Dr. Michele Rozga
Department Chair
(757) 823-8891
The English and Foreign Languages Department aims to develop in students an understanding of language development and of the structure and uses of language in their various written and spoken forms. The Department aims to help students in all majors to develop facility in the use of the English language for various purposes and contexts and to respond appreciatively to the beauty, power and utility of language in varied media. The Department offers its majors opportunities to concentrate in English, English with a Secondary Endorsement, Creative Writing, French Literature and Spanish Literature.
The Foreign Languages program in the Department seeks to develop students’ fundamental skills in French, Spanish, and other languages, including Arabic, as staff resources permit. It seeks also to generate or broaden student interest in world cultures through language study.
English Requirements
Requirements for the major: Sixty-five or more hours are required in discipline-related courses in all of the concentrations for the Bachelor of Arts in English. All discipline-related courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.
Requirements for certification to teach in the Commonwealth of Virginia include: A minimum of thirty-six semester hours (including ENG 101 College English I, ENG 102 College English II, American and British literature, language and related courses).
Foreign Language Requirements
English majors are required to complete 12 credit hours of a foreign language, usually French or Spanish, with a grade of C or better. General foreign language requirements can be fulfilled upon the successful completion of course work through the 212 level. Students may satisfy all or part of this requirement by obtaining satisfactory scores on a CLEP examination.
Freshmen and transfer students who wish to enter any language course above the 111 level will take a placement test in order to determine their eligibility to pursue advanced courses. This test will be administered by the Foreign Languages faculty.
All prospective English graduates will be required to take a comprehensive examination prior to prior to graduation. Dates and times of administration will be announced by the Department. All majors will be required to write and defend a senior thesis or complete a senior project appropriate to their concentration.
Note:
Descriptions of general education humanities courses (HUM 210 Humanities and HUM 211 Humanities) are listed at the end of the course offerings for music.
English and Foreign Languages Courses
English
ENG 101 College English I (3 Credits)
Experiences in multiple-draft writing of expository themes through the writing-process approach. Focus on thesis analysis and development, and analyses of audience, purpose, tone, style, and diction. Selected readings included. Must be passed with a "C" or above.
ENG 101H Honors College English I (3 Credits)
Experiences in multi-draft writing of expositorythemes through the writing-process approach. Focuson thesis analysis and development, and analysesof audience, purpose, tone, style, and diction.Selected reading included. Must be passed with "C"or above.
ENG 102 College English II (3 Credits)
Development of critical and analytical skills in communication, which provides experience in argumentative reading and writing and in techniques of research. Must be passed with a "C" or above.
ENG 102H Honors College English II (3 Credits)
Development of critical and analytical skills in communication which provides experience in argumentative reading and writing and in techniques of research. Must be passed with a "C" or above.
ENG 110 Introduction to Creative Writing (3 Credits)
Introduction to the craft and practice of creativewriting in a variety of forms, genres, and agecategories. Practical experience in both writingand editing.
ENG 114 Techniques of Vocabulary Building (2 Credits)
Introduction to the study of language with emphasis on processes of vocabulary building and some techniques of vocabulary expansion.
ENG 203 Advanced Communication Skills (3 Credits)
Emphasis on the writing of analytical essays based on selected readings. Researched, documented exposition is stressed.
ENG 203H Honors Advanced Communication Skills (3 Credits)
Emphasis on the writing of analytical essays based on selected readings. Researched, documented exposition is stressed.
ENG 207 Introduction to World Literature (3 Credits)
Close attention to works selected from world literature for their exemplary literary qualities and their bearing upon cultural heritage.
ENG 207H Honors Introduction to World Literature (3 Credits)
Close attention to works selected from world literature for their exemplary literary qualities and their bearing upon cultural heritage.
ENG 210 Practical English Grammar (3 Credits)
Structure of the English language and the principles underlying both sentence construction and standard English usage, establishing the connection between grammar and writing.
ENG 210H Honors Practical English Grammar (3 Credits)
Structure of the English language and the principles underlying both sentence construction and standard English usage, establishing the connection between grammar and writing.
ENG 215 Writing Short Stories (3 Credits)
Introduction to the art of short story writing with emphasis on the elements of a story as well as models of classic literature. Students are expected to understand the construction of stories.
ENG 218 Writing Poetry I (3 Credits)
Introduction to the art of poetry writing with emphasis on writing about literature and the nature and function of the English language.
ENG 250 Topics in Literature and Culture (3 Credits)
Focused inquiry on a literary theme, historical era, genre, single author or group of authors, specific regional or national literatures, or other topics defined by the instructor. Descriptions of the topic in a particular semester will be available in the English Department before registration.
ENG 285 Public Speaking (3 Credits)
Focus on the theory and practice of public speech. Students will learn the principles of discovering and evaluating arguments and evidence, organization, style, preparation, delivery, analysis of issues, the nature of argument, and audience psychology.
ENG 285H Honors Public Speaking (3 Credits)
Focus on the theory and practice of public speech. Students will learn the principles of discovering and evaluating arguments and evidence, organization, style, preparation, delivery, analysis of issues, the nature of argument, and audience psychology.
