English
B.A. Department of English · UC Irvine · 2026-2027 Catalog
This English major seeks to introduce students to the entire range of literatures written in English, from British and American to African, Asian, and Australasian literatures. The major emphasizes the differences among historical periods and various genres, and encourages exploration of a broad range of literary theories.
Requirements
B.A. in English
All students must meet the University Requirements.
All students must meet the School Requirements.
13 courses (52 units) are required for the major.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A. Select three of the following, one of which must be ENGLISH 15: | ||
| ENGLISH 8 | Multicultural American Literature | |
| ENGLISH 9 | Shakespeare | |
| ENGLISH 10 | Topics in English and American Literature | |
| ENGLISH 11 | Society, Law, and Literature | |
| ENGLISH 12 | Young Adult Fiction | |
| ENGLISH 15 | Introductory Seminar in English: Topics in Literary Studies | |
| ENGLISH 16 | The Craft of Poetry | |
| ENGLISH 17 | The Craft of Fiction | |
| B. Complete the following core courses: | ||
| ENGLISH 100 | Introduction to Literary Theory | |
| ENGLISH 101W | Undergraduate Seminar in Critical Writing: Topics in Literary History | |
| C. Complete the following: | ||
| ENGLISH 102A | Topics in Medieval and Renaissance Literature | |
| ENGLISH 102B | Topics in Restoration and 18th-Century Literature | |
| ENGLISH 102C | Topics in Romantic and 19th-Century Literature | |
| ENGLISH 102D | Topics in 20th-Century Literature | |
| ENGLISH 105 | Multicultural Topics in Literatures in English | |
| ENGLISH 106 | Advanced Seminar: Topics in English Literature | |
| D. Select at least two more Departmental (English, Literary Journalism, Writing) courses numbered 102 or above, excluding LIT JRN 198, LIT JRN 199, WRITING 139W, and WRITING 197. An upper-division course in a foreign literature in the original language or in translation may be substituted for one of the two courses. | ||
- ENGLISH 10 and ENGLISH 15 may be taken more than once as topics vary.
Residence Requirement for the English Major: ENGLISH 100, ENGLISH 101W, two ENGLISH 102s, and ENGLISH 106 must be completed successfully at UCI.
Specialization
B.A. in English with a Specialization in English for Future Teachers
All students must meet the University Requirements.
All students must meet the School Requirements.
15 courses (60 units) and fieldwork are required for the major.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A. Select three of the following, at least one of which must be ENGLISH 15 | ||
| ENGLISH 8 | Multicultural American Literature | |
| ENGLISH 9 | Shakespeare | |
| ENGLISH 10 | Topics in English and American Literature | |
| ENGLISH 11 | Society, Law, and Literature | |
| ENGLISH 12 | Young Adult Fiction | |
| ENGLISH 15 | Introductory Seminar in English: Topics in Literary Studies | |
| ENGLISH 16 | The Craft of Poetry | |
| ENGLISH 17 | The Craft of Fiction | |
| B. Complete the following: | ||
| ENGLISH 100 | Introduction to Literary Theory | |
| ENGLISH 101W | Undergraduate Seminar in Critical Writing: Topics in Literary History | |
| C. Complete the following: | ||
| ENGLISH 102A | Topics in Medieval and Renaissance Literature | |
| ENGLISH 102B | Topics in Restoration and 18th-Century Literature | |
| ENGLISH 102C | Topics in Romantic and 19th-Century Literature | |
| ENGLISH 102D | Topics in 20th-Century Literature | |
| ENGLISH 106 | Advanced Seminar: Topics in English Literature | |
| D. Complete two ENGLISH 105 courses with different topics. | ||
| E. Select at least two more Departmental (English, Literary Journalism, Writing) courses numbered 102 or above, excluding ENGLISH 150, LIT JRN 197, LIT JRN 198, LIT JRN 199, WRITING 139W, and WRITING 197. An upper-division course in a foreign literature in the original language or in translation may be substituted for one of the two courses. | ||
| F. Select one from following: | ||
| EDUC 108 | Adolescent Development and Education | |
| EDUC 124 | Multicultural Education in K-12 Schools | |
| EDUC 128 | Exceptional Learners | |
| EDUC 131 | Educational Technology | |
| EDUC 173 | Cognition and Learning in Educational Settings | |
| EDUC 176 | Psychology of Learning, Abilities, and Intelligence | |
| G. Complete at least two units of field work from EDUC 100, WRITING 197, or other relevant experience with prior departmental approval. | ||
- Foreign literature-in-translation courses are offered in Classics, Comparative Literature, East Asian Studies, French and Italian, German, and Spanish and Portuguese. COM LIT 150 and COM LIT 160, EAS 160 , FLM&MDA 160, FRENCH 160, GERMAN 160, and SPANISH 160 when appropriate, also qualify as foreign language literature-in-translation courses.
- ENGLISH 10 and ENGLISH 15 may be taken more than once as topics vary.
Residence Requirement for the English Major: ENGLISH 100, ENGLISH 101W, two ENGLISH 102s, and ENGLISH 106 must be completed successfully at UCI.
Sample Program
Students should plan coherent programs of study with their faculty advisors, including undergraduate seminars, workshops and seminars in writing (for students choosing a Literary Journalism major or Creative Writing minor), and courses in allied areas outside the Department. It is possible to combine a cluster of courses in literature with other majors in the sciences and social sciences, and to use an English or Literary Journalism major as preprofessional training in government, law, or medicine. Students who wish advice in planning such programs should consult both the Department and people in their prospective professional areas.
A student who intends to continue with graduate work is urged to study a second foreign language before graduation.
Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad through the UC Education Abroad Program. Visit the Study Abroad Center website or an academic counselor for additional information.
Career Opportunities
The study of literature helps students express their ideas clearly, do independent research, and think analytically and imaginatively. These capabilities will help qualify majors for careers in education, law, technical writing, communications, journalism, public relations, business, marketing, and management. Departmental advisors encourage their students to investigate various career options before completing their undergraduate educations.
The Division of Career Pathways provides services to students and alumni including career counseling, information about job opportunities, a career library, and workshops on resume preparation, job search, and interview techniques. See the Division of Career Pathways website for additional information.