Department of English
Department website: https://www.vanguard.edu/academics/academic-programs/undergrad/english
Laurie Hatch, PhD, Chair
Mission: The English Department facilitates the rigorous study of literature and writing through Christian perspectives on ethics, imagination, diversity, and truth; informed analysis of creative literature; and advanced strategies and techniques of written communication, rhetorical analysis, aesthetic appreciation, and literary theory. The English Department promotes spiritual development through the integration of faith and learning.
The English department offers the following degree options: a B.A. in English, a minor in English, a minor in Journalism and Digital Media, and an ITEP (Integrated Teacher Education Program) in English. English majors may choose one of two emphases within the major: literature and textual analysis or writing. The English curriculum also provides a single-subject matter program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
To major in English at Vanguard University is to enter a world in which students are presented with a colorful variety of curricular options: from the study of literature and its rich legacy of authors, genres and theory to the practice and development of creative writing and journalism, and their many branches and forms. A degree in English, with its emphasis on the mastery of language, offers preparation for many careers.
NOTE: Some of the courses listed below may be applicable to general education requirements within the Professional Studies/Non-Traditional Education program (e.g. ENGL-220 Researched Writing). Questions, contact the Department of English or the Registrar's Office.
ENGL-115 Foundations for College Writing II 3 Credits
Exposition and argument at the college level. The course emphasizes academic writing conventions through the writing process, mechanics, revising and editing, with a specific emphasis on critical thinking and logical argumentation. Course must be passed with a "C" or better to enroll in ENGL-220 (meets English Composition requirement). (Professional Education Course).
ENGL-120C Persuasive Writing 3 Credits
Exposition and argument at the college level. The course emphasizes writing, revising and editing, reading, research skills, and mechanics. Course must be passed with a "C" (not "C-") or better to enroll in ENGL-220C. Students with an Evidence-Based Reading and Writing SAT score of 610 or higher or an ACT score of 25 or higher may place out of this course into ENGL-220C. Based on a written diagnostic, some students will be additionally registered for the supplementary writing lab (ENGL-120CL).
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
ENGL-120CL Persuasive Writing Lab 1 Credit
This one unit is designed to support students enrolled in ENGL-120C as they transition from high school to college-level writing. The lab provides a space for students to engage with the foundational concepts introduced in ENGL-120C, such as developing a writing process, understanding rhetorical situations, and crafting sound arguments, all within a small-group, workshop setting. Students will be identified and registered for this writing lab based on a written diagnostic.
Co-Requisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
ENGL-201 Writing for the Discipline 3 Credits
This course develops research and analytical writing skills essential for English majors. Students learn scholarly research methodologies, academic citation practices, critical analysis techniques, and advanced grammar. Assignments emphasize research proposal development, literature reviews, and advanced academic writing and presentation.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
ENGL-220 Researched Writing 3 Credits
Interpretive and analytic writing, including several problem-solving research-based essays investigating topics related to class themes. The course emphasizes writing, revising and editing, reading, analytical skills, and computer technology (word processing, Internet research) and reinforces those skills learned in ENGL-115. Must be passed with a "C" or better to fulfill the core curriculum requirement. (meets English Composition requirement)
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
ENGL-220C Researched Writing 3 Credits
Interpretive and analytic writing, including several problem-solving research-based papers investigating topics related to class themes. The course emphasizes writing, revising and editing, reading, analytical skills, and computer technology (word processing, Internet research) and reinforces those skills learned in ENGL-120C. Taught in the computer lab. Must be passed with a "C" (not "C-") or better to fulfill the core curriculum requirement. Students may receive credit for ENGL-220C by taking research and writing courses offered by departments other than English that meet standards set and approved by the Core Curriculum Committee.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
ENGL-230 Literary Perspectives 3 Credits
Introduces the student to a variety of literary genres as well as diverse authors, cultures, and experiences. This course also covers the tools and concepts necessary to the understanding and interpretation of literature. Students engage in classroom discussion, write papers, and take a variety of quizzes and exams. (meets Humanities/Literature/Fine Arts requirement). (Professional Education Course).
