Department of English
Elizabeth Allen, Department Chair
435 Humanities Instructional Building
949-824-6712
www.humanities.uci.edu/english
The Department of English comprises undergraduate and graduate programs in literature in English; the M.F.A. Program in Writing; The Master of English Program; Literary Journalism; and Composition. Among our faculty members are theorists and literary historians, scholars of rhetoric and experts in composition, journalists, writers of fiction, and poets.
Students in the Department explore a variety of models for literary analysis. They write stories and poems. They produce journalism. In every case, our students read and think about writing: its history, its changing functions, and its place in today’s culture. The major prepares students for a world in which informed analysis of language and forceful writing continue to be crucial.
Faculty
Criticism/English Courses
CRITISM 200A. Political Economy: Methods and Critique. 4 Units.
Introduction to canonical texts in Marxism coupled with an examination of the questions of race, gender, ethnicity, and sexuality that distend the calculus of the canon’s assumptive logic. May be taken after CLT&THY 200B.
Same as CLT&THY 200A.
Restriction: Graduate students only.
English Courses
ENGLISH 8. Multicultural American Literature. 4 Units.
Writings from at least two historically underrepresented groups in California and the United States with particular attention to historical conditions of literary production. Considers in-depth how literary works relate to racial constructions, economic conditions, and/or social movements.
(IV and VII ).
ENGLISH 9. Shakespeare. 4 Units.
Plays by William Shakespeare are used to explore the playwright’s poetic gifts, theatrical imagination, and inquiry into human relationships and the human condition.
(IV)
ENGLISH 10. Topics in English and American Literature. 4 Units.
Explores the diversity of human expression manifested in selected works of literature. By engaging with substantial literary texts, students will think critically about how meaning is created and how experience is interpreted in literary language.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 3 times as topics vary.
(IV)
ENGLISH 10B. Topics in English and American Literature. 4 Units.
Linked with Writing 50. Explores the diversity of human expression manifested in selected works of literature. By engaging with substantial literary texts, students think critically about how meaning is created and how experience is interpreted in literary language.
Corequisite: WRITING 50
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 3 times as topics vary.
Overlaps with ENGLISH 10.
(IV)
ENGLISH 11. Society, Law, and Literature. 4 Units.
Examines how works of literature represent and influence the relation between law and society. The primary readings will be works of literature, but selections of works of law, politics, and sociology may also be assigned.
(III or IV ).
ENGLISH 11C. Society, Law, and Literature. 4 Units.
Linked with Writing 60. Explores how works of literature represent and influence the relation between law and society. The primary readings are works of literature, but selections of works of law, politics, and sociology may also be assigned.
Corequisite: WRITING 60
Overlaps with ENGLISH 11.
(III or IV ).
ENGLISH 12. Young Adult Fiction . 4 Units.
Young adult fiction studied in historical context, including the publishing industry and mass marketing, as well as education and literacy. Primary readings will focus on young adult fiction, but works of history, advertising, and film will also be included.
(IV)
ENGLISH 15. Introductory Seminar in English: Topics in Literary Studies. 4 Units.
Discussion-based seminar on a faculty-chosen topic that introduces majors and those considering a major in English to interpretive methodologies and critical frameworks that characterize the field of English studies.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 2 times as topics vary.
Restriction: English Majors have first consideration for enrollment.
ENGLISH 16. The Craft of Poetry. 4 Units.
Reading of selected texts to explore the ways in which these modes formulate experience. Students write several short analytic papers. Requires creative writing.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement.
(IV)
ENGLISH 17. The Craft of Fiction. 4 Units.
Reading of selected texts to explore the ways in which these modes formulate experience. Students write several short analytic papers. Requires creative writing.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement.
(IV)
ENGLISH H80. Sanctuary: Medieval and Modern. 4 Units.
Principles and significance of the practice of legal sanctuary in medieval English history, literature, and religion. Development of modern use of churches and other safe spaces in the American Civil Rights movement, immigrant sanctuary movements, and international asylum.
Restriction: Campuswide Honors Collegium students only.
(III or IV ).
ENGLISH H81. What is a Person?. 4 Units.
Contemporary debates about personhood in law, culture, and society. Beginning with the emergence of ideas of personhood in philosophy and theology, and culminating in the study of highly contested cases: slavery, abortion law, animal rights, corporate personhood, and artificial intelligence.
