 3325 - Hoodoo and Conjure Stories from 19th Century African American Literature
| Prof. Kim Payne | TR 1:00-2:25
In this course, we will examine and explore how the conjure or hoodoo aspects of several
short stories and books written by and about Black American people were often hidden
in plain sight. We will also examine how nature and medicine, or root-working contributed
to seminal African and American texts from the 19th century.
ENGL 3326 - African American Literature Since the Harlem Renaissance | Dr. Ladrica
Menson-Furr | MWF 11:30-12:25
This course will introduce students to the works composed by African American authors
between the 1930s and the present. Particular emphases will be placed upon the Chicago
School of writers, integrationist aesthetics of the 1950s, black aesthetics of the
1960s, and the rise of rap/hip hop literature and aesthetics as a contemporary illustration
of both the African American oral and protest traditions and genres.
ENGL 4372 - Women of the Harlem Renaissance | Dr. Shelby Crosby | TR 9:40-11:05
The Harlem Renaissance was a period of literary and artistic vibrancy for African
Americans. It is marked by the outpouring of work by and about black folks. In 1925,
Alain Locke coined the term the New Negro as a way to discuss and understand the emergence
of a new black urban consciousness. The Harlem Renaissance is often referred to as
the New Negro movement. In this course we will explore how black women writers engaged
with the Harlem Renaissance. How did they respond to not only being black but being
a woman?
ENGL 4373 - African American Authors Since the Harlem Renaissance | Dr. Verner Mitchell
| Online
In-depth study of two or three authors since 1930, focusing on relationships among
them and comparing their aesthetics. May be repeated for maximum of 6 hours credit
with change in course content.
Applied Linguistics/TESOL:
ENGL 3501 - Modern English Grammar | Dr. Lindsay Helms | MW 12:40-2:05
In this class we will examine the structure of the English language with a focus on
syntax, morphology, and the lexicon. We will consider different Englishes and how
English grammar varies within and across communities. Students will be able to effectively
use metalanguage to describe and analyze English grammar.
ENGL 3511 - Intro to Linguistics | TBD | Online
This course is an introduction to linguistics, the scientific study of language. Students will develop familiarity with – and skills related to – the study of structure
and function in language, as well as how languages change over time, how meanings and identities are constructed linguistically, and
how language policies shape language use.
ENGL 3521 - The American Language | Dr. Rebecca Adams | TR 9:40-11:05
Why don't we sound like the English? In this course, we will examine the changing
nature and variety of American English, especially in vocabulary and usage, its range,
formal, informal, written, colloquial, and standard and dialectal variations. We will
discuss the functions and effects of dialectal variation, and how factors such as
geography, ethnicity, gender, social status, and other sociolinguistic variables contribute
to variation. Adopting a multicultural perspective on the role of language in daily
life, we will also explore how societal perceptions and attitudes and linguistic bias
contribute to the differential valuation of American English varieties.
ENGL 4522 - Gender and Language | Dr. Lyn Wright | MW 12:40-2:05
Study of gender as a variable as it intersects with language use in a variety of contexts,
including professional, legal, medical, and academic settings.
ENGL 4530 - Practicum in ESL | Dr. Rebecca Adams | TBA
The course provides field experience in ESL teaching in through observing teaching
by ESL specialists in your local area and also by engaging in supervised teaching.
You will need to find a suitable ESL teaching context for the practicum. Please be
in contact with the instructor early (before the semester begins) to discuss options
for practicum sites.
ENGL 4531 - Methods & Techniques in ESL (multiple sections offered; online courses available)
ENGL 4531.001 | Prof. Tammy Jones | MW 12:40-2:05
Methods and techniques of teaching English as a Second Language in various settings.
ENGL 4531.M50 | Dr. Ronald Fuentes | Online
This class is designed to introduce methods and techniques of teaching English as
a Second Language in various settings. It examines our current understanding of second
language acquisition and the varying methods and techniques used to teach language
skills to students of English at the K-12 level and in intensive and immigrant programs
in the U.S. and overseas. The purpose of this course is to provide knowledge and experience
that will help you to better analyze learning situations, enhance your professional
skills, and increase your ability to promote learning
ENGL 4533 - ESL/EFL in Multicultural Settings | Dr. Emily Thrush | Online
Approaches to working with ESL or EFL students in multicultural settings.