ENG 286 Writing About Literary Texts (3 Credits)
Principles and techniques of grammar, rhetoric, and logic with emphasis on writing about literature and the nature and function of the English language.
ENG 299 Writing Competency Exam (0 Credits)
Contact the department for specific course information.
ENG 303 Professional & Technical Writing (3 Credits)
Discipline-specific course designed to provide writing experiences across the curriculum.
ENG 303H Honors Professional & Technical Writing (3 Credits)
Discipline-specific course designed to provide writing experiences across the curriculum.
ENG 306 Introduction to Literary Criticism (3 Credits)
Survey of various critical approaches (biographical, sociological, mythical, structural, psychological, etc.) and their application to specific works and genres.
ENG 306H Honors Intro to Literary Criticism (3 Credits)
Survey of various critical approaches (biographical, sociological, mythical, structural, psychological, etc.) and their application to specific works and genres.
ENG 312 Writing in a Genre (3 Credits)
Introduction to the process and practice of imaginative writing in a specific genre or genres to be determined by the instructor. Study of works by important genre authors and poets. Practical experience in writing, editing, and manuscript preparation.
ENG 313 Writing Creative Nonfiction (3 Credits)
Focus on the genre of creative nonfiction, including personal essays, memoir, travel writing, literary journalism, and other forms. Students will study the craft of creative nonfiction by reading published literary works that will serve as models for their own creative work. Emphasis on the workshop format, learning to write for a specific audience, and doing deep revision of creative work.
ENG 314 Screenwriting (3 Credits)
Training in the fundamental components of screenwriting through analysis of character motivation, pacing and plot structure. Focus on techniques used by professional writers in crafting movie shorts and full-length feature films.
ENG 315 Survey of English Literature I (3 Credits)
Study of the major authors and major works in English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the 18th Century.
ENG 316 Survey of English Literature II (3 Credits)
Study of the major authors and major works in English literature from the Romantic period through the Modern Age.
ENG 318 Writing Poetry II (3 Credits)
Development of an advanced knowledge of self-expression and creativity as well as the use of poetic devices such as meter, rhythm, and symbolism in traditional and contemporary forms.
ENG 341 Survey of American Literature I (3 Credits)
Survey of American literature from the Colonial Period to the Civil War.
ENG 342 Survey of American Literature II (3 Credits)
Survey of American literature from the Civil War to the present.
ENG 350 Sem: Literary Analysis & Interpretation (3 Credits)
Offers students in-depth instruction in the skills of analysis and interpretation of literary texts to prepare them for thesis-writing. Students practice close reading and analysis of texts in different genres and learn to develop thesis-driven essays about literature.
ENG 383 African American Literature (3 Credits)
Survey of African American literature, including selected African American writers from slavery to the present time.
ENG 383H Honors African American Literature (3 Credits)
Survey of African American literature, including selected African American writers from slavery to the present time.
ENG 410 History of the English Language (3 Credits)
Structure and development of the language in England and America with emphasis on historical grammar and linguistic changes with the cultural factors involved.
ENG 410H Honors History of the English Language (3 Credits)
Structure and development of the language in England and America with emphasis on historical grammar and linguistic changes with the cultural factors involved.
ENG 412 Chaucer (3 Credits)
Designed to provide a general acquaintance with The Canterbury Tales, Troilus and Criseyde, and some of Chaucer's minor poems.
ENG 413 Shakespeare (3 Credits)
General survey of Shakespeare's dramatic career, with readings of a selected number of his plays and their study against the background of Elizabethan social, political, and philosophical ideas.
ENG 413H Shakespeare (3 Credits)
General survey of Shakespeare's dramatic career, with readings of a selected number of his plays and their study against the background of Elizabethan social, political, and philosophical ideas.
ENG 419 Contemporary American English Grammar (3 Credits)
Survey of the function of American English grammar in modern communication with emphasis on usage, dialectology, stylistics, and aesthetics.
ENG 430 Romantic Writers (3 Credits)
Critical study of the development of the Romantic Movement with special emphasis on Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Shelly, and Keats.
ENG 430H Honors Romantic Writers (3 Credits)
Critical study of the development of the Romantic Movement with special emphasis on Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Shelly, and Keats.
ENG 449 Teaching of Composition (3 Credits)
Study of the traditional and contemporary theories, practices, and research that inform the teaching of composition from late elementary school through freshman English.
ENG 450 Research Seminar and Sr Thesis (3 Credits)
Independent research on a topic selected by the student, approved by the departmental advisor, and completed under the guidance of the advisor.
ENG 454 Young Adult Literature (3 Credits)
Survey of the reading needs and preferences of adolescent readers with emphasis on integrating literature throughout the curriculum and utilizing methods of maintaining the integral connection between reading and writing.
ENG 455 Literature & Popular Culture (3 Credits)
Introduction to the systematic study of popular media, focusing on the development of selected print, film, and video genres.
ENG 456 Women's Studies: Myths and Images (3 Credits)
Exploration of the universal myths that promote certain images of women that relate to their biological function in modern fiction written by women.