Restriction: Campuswide Honors Collegium students only.
(III)
ENGLISH H83. What is a University?. 4 Units.
The history and present of the modern university, with special attention to the history of the UC system. Problems of social justice, racial equality, class mobility in the university as well as student life and universities in popular culture.
Restriction: Campuswide Honors Collegium students only.
(III)
ENGLISH 100. Introduction to Literary Theory. 4 Units.
Using Plato and Aristotle as points of departure, addresses a range of perspectives and problems in literary theory. To be taken by English majors in the junior year.
Prerequisite: Three courses selected from ENGLISH 8, ENGLISH 9, ENGLISH 10, ENGLISH 11, ENGLISH 12, ENGLISH 15, ENGLISH 16, ENGLISH 17, LIT JRN 20, LIT JRN 21.
ENGLISH 101W. Undergraduate Seminar in Critical Writing: Topics in Literary History. 4 Units.
Each instructor identifies a topic within literary history; special attention is given to mastering the conventions of academic argument and expression. To be taken as early as possible in the junior year.
Prerequisite: Three courses selected from ENGLISH 8, ENGLISH 9, ENGLISH 10, ENGLISH 11, ENGLISH 12, ENGLISH 15, ENGLISH 16, ENGLISH 17; or LIT JRN 20 and LIT JRN 21 and one course selected from the above list. Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement.
Repeatability: Unlimited as topics vary.
Restriction: Upper-division students only. English Majors have first consideration for enrollment.
(Ib)
ENGLISH 102A. Topics in Medieval and Renaissance Literature. 4 Units.
Studies of works representative of Medieval and Renaissance literature in English, with attention to literary history, treating at a minimum more than one author and more than one genre.
Prerequisite: Three courses selected from ENGLISH 8, ENGLISH 9, ENGLISH 10, ENGLISH 11, ENGLISH 12, ENGLISH 15, ENGLISH 16, ENGLISH 17. Or LIT JRN 20 and LIT JRN 21 and one course selected from the above list.
Repeatability: Unlimited as topics vary.
Restriction: Upper-division students only. English Majors have first consideration for enrollment.
ENGLISH 102B. Topics in Restoration and 18th-Century Literature . 4 Units.
Studies of works representative of Restoration and 18th-century literature in English, with attention to literary history, treating at a minimum more than one author and more than one genre.
Prerequisite: Three courses selected from ENGLISH 8, ENGLISH 9, ENGLISH 10, ENGLISH 11, ENGLISH 12, ENGLISH 15, ENGLISH 16, ENGLISH 17. Or LIT JRN 20 and LIT JRN 21 and one course selected from the above list.
Repeatability: Unlimited as topics vary.
Restriction: Upper-division students only. English Majors have first consideration for enrollment.
ENGLISH 102C. Topics in Romantic and 19th-Century Literature. 4 Units.
Studies of works representative of Romantic and 19th-century literature in English, with attention to literary history, treating at a minimum more than one author and more than one genre.
Prerequisite: Three courses selected from ENGLISH 8, ENGLISH 9, ENGLISH 10, ENGLISH 11, ENGLISH 12, ENGLISH 15, ENGLISH 16, ENGLISH 17. Or LIT JRN 20 and LIT JRN 21 and one course selected from the above list.
Repeatability: Unlimited as topics vary.
Restriction: Upper-division students only. English Majors have first consideration for enrollment.
ENGLISH 102D. Topics in 20th-Century Literature. 4 Units.
Studies of works representative of 20th-century literature in English, with attention to literary history, treating at a minimum more than one author and more than one genre.
Prerequisite: Three courses selected from ENGLISH 8, ENGLISH 9, ENGLISH 10, ENGLISH 11, ENGLISH 12, ENGLISH 15, ENGLISH 16, ENGLISH 17. Or LIT JRN 20 and LIT JRN 21 and one course selected from the above list.
Repeatability: Unlimited as topics vary.
Restriction: Upper-division students only. English Majors have first consideration for enrollment.
ENGLISH 103. Topics in Literature, Theory, and Criticism. 4 Units.
A series of lectures on and discussions of announced topics in literary criticism, theory, history, genres, modes, major authors.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement.
Repeatability: Unlimited as topics vary.
Restriction: Recommended: Upper-division students only.
ENGLISH 105. Multicultural Topics in Literatures in English. 4 Units.
