Faculty Data
Department Purpose
Degree Offered
Why Become an English Major?
Careers for English Majors
Graduate Studies for English Majors
Course Descriptions
Important Reminders for English Majors and Minors
Transfer Students

Faculty Data
Abbott, April
(1992); MA, East Carolina University;
919-546-8424
Instructor of English
Aabbott@shawu.edu

Baloubi, Désiré
(2001), Ph.D.; Ball State University;
Associate Professor of English and Linguistics
919-546-8307
dbaloubi@shawu.edu

Blair, Lisa M.
(1993); Ph. D; Florida State University;
Associate Professor of French and Spanish
919-546-8308
Lblair@shawu.edu

Brown, Anthony J.
(1996); MA, North Carolina A&T State University;
Instructor of English
919-5468360
Abrown@shawu.edu

Chander, Harish
(1983); Ph. D; Miami University;
Professor of English
919-546-8365
Hchander@shawu.edu

Cruz-Concepcion, Marta
(2007) MA; University of Michigan;
Assistant Professor of Spanish
919-546-8619
mcruz@shawu.edu

Hastings, Robert
(2007) D.A.; University of Oregon
Associate professor of English
919-719-5885
rhastings@shawu.edu

Hervie, Nokotey
(1999); MA; North Carolina Central University;
Instructor of English
919-546-8371
hervien@shawu.edu

Jackson, Rachida
(1996) Ph. D; Universite de Sorbonne III;
Assistant Professor of English/French
919-546-8318
Rjackson@shawu.edu

Jones, Frederick C. , Chair
(2004); Ph.D.; University of Leeds, UK;
Associate Professor of English and Linguistics
919-546-8317
fjones@shawu.edu

Nwosu, Patricia
(1990); Ph.D.; Atlantic International University;
Assistant Professor of English
919-546-8541
Pnwosu@shawu.edu

Tejan-Cole, Ahmed
(1987); MA; North Carolina Central University;
North Carolina Central University
Instructor of History
919-546-8401
atejan@shawu.edu

Parker, Vickie
(2002); Administrative Assistant;
919-546-8254
vparker@shawu.edu

Williams, Jocelyn
(2004); MA; University of;
Instructor of English
919-546-8364
jwilliams@shawu.edu

Department Purpose
The purposes of the Department of Humanities are:

1. to provide instruction to all Shaw University students in reading and writing skills;

2. to offer students, through the history and humanities courses, a knowledge of the past which should enable them to better understand the present world in order to prepare for the world of tomorrow;

3. to contribute to the humanistic/ethical growth of students by providing them the cultural and historical backgrounds necessary for studying and appreciating the arts and transcendent human values;

4. to provide students from different disciplines with liberal arts foundations, by strengthening their communication skills, enhancing their aesthetic and artistic awareness, clarifying their critical thinking and problem solving processes;

5. to prepare students for graduate and professional studies by developing their written communication skills, sharpening their analytical and research skills, and fostering an understanding of diverse human constructs as represented in written literature;

6. to foster an understanding of self so that students can learn to function as literate members of society and as productive professionals;

7. to introduce English majors to literary theories so that they are prepared to step upon the theory-oriented landscape of graduate or professional school.


Degree Offered
Bachelor of Arts Degree in English
A candidate for the Bachelor of Arts degree in English must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours excluding deficiency