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
ENGL-230C Literature and the Human Experience 3 Credits
Introduces the student to a variety of literary genres as well as diverse authors, cultures, and experiences. This course also covers the tools and concepts necessary to the understanding and interpretation of literature. Students engage in classroom discussion, write papers, and take a variety of quizzes and exams. This course is designed for non-English majors and is not to be taken by English majors as a substitute for ENGL-240C. (This course was previously titled "Literary Perspectives")
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
ENGL-235 Introduction to Journalism 3 Credits
Fundamentals of news reporting, including interviewing, quoting, paraphrasing, inverted triangle, and sourcing stories. Students are introduced to multiple journalism genres, including: news stories, opinions, features, profiles, and reviews.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
ENGL-240C Foundations/Literary Study 3 Credits
Introductory course for the English major covering the tools and concepts necessary to the understanding and interpretation of literature. This course is a prerequisite for all upper division courses in English and must be taken prior to or concurrent with the other courses in the major. All English majors are required to take ENGL-240C as a substitution for ENGL-230C the core curriculum requirement in literature.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
ENGL-260 Monsters and Maidens: British Lit 1785 3 Credits
A historical survey of English prose, poetry, and drama, from Beowulf to the Neo-Classic period. This course involves classroom discussion, quizzes, texts, papers, and group presentations using computer aided support and other graphics to illustrate results of library research on each group's assigned author or topic. (Formerly Survey of British Literature I)
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.
ENGL-262 Romanticism/Resistance: British Lit 1785 3 Credits
A historical survey of English prose, poetry, and drama, from the Romantic period to the present. This course involves classroom discussion, quizzes, texts, papers, and group presentations using computer aided support and other graphics to illustrate results of library research on each group's assigned author or topic. Non-English majors may receive credit for ENGL-230C by taking this course as a substitute. (Formerly Survey of British Literature II)
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.
ENGL-303 Medieval Romance and the Arthurian Tradition 3 Credits
This course explores Arthurian narratives, analyzing how these literary works reflect medieval social values, culture, and spiritual perspectives. Students will engage with several medieval authors, including Chretien de Troyes and Thomas Malory, develop critical research skills, and investigate the philosophical influences of Boethius on the medieval worldview.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.
ENGL-304 Victorian Novel 3 Credits
This course explores the novel as a genre during the Victorian era, focusing on influential works by authors like Austen, Bronte, Dickens, and Eliot. Through critical reading and research, students will gain insight into how Victorian novels reflect and critique the intellectual, social, and cultural dynamics of the 19th century.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.
ENGL-305 Origins of Fantasy: MacDonald to C.S. Lewis 3 Credits
This course examines the intellectual foundations of modern fantasy in the works of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien. and others. Through reading essays, analyzing works, and conducting research, students will investigate fantasy's origins in fairy tales and Victorian literature, with a focus on how these writers used the genre to explore deeper religious and philosophical themes.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.
ENGL-307 Ethnic/World Literature Special Topics 3 Credits
This course introduces students to key genres, authors, or significant themes important in the study of specific ethnic or world literatures. Through critical reading, discussion, writing, and analysis, students develop tools for interpreting literature and understanding its historical and social contexts. Assessments include classroom discussions, papers, quizzes, and exams.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
ENGL-308 Detective Fiction 3 Credits
This course explores the development of detective fiction, examining how the genre reflects changing cultural landscapes. Through critical reading, writing, and discussion, students will analyze detective literature within its historical context, investigating how the genre engages with knowledge systems, cultural attitudes, and reader expectations.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.
ENGL-309 Awakenings: Voices in American Lit 3 Credits
A historical survey of American prose, poetry and drama from the Puritans to the present. This course features tests that speak to the many ways that its characters awaken to the benefits and constraints associated with the new world. This course involves classroom discussion, quizzes, tests, papers and presentations, and it fulfills the departmental requirement for American Literature.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
ENGL-313 British Literature Special Topics 3 Credits
This course introduces students to key genres, authors, or significant themes important in the study of British literature. Through critical reading, discussion, writing, and analysis, students develop tools for interpreting literature and understanding its historical and social contexts. Assessments include classroom discussions, papers, quizzes, and exams.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
ENGL-315 Teaching English/Mltrcltrl Set 3 Credits
Students seeking to complete the subject matter program in English must take this class as part of that program to ensure that they are integrating literary content with their pedagogical experience. This course provides the philosophical background and classroom experience necessary to introduce a person to the teaching profession in a public or private school in a multicultural environment. The purpose of the class is to assist the student to gain an understanding of the resources and challenges facing a teacher serving a linguistically and culturally diverse student population. Discussion will focus on the major professional organizations and educational research related to the philosophical, historical, and demographic developments of American education. Students will complete a 30 hour field work component to observe classroom management and organization, Specially Designed Academic Instruction Delivered in English (SDAIE) instructional practices, and the curricula of grades K-12. The role and function of Christian beliefs and values in the public school will be integrated throughout the course. This course is a prerequisite requirement for the Multiple and Single Subject Credential programs. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
ENGL-316 American Literature Special Topics 3 Credits
This course introduces students to key genres, authors, or significant themes important in the study of American literature. Through critical reading, discussion, writing, and analysis, students develop tools for interpreting literature and understanding its historical and social contexts. Assessments include classroom discussions, papers, quizzes, and exams.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
ENGL-319 Publications: Newspaper 1-3 Credits
Members of the class constitute the editorial staff of the college newspaper. Class meets weekly for critique on news reporting, writing, editing, makeup, and production of the campus newspaper. May be repeated for a maximum of six units.