Focuses on ethnic or minority literatures, or treats issues related to race and cultural identity.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement.
Repeatability: Unlimited as topics vary.
Restriction: Recommended: Upper-division students only.
ENGLISH 106. Advanced Seminar: Topics in English Literature . 4 Units.
Capstone course. Provides intensive work on a topic within the area of literatures in English with particular attention to the theoretical, critical, or conceptual issues it raises, with the goal of producing a substantive research paper.
Prerequisite: (ENGLISH 101W or WRITING 101W) and (ENGLISH 100 and 102A) or (ENGLISH 100 and 102B) or (ENGLISH 100 and 102C) or (ENGLISH 100 and 102D) or (ENGLISH 102A and 102B) or (ENGLISH 102A and 102C) or (ENGLISH 102A and 102D) or (ENGLISH 102B and 102C) or (ENGLISH 102C and 102D) or (ENGLISH 103 and 102A) or (ENGLISH 103 and 102B) or (ENGLISH 103 and 102C) or (ENGLISH 103 and 102D) or (ENGLISH 105 and 102A) or (ENGLISH 105 and 102B) or (ENGLISH 105 and 102C) or (ENGLISH 105 and 102D) or (ENGLISH 100 and 103) or (ENGLISH 103 and 105) or (ENGLISH 100 and 105).
Repeatability: Unlimited as topics vary.
Restriction: Seniors only. English Majors have first consideration for enrollment.
ENGLISH 160. Topics in English Language Film and TV. 4 Units.
Focuses on the analysis of film and/or television traditions in the English-speaking world, from a historical, theoretical, or comparative perspective.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 2 times as topics vary.
Restriction: Upper-division students only.
ENGLISH 198. Special Topics. 4 Units.
Directed group study of selected topics as arranged by instructor.
Repeatability: May be repeated for credit unlimited times.
ENGLISH 199. Independent Study. 1-4 Units.
To be taken only when the materials to be studied lie outside the normal run of departmental offerings, and when the student will have no formal chance to pursue the subject. Research paper required.
Repeatability: May be repeated for credit unlimited times.
ENGLISH 205. Master of English Seminar. 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas of literary history for Master of English students. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Repeatability: May be repeated for credit unlimited times.
Restriction: Graduate students only.
ENGLISH 206. Master of English Research and Writing Colloquium. 2 Units.
Studies in selected areas. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Repeatability: May be repeated for credit unlimited times.
Restriction: Graduate students only.
ENGLISH 207. Master of English Thesis Practicum. 2 Units.
A yearlong undertaking of original research and writing, developed in close coordination with a faculty mentor. Accordingly, the precise contents and contours vary by advisor and by project.
Repeatability: May be repeated for credit unlimited times.
Restriction: Graduate students only.
ENGLISH 208. Master of English Thesis Workshop. 4 Units.
Students practice the scholarly genres that they will use throughout their career as an academic. The ultimate goal is to move toward a finished piece of writing: a masters thesis.
Restriction: Graduate students only.
ENGLISH 210. Studies in Literary History. 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas of literary history. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Repeatability: Unlimited as topics vary.
ENGLISH 255. Graduate Workshop in Academic Publishing. 4 Units.
Reading and critique of student-authored essays with the goal of producing a publishable essay. Instructor leads discussion, meets with students individually, and provides an introduction to appropriate venues for publication and the process of submission, peer review, and revision.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/unsatisfactory only.
ENGLISH 290. Reading and Conference. 4-12 Units.
Studies in selected areas. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
Repeatability: May be repeated for credit unlimited times.
ENGLISH 291. Guided Reading Course. 4 Units.
Studies in selected areas. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
ENGLISH 299. Dissertation Research. 4-12 Units.
A units-only course for students in the dissertation phase.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/unsatisfactory only.
Restriction: Graduate students only.
ENGLISH 398. Rhetoric/Teaching of Composition. 4 Units.
Readings, lectures, and internship designed to prepare graduate students to teach composition. Formal instruction in rhetoric and practical work in teaching methods and grading.
ENGLISH 399. University Teaching. 4 Units.
A units-only course for students appointed as teaching assistants or associates.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/unsatisfactory only.
Repeatability: May be repeated for credit unlimited times.
Restriction: Graduate students only.
Literary Journalism Courses
LIT JRN 20. Introduction to Literary Journalism. 4 Units.