ENG 456H Honors Women's Studies: Myths & Images (3 Credits)
Exploration of the universal myths that promote certain images of women that relate to their biological function in modern fiction written by women.
ENG 459 International Women's Literature (3 Credits)
Examination of fiction, poetry, diaries, journals,letters, interviews, and feminist essays by womenwriters from the international community,including a study of new conceptual andpsychological models of women which provide newframeworks for criticism.
ENG 460 Assessment & Evaluation of Writing (3 Credits)
Study of writing assessment practices with an emphasis on the variables of composition assessment, scalar measures of composition, large-scale assessment and classroom assessment methods, and alternative assessment techniques. Designed for the student teacher of composition at secondary and post-secondary levels.
ENG 465 Special Topics in Literature & Language (3 Credits)
Advanced study of a topic of literary or linguistic significance. Readings will include primary and secondary critical, analytical, or theoretical readings. Descriptions of the topic in a particular semester will be available in the English Department before registration.
ENG 466 Special Topics in Creative Writing (3 Credits)
Advanced study of a topic in creative writing. Students will explore how to write in a variety of forms, genres, and age categories.
ENG 490 Internship (3 Credits)
This course offers students the opportunity toapply their skills and knowledge in actual worksituations under the supervision of a professionalin the field and to explore career options orengage in sustained scholarly research on aselected topic under the guidance of a majorprofessor.
French
FRN 111 Elementary French I (3 Credits)
Introduction to fundamentals of pronunciation, grammar, structure, vocabulary, conversation, and reading.
FRN 111H Honors Elementary French I (3 Credits)
Introduction to fundamentals of pronunciation, grammar, structure, vocabulary, conversation, and reading.
FRN 112 Elementary French II (3 Credits)
Introduction to fundamentals of pronunciation, grammar, structure, vocabulary, conversation, and reading.
FRN 211 Intermediate French I (3 Credits)
Review of grammar, reading moderately difficult prose, oral practice, and written compositions.
FRN 212 Intermediate French II (3 Credits)
Intensive and extensive study and reading of modern prose, oral practice, and composition.
Spanish
SPN 111 Elementary Spanish I (3 Credits)
Introduction to the fundamentals of pronunciation, grammar, structure, vocabulary, conversation, and reading.
SPN 111H Honors Elementary Spanish I (3 Credits)
Introduction to the fundamentals of pronunciation, grammar, structure, vocabulary, conversation, and reading.
SPN 112 Elementary Spanish II (3 Credits)
Continuation of the fundamentals of pronunciation, grammar, structure, vocabulary, conversation, and reading.
SPN 112H Honors Elementary Spanish II (3 Credits)
Continuation of the fundamentals of pronunciation, grammar, structure, vocabulary, conversation, and reading.
SPN 113 Basic Conversation (3 Credits)
Emphasis on acquiring conversational skill with minimal involvement with formal study of grammar for students who have had no previous training in Spanish.
SPN 211 Intermediate Spanish I (3 Credits)
Review of grammar, reading of moderately difficult prose, oral practice, and written composition.
SPN 212 Intermediate Spanish II (3 Credits)
Intensive and extensive study and reading of modern prose, oral practice, and composition.
SPN 215 Intermediate Conversation (3 Credits)
Study of oral practice in everyday situations. Special emphasis on idiomatic expressions and fluency. Conducted largely in Spanish.
SPN 220 Spanish Civilization (3 Credits)
Survey of the most important elements of Spanish civilization, geography, economy, political history, arts, sciences, and institutions. Conducted in Spanish.
SPN 315 Advanced Conversation (3 Credits)
Intensive and extensive practices in the oral use of Spanish. Conducted in Spanish.
SPN 454 Advanced Grammar and Composition (3 Credits)
Intensive review and application of Spanish grammar. Intensive practice in writing and study of vocabulary and idioms.
Bonaventure Balla, Ph.D., Associate Professor
bballa@nsu.edu
757-823-2998
Desire Baloubi, Ph.D., Professor
dbaloubi@nsu.edu
757-823-2905
Jason Demeter, Ph.D., Associate Professor
jmdemeter@nsu.edu
757-823-2828
Damani Drew, M.A., Instructor
djdrew@nsu.edu
757-823-9124
Jocelyn Heath, Ph.D., Associate Professor
jaheath@nsu.edu
757-823-2827
Rosalie Kiah, Ph.D., Professor
rbkiah@nsu.edu
757-823-2904
Jennifer Malia, Ph.D., Professor
jlmalia@nsu.edu
757-823-2371
Christina Pinkston, Ph.D., Associate Professor
crpinkston@nsu.edu
757-823-8519
Michele Rozga, Ph.D. Associate Professor
merozga@nsu.edu
757-823-2370
Ingrid Watson-Miller Ph.D., Associate Professor
iwatson-miller@nsu.edu
757-823-8125
Gary Wilkens, Ph.D., Associate Professor
gcwilkens@nsu.edu
757-823-2956
Lamiaa Youssef, Ed.D., Professor
lsyoussef@nsu.edu
757-823-2997