Prerequisite: ENGL-235
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
ENGL-325 Period Focus: 3 Credits
The study of the literary output of a particular period. The period will vary according to the instructor, but the class might cover the literature of Romanticism, Modernism, the Medieval period, the Eighteenth Century, or the Latin American Boom. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.
ENGL-335 Genre Focus: 3 Credits
The study of the development and variations of a particular literary form. The genre will vary according to the instructor, but the class might cover the novel, short story, poetry, or autobiography. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.
ENGL-336 Theopoetics 3 Credits
Theopoetics can be defined as "the study and practice of making God known through text" (keef-Perry, 579). This course will explore how artists have attempted to "make God known" throughout a broad range of writing in English. Although poets do not write theology, they do use language to describe how theology and theological experience is understood by the individual in his or her own unique cultural context. The focus of this class will be upon shorter, lyric works, the drama, and short story. Non-English majors may receive credit for ENGL-230C by taking this course as a substitute.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.
ENGL-340 Children's Literature 3 Credits
Reading and evaluating literature written especially for children and young adults. Includes a historical as well as a genre approach.
Prerequisite: ENGL-220C
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
ENGL-350 Creative Writing 3 Credits
This course serves as a foundation for creative writing, introducing the student to the three primary genres that make up that world - poetry, fiction, and drama. Students will study/review the fundamentals and theory specific to each genre; read and analyze professional poems, stories, and plays; read and critique each other's work; and most importantly, write their own poems, stories, and plays, creating, by the end of the course, a portfolio of original work.
Prerequisite: ENGL-220C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
ENGL-360 Dramatic Lit: Script Analysis 3 Credits
This course is cross-listed with THEA-360. This course introduces the student to history's most influential stage plays, which gives the student skills with which to analyze critically the script in order to understand the work of each playwright. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
ENGL-375 The Art of the Memoir 3 Credits
This advanced composition course is designed to acquaint students with a wide range of classical and contemporary strategies for writing purposeful and persuasive prose. It also equips students with options for personal narration and reflection to create a storyline out of life experience. Students cast themselves as compelling characters through concrete exercises and studies in successful memoir models of craft and form.
Prerequisite: ENGL-220C
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
ENGL-424 American Diversity 3 Credits
Students will gain exposure to historically marginalized groups in America by studying fiction and nonfiction traditionally overlooked in the American literature canon. Students will examine how systems of power and privilege operate in the United States and gain a critical understanding of human dignity in our diverse contemporary society.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.
ENGL-425 Author Focus 3 Credits
The intensive study of the literary achievement of a single author. Content will vary according to instructor, but might include Margaret Atwood, Jorge Luis Borges, William Faulkner, James Joyce, C. S. Lewis, Clarice Lispector, John Milton, Toni Morrison, J. R. R. Tolkien, or Mark Twain. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
ENGL-428 Travel Writing 3 Credits
This course is designed to introduce the creative writer to the genre of travel writing. Students will develop and apply critical vocabulary through in-class discussion and critique, and submit at least one piece of writing for professional publication.
Prerequisite: ENGL-220C
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
ENGL-433 Global Voices: World Literature 3 Credits
An examination of the contours of international literature, including classical Western mythology plus European, African, Asian, and Latin American literature from antiquity up to the present. This course fulfills the departmental requirement for world literature. Non-English majors may receive credit for ENGL-230C by taking this course as a substitute.
Prerequisite: ENGL-220C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.
ENGL-437 Advanced Journalism 3 Credits
Students hone their reporting and newswriting skills, including interviewing, researching public records, fact-checking and covering spot news, speeches, court cases, public meetings, and other hard news. This class includes numerous in-class and out-of-classroom reporting and writing assignments.