Creative Writing:
ENGL 3606.001 - Poetry Writing | Prof. Kendra Vanderlip | MW 12:40-2:05
Calling all poets! ENGL 3606 is an introductory class for anyone who wants to learn
more about writing and reading poetry. Students will learn the conventions of the
genre through close reading, analysis, creative practice, and constructive critique
studying contemporary selections of poetry to analyze the use of style, structure,
and figurative language. We will compose poems throughout the semester with guided
prompts, culminating in a portfolio at the end of the semester showcasing the writer’s
growth and understanding of poetic conventions.
ENGL 3606.002 - Poetry Writing | TBD | TR 11:20-12:45
Exploration of the creative process within the forms and traditions of poetry. Emphasis
on student’s own work.
ENGL 3607.001 - Fiction Writing | TBD | MWF 10:20-11:15
Exploration of the creative process within the forms and traditions of fiction. Emphasis
on the student’s own work.
ENGL 3607.002 - Fiction Writing | TBD | TR 9:40-11:05
Exploration of the creative process within the forms and traditions of fiction. Emphasis
on the student’s own work.
ENGL 4600 - Creative Nonfiction Workshop | Prof. Kendra Vanderlip | TR 11:20-12:45
This course places heavy emphasis on workshop and reading in preparation for workshop.
The theme of this workshop class will revolve around the “queering of the essay.”
Writers who identify from queer spaces use craft to create disruptions in their writing.
You do not have to be a queer identifying student to take this class, as the emphasis
will be on identifying the choices writers make in craft in conversation with identity.
We will also compose workshop length essays that focus on student’s own understanding
of identity while building their writer toolkit through class discussion and analysis,
equipping students with a detailed understanding of the craft of literary nonfiction
writing. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours credit with permission of instructor.
ENGL 4601 - Poetry Workshop | Prof. Kendra Vanderlip | MW 2:20-3:45
This course places heavy emphasis on workshop and reading in preparation for workshop.
The theme of this workshop class will revolve around the chapbook length projects.
We will be taking a look at several chapbooks and thinking about what it is to compose
a themed shorter poetry length project. Workshops will focus on developing content
in conversation with the larger goals of the project, and how theme, craft and voice
all work in conversation with one another while composing. Students will build their
writer toolkit through class discussion and analysis, equipping students with a detailed
understanding of the craft of literary poetry writing. May be repeated for maximum
of 6 hours credit with permission of instructor.
ENGL 4603 - Fiction Workshop | TBD | MWF 11:30-12:25
Nature of short story and longer forms of fiction, critical approaches to fiction,
and practical experience in writing and revising text. May be repeated for maximum
of 6 hours credit with permission of instructor.
ENGL 4604 - Forms of Poetry | Prof. Kendra Vanderlip | TR 1:00-2:25
This course places heavy emphasis on workshop and reading in preparation for workshop.
The theme of this workshop class will revolve around the chapbook length projects.
We will be taking a look at several chapbooks and thinking about what it is to compose
a themed shorter poetry length project. Workshops will focus on developing content
in conversation with the larger goals of the project, and how theme, craft and voice
all work in conversation with one another while composing. Students will build their
writer toolkit through class discussion and analysis, equipping students with a detailed
understanding of the craft of literary poetry writing.
ENGL 4605 - Forms of Fiction: Studies in Genre | Dr. Eric Schlich | MW 12:40-2:05
This forms class explores a new genre in fiction each week—science-fiction, fantasy,
magical realism, horror, fairy-tale and literary retellings, historical fiction, romance,
humor, metafiction, epistolary and fraudulent artifact stories, and more. Students
will read stories and try out writing in each of these genres, as well as mash up
genres to create new ones. May be repeated for maximum of 6 hours credit with permission
of instructor.
Literature:
ENGL 3210 - British Literature to 1750 (multiple sections offered; online and honors
courses available)
Survey of major authors, themes, and movements from the medieval period through the
18th century.
ENGL 3210.001 | Dr. Darryl Domingo | MWF 11:30-12:25
We will examine the development of genres and themes over time and analyze their relationship
to broader developments in British culture, including the shift from oral to written
to print, the persistence of pagan values in a Christian state, the nature of heroism,
the emergence of colonialism and notions of nationalism, the consumer revolution,
the invention of a social, sexual, and political “self,” novelty and the rise of the
“novel.”
ENGL 3210.002/350 (honors embedded) | Dr. Cristina Cervone | TR 9:40-11:05
Students will gain a broad overview of British literature and its cultural contexts
from its beginnings in early Britain up to the middle of the eighteenth century. The
class will ask the following questions of a variety of British literary texts and
their original audiences: What do we consider literature? What did they consider literature?