Reading of selected texts to explore the ways in which literary journalism and related nonfiction modes formulate experience. Students complete a range of writing projects.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement.
Restriction: Literary Journalism Majors have first consideration for enrollment.
(IV)
LIT JRN 21. Reporting for Literary Journalism. 4 Units.
Instruction and hands-on training in how to interview, report, research, and collect the types of information needed to write literary journalism.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement.
Restriction: Literary Journalism Majors have first consideration for enrollment.
LIT JRN 100. Advanced Reporting. 4 Units.
Practical engagement with advanced reporting techniques of Literary Journalism, emphasizing the importance of thorough and effective research in the production of high-quality journalistic writing. Prepares students to make good decisions about where and how to publish their writing.
Prerequisite: LIT JRN 21
LIT JRN 101A. Studies in the History, Theory, and Ethics of Literary Journalism. 4 Units.
Lectures and discussion on topics that explore the historical and theoretical dimensions of literary journalism, with particular emphasis on the evolution of ethics in the field.
Prerequisite: LIT JRN 21 and LIT JRN 20 and (COM LIT 60A or COM LIT 60C or ENGLISH 8 or ENGLISH 9 or ENGLISH 10 or ENGLISH 11 or ENGLISH 12 or ENGLISH 15 or ENGLISH 16 or ENGLISH 17)
LIT JRN 101BW. Literary Journalism Core Writing Workshop. 4 Units.
Writing workshops in announced specialized genres that students will both study and practice. Examples include "The Memoir," "Review Writing," "The Editorial," "Writing Biography," "The Profile," and "Political Writing.".
Prerequisite: LIT JRN 101A. Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 3 times as topics vary.
Restriction: Upper-division students only. Students may enroll in one LITJ 101BW course per quarter.
(Ib)
LIT JRN 103. Lectures on Topics in Literary Journalism. 4 Units.
A series of lectures on, and discussions of, announced topics in literary journalism and the literature of fact. Examples include "Travel Literary Journalism"; "Literature of True Crime"; "Narratives in the Digital Age"; "Journalism on the Edge".
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement.
Repeatability: Unlimited as topics vary.
Restriction: Recommended: Upper-division students only.
LIT JRN 198. Special Topics. 4 Units.
Directed group study of selected topics.
Repeatability: Unlimited as topics vary.
LIT JRN 199. Reading and Conference. 1-4 Units.
To be taken only when the materials to be studied lie outside the normal run of departmental offerings.
Repeatability: May be repeated for credit unlimited times.
Writing Courses
WRITING 30. The Art of Writing: Poetry. 4 Units.
Beginners' workshop in the writing of poetry, evaluation of student manuscripts, and parallel readings.
Prerequisite: Satisfaction of the UC Entry Level Writing requirement.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 2 times.
(Ia)
WRITING 31. The Art of Writing: Prose Fiction. 4 Units.
Beginners' workshop in fiction writing, evaluation of student manuscripts, and parallel readings.
Prerequisite: Satisfaction of the UC Entry Level Writing requirement.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 2 times.
(Ia)
WRITING 40. Introduction to Writing and Rhetoric. 4 Units.
Introduction to the principles of rhetoric through readings and writing assignments across a range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, journalism and academic essays. Rigorous instruction in composition and style, including organization, paragraph development, sentence-level mechanics.
Prerequisite: AC ENG 20C and AC ENG 22A. AC ENG 20C with a grade of C- or better. Placement via the UC Irvine Writing Placement Process.
Grading Option: Letter Grade only.
Overlaps with WRITING 45, WRITING 40A.
WRITING 40A. Introduction to Writing and Rhetoric with Lab. 6 Units.
Introduces the principles of rhetoric through readings and writing assignments across a range of genres. Rigorous instruction in composition and style. Designed for students seeking additional English language support.
Prerequisite: AC ENG 20C and AC ENG 22A. AC ENG 20C with a grade of C- or better. Placement via the UC Irvine Writing Placement Process.
Grading Option: Letter Grade only.
Overlaps with WRITING 40, WRITING 45.
WRITING 45. Intensive Writing. 6 Units.
Critical reading and analysis conducted through literary, academic, journalistic, and fictional genres with additional instruction in paragraph development and sentence-level mechanics. Students analyze and apply rhetorical principles in a range of writing assignments.
Prerequisite: AC ENG 20C and AC ENG 22A. AC ENG 20C with a grade of C- or better. Placement via the UC Irvine Writing Placement Process.
Grading Option: Letter Grade only.
Overlaps with WRITING 40, WRITING 50.
(Ia)
WRITING 50. Critical Reading and Rhetoric. 4 Units.
Critical reading and analysis conducted through literary, academic, journalistic, and fictional genres. Students analyze and apply rhetorical principles in a range of writing assignments. Letter Grade with P/NP Option.
Prerequisite: Satisfaction of the UC Entry Level Writing requirement.
Overlaps with WRITING 45.
(Ia)
WRITING 60. Argument and Research. 4 Units.
Intensive instruction in research methods, argumentation, and rhetorical invention. Readings selected from current nonfiction and materials located by students from the University library’s holdings, to include databases across a range of disciplines.
Prerequisite: WRITING 45 or WRITING 50 or AP English Language and Composition or AP English Literature and Composition. WRITING 45 with a grade of C or better. WRITING 50 with a grade of C- or better. AP English Language and Composition with a minimum score of 4. AP English Literature and Composition with a minimum score of 4
(Ia)
WRITING 90. Intermediate Poetry Writing. 4 Units.
Intermediate workshop in the writing of poetry, evaluation of student manuscripts, and parallel readings.
Prerequisite: WRITING 30 or WRITING 31
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 2 times.
WRITING 91. Intermediate Fiction Writing. 4 Units.
Intermediate workshop in the writing of fiction, evaluation of student manuscripts, and parallel readings.
Prerequisite: WRITING 30 or WRITING 31
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 2 times.
WRITING 101W. Undergraduate Seminar: Applications in Literary Theory and Criticism for Creative Writing. 4 Units.
Readings in literature, with discussions and written rhetorical responses on their making.
Prerequisite: (WRITING 30 or WRITING 31) and (WRITING 90 or WRITING 91) and (WRITING 30 or WRITING 31 or WRITING 90 or WRITING 91 or ENGLISH 16 or ENGLISH 17). Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement.
Repeatability: Unlimited as topics vary.
(Ib)
WRITING 110. Short Story Writing. 4 Units.
Three-hour workshop in short fiction; discussion of student writing and of relevant literary texts.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 2 times.
WRITING 113. Novel Writing. 4 Units.
Three-hour advanced workshop in fiction writing; discussion of student writing and of relevant literary texts.
WRITING 139W. Advanced Expository Writing. 4 Units.
Study of rhetoric, disciplinary genres, and modes of knowledge production; practice in writing effective prose. Essays of varying lengths, totaling at least 4,000 words.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement.
Restriction: Upper-division students only.
(Ib)
WRITING 197. Writing Internship . 2-4 Units.
Internships focused on writing. In consultation with a faculty advisor, students create a course from response essays, research essays, and assessment project data. Internships may include editing and publication projects, supervised teaching and tutoring assignments, community literacy projects.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of the lower-division writing requirement.
Grading Option: Pass/no pass only.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 3 times.
WRITING 250A. Graduate Writers' Workshop (Fiction). 4 Units.
Graduate fiction workshop open to students enrolled in the MFA program in Writing.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/unsatisfactory only.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 3 times.
Restriction: Graduate students only.
WRITING 250B. Graduate Writers' Workshop (Fiction). 4 Units.
Graduate fiction workshop open to students enrolled in the MFA program in Writing.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/unsatisfactory only.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 3 times.
Restriction: Graduate students only.
WRITING 250C. Graduate Writers' Workshop (Poetry). 8 Units.
Graduate poetry workshop open to students enrolled in the M.F.A. Programs in Writing.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/unsatisfactory only.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 3 times.
Restriction: Graduate students only.
WRITING 251A. Writing in Conference (Fiction). 4 Units.
Graduate fiction workshop open to students enrolled in the MFA program in Writing.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/unsatisfactory only.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 3 times.
Restriction: Graduate students only.
WRITING 251B. Writing in Conference (Fiction). 4 Units.
Graduate fiction workshop open to students enrolled in the MFA program in Writing.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/unsatisfactory only.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 3 times.
Restriction: Graduate students only.
WRITING 251C. Writing in Conference (Poetry). 8 Units.
Graduate poetry workshop open to students enrolled in the M.F.A. Programs in Writing.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/unsatisfactory only.
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 3 times.
Restriction: Graduate students only.