Prerequisite: ENGL-235
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
ENGL-438 Creative Writing Workshop 3 Credits
The theory and practice of writing a particular literary genre. Genre will vary according to the instructor, but might include screenwriting, poetry, or the short story. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: ENGL-220C
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
ENGL-442 Playwriting 3 Credits
Development of scriptwriting techniques as applied to stage and film. The student will be required to develop and write a one-act stage. Lab Fee. This course is cross-listed with THEA-442.
Prerequisite: ENGL-220C
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
ENGL-443 Creative Nonfiction 3 Credits
This is a course for writers who have a committed interest in creative non-fiction, such as personal essay, literary journalism, science writing, memoir, and other non-fiction genres, and are comfortable writing longer works of prose. Students will work cooperatively to share and improve each other's work in a workshop setting.
Prerequisite: ENGL-220C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
ENGL-450 Internship: Teaching English 1-3 Credits
The student selects and attends the sessions of ENGL-120C, ENGL-220C, or ENGL-230C course; meets with the instructor to prepare for class sessions; teaches a few sessions; discusses in retrospect the conduct of the class; agrees upon criteria for grading papers and other evaluation of students. May be repeated for a maximum of six units with a different instructor or a different course. Open to students with senior class standing and with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Prerequisite: ENGL-240C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
ENGL-451 Internship: Writing 1-3 Credits
Actual work experience in a business firm, academic program, publishing industry, or other professional setting as a writer, providing an opportunity for the practical application of student writing, editing, or multimedia skills under direct supervision. Reports to the supervising professor are required. Students are required to work thirty hours for each academic unit hour received. May be repeated to a maximum of six units. Course is open to students with Sophomore, Junior, or Senior class standing and with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Prerequisite: ENGL-240C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
ENGL-453 Language, Culture, and Linguistics 3 Credits
This course is cross listed with ANTH-453. This course surveys the acquisition and use of language within a cultural context. It examines the relationship of language to culture, language acquisition, and language analysis or linguistics, emphasizing the utility of such knowledge for educators. Stress is given to understanding language's reciprocal relation with culture, the nature of language systems, and linguistic analysis to enable educators a better comprehension of second language acquisition within learning environments.
ENGL-455 Shakespeare Through the Ages 3 Credits
An in-depth survey of Shakespeare's major works within the historical and cultural context of the Renaissance. This investigation of his oeuvre includes the close reading of tragedies, comedies, romances and history plays with an eye towards the ways in which he revolutionized genre. This course involves class discussion, quizzes, texts, papers and performance, and it fulfills the departmental required for Shakespeare.This course is cross-listed with THEA-455.
Prerequisite: ENGL-220C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
ENGL-458 Digital Writing and Design 3 Credits
In this course, students will prepare for the types of digital writing and design required in today's job market and learn to use digital tools to write for diverse audiences on various platforms. Students will produce resumes, personal websites, and online portfolios to showcase their academic and professional experiences, and they will collaborate on contemporary professional writing projects such as social media campaigns, content marketing, and visual data creation.
Prerequisite: ENGL-220C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.
ENGL-464 Thematic Focus 3 Credits
The in-depth comparative study of a particular literary theme or topic from several perspectives. Texts may be chosen from a variety of genres including prose, poetry, drama, and theory; they may also come from differing cultures and periods. Content will vary according to instructor but might include Christianity, translation studies, deconstruction, or feminist thought.
Prerequisite: ENGL-120C
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
ENGL-465 Becoming a Reader: Theory/Crit of Lit 3 Credits
A historical survey of literary theory from the time of Plato to the contemporary era. Various writing projects are designed to assist students in their development as scholarly researchers. This course fulfills the departmental requirement for literary theory.
Prerequisite: ENGL-220C
Terms Typically Offered: Spring, even years.
ENGL-470 Special Topic: 1-3 Credits
Study of a special topic, focusing upon a literary period, genre, and/or author(s). May be repeated for credit.
ENGL-472 Media Ethics and Law 3 Credits
Students will study the role of journalism in a democratic society and develop an understanding of ethical questions faced by journalists. Topics will include: freedom of the press, ethics, law and public policy, global media, and alternative journalism.
Prerequisite: ENGL-235
Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.
ENGL-480 Individual Studies: 1-3 Credits
Prerequisite: ENGL-220C
ENGL-499C Synecdoche: Capstone 3 Credits
This course is designed to serve as a rite of passage for graduating seniors through their service as the editorial board for Synecdoche, the English department's literary journal, and the submission of a portfolio of the student's four years of work as an English major. This course fulfills the Core Curriculum Capstone requirement for English majors.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.