Why were certain forms, themes, and plots popular, and how can we learn to appreciate
them from a modern perspective? How does a text become “timeless”?
ENGL 3210.M50 | Dr. Joshua Phillips | Online
ENGL 3216 - Topics in Medieval Literature: Medieval Drama | Dr. Cristina Cervone |
TR 1:00-2:25
Play, game, community, and diversity will receive special attention in this course
as we read and enact, by voicing and through bodily movement, a broad range of Middle
English plays. Our class will reach across a chasm of loss to discover how play and
game can teach us about those who first spoke the words of these plays, and perhaps
enable us to also make sense of how we situate ourselves relative to their topics
and our own communal endeavors. Readings are in Middle English. Prior knowledge of Middle English is not expected;
coursework will include language practice as well as close attention to poetic forms.
ENGL 3220 - British Literature Since 1750 (multiple sections):
3220.001 | Prof. Rhonda Powers | TR 9:40-11:05
This survey course will address British literature from the Romantics to the Post-moderns
and examine the quest for empire. The British Empire spanned the world and linked
a quarter of world's population to Britain through a shared, official allegiance to
the Crown. Thus, Britain has — through language, education, and culture — shaped globalization,
and the world.
3220.002 | Dr. Carey Mickalites | MWF 10:20-11:15
Survey of major authors, themes, and movements from the Romantic period through the
present.
ENGL 3327 - American Literature to 1865 (multiple sections):
Survey of major authors, themes, and movements in American literature from the colonial
period through 1865.
ENGL 3327.001 - Social Justice, Reform, & Literature | Dr. Christopher Black | MWF 10:20-11:15
America as both a utopian ideal and an egalitarian republic has been perceived as
a place where individuals from diverse social and cultural backgrounds can live free
from oppression. In this course we will conduct a comprehensive survey of social reform
movements including religious freedom, Native American rights, women’s rights, and
abolition in order to determine how literature functions as a medium to advocate for
social justice and democratic equality.
ENGL 3327.002 | Dr. Jeff Scraba | TR 1:00-2:25
ENGL 3327.M50 | Dr. Jeff Scraba | Online
ENGL 3401.001/350 (honors embedded) - Children's Literature | Dr. Lorinda Cohoon |
MWF 11:30-12:25
This section of Children’s Literature will focus on the natural and supernatural in
children's literature, with selected readings with themes and topics focusing on trees
and elves, flowers and fairies, with some mushrooms, ghosts, and spirits mixed in.
ENGL 3404 - Studies in Popular Texts | Dr. Andrew Donnelly | MW 2:20-3:45
This course will examine the Civil War in popular imagination--in novels, stories,
poetry, film, monuments, and other media--to consider how texts make meaning of the
past and what the Civil War has meant and continues to mean today.
ENGL 3405 - Multicultural Children's Literature: Bridges & Windows Through Intergenerational
Stories | Dr. Lorinda Cohoon | MW 12:40-2:05
Starting from a thematic focus on intergenerational stories and the ways that they
might build bridges and windows across ages, nations, ethnicities, and perspectives,
participants will read and write about books from multiple cultures that feature intergenerational
relationships and themes.
ENGL 3701 - Literary Criticism & Theory: Marxist Theory & Criticism | Dr. Carey Mickalites | MW 12:40-2:05
Do you ever wonder why “Marx” is such a dirty word to a lot of people? Have you ever
noticed shared concerns among women, people of color, and wage earners? Or would you
like to write some badass literary criticism? If you answered “yes” to any of these,
this class is for you! We’ll begin with foundational 19th century texts by Karl Marx
and Friedrich Engels, and then move through later developments in Black Marxism, Marxist-Feminism,
Postcolonial Studies, and other engagements with this important intellectual legacy.
Along the way we will supplement our discussion with select literary texts, films,
and other cultural products. No prior knowledge of Marxism is required!!!
ENGL 4237 - Shakespeare For All! | Dr. Joshua Phillips | TR 11:20-12:45
Have you never read a Shakespeare play but want to? This class is for you! Have you
read a lot of Shakespeare but want to know more? This class is for you too! This course
will focus on some of Shakespeare’s most beautiful and influential works — including
the sonnets and plays including Hamlet, King Lear, The Winter’s Tale and The Tempest. Also, we will be thinking about Shakespeare’s place in modern culture, considering
music, movies, memes, and more. If you have ever wanted to know more about the writer
often considered the GOAT, this class is for you!
ENGL 4346 - Studies in American Literature: What Are the Public Humanities? | Dr.
Donal Harris | TR 1:00-2:25
This course will introduce late-stage undergraduates and early graduate students to
these ‘public humanities’ initiatives: how they differ from traditional scholarship,
what they share and where they depart in their own methods, and how they open up new
careers for humanities students. This class will be interactive and project-based:
you will end the course having made something. May be repeated for a maximum of 6
hours credit with change in course content.
Professional Writing:
ENGL 3601 - Intro to Technical & Professional Writing (multiple sections):
Introduction to rhetoric and style of documents written by scientists, engineers,
technical writers, and other professionals; extensive practice in writing reports,
proposals, manuals, and correspondence.
ENGL 3601.001 | TBD | TR 1:00-2:25
ENGL 3601.M50 | Prof. Emily Gillo | Online
This section gives students the opportunity to learn, experiment with, and apply principles
of technical writing and rhetoric to workplace communication, public online writing,
and civic engagement. This section is centered on digital literacy and is made up
of four units: corporate workplace writing, online content creation & social media,
professional networking, and the online job market. Students will have the opportunity
to tinker with a variety of writing genres, scenarios, audiences, and writing platforms/tools,
and will leave this course not only with tangible, career-ready skills, but also with
a better understanding of Web 4.0’s rhetorical situation as well as their place and
space within this new situation.
ENGL 3601.M51 | Prof. Terry Ansbro | Online
ENGL 3602 - Professional Editing | TBD | Online
Workshop in techniques of editing effectively in academic, industry, government, literary,
and research settings; developing practical genre familiarity for printed and online
formats within those areas.
ENGL 3603 - Engineering Communications (multiple sections offered):
Form and contexts of written and oral communications in engineering professions; extensive
practice in oral reporting, written reports, manuals, and proposals.
*Does not apply to the English major or minor.*
ENGL 3603.001 | Dr. Adam Sneed | MW 12:40-2:05
This course teaches the fundamentals of technical communication with a focus on written
and oral communications specific to the engineering domain. It embraces the idea that
students learn best through practical, hands-on experience in real-world contexts.
The course’s central assignment is a semester-long service-learning project, the iFixit Technical Writing Project (Standard Project), where students work with their peers to create and publish an original, wiki-based
troubleshooting manual for a real device. The course also affords opportunities to develop important job application documents
and even pursue your own research interests.
ENGL 3603.002 | TBD | MW 2:20-3:45
ENGL 3603.003 | Prof. Calen Verbist | TR 9:40-11:05
ENGL 3603.004 | Prof. Calen Verbist | TR 11:20-12:45
ENGL 3604 - Persuasive Writing (multiple sections offered, online sections available)
Study and practice of writing essays and reports with emphasis on persuasion; introduction
to empirical and library research, application of rhetorical principles, and nature
of evidence, including numerical; academic and professional writing, editing, and
revision.
ENGL 3604.001 | Dr. Joseph Jones | TR 9:40-11:05
ENGL 3604.002 | Dr. Scott Sundvall | MW 12:40-2:05
This course will first analyze the rhetoric surrounding gun violence in Memphis and
then, in partnership with a community partner, will ask students to rhetorically invent
potential solutions to gun violence in Memphis.
ENGL 3604.M50 | Prof. Terry Ansbro | Online
ENGL 3604.M51 | TBD | Online
ENGL 4602 - Advanced Composition: Writing & Public Advocacy | Dr. Will Duffy | Online
This course focuses on the principles and applications of writing across genres (voice,
video, social media, etc.) with a focus on public writing and advocacy.
ENGL 4618 - Document Design | TBD | Online
Theories of visual and written communication, focusing on the interrelationship between
visual and verbal elements; practice in effective design using layout and graphics
software; working on client projects in a collaborative setting.
ENGL 4620.M50 - Digital Rhetoric & Writing | Dr. Scott Sundvall | Online
This course will immerse students in the complexities and nuances of digital writing
and rhetoric as understood within that post-literate medium. Within the context of
the digital institution, students will analyze, create, remix, and remediate various
forms and methods of writing and rhetoric.
Honors & Internships:
ENGL 4640 - Internship in English | Rachel Cantrell | TBA
Experience with a local community partner requiring the assistance of English majors
with strong oral and written communication skills. Dependent upon availability. Visit our internships page for more information.
ENGL 4995 - Honors Thesis Research | Dr. Cristina Maria Cervone | TBA
Students engage in individual, intensive study of a unique problem or issue in English
Studies, culminating in a prospectus for their Honors thesis. Visit our English honors page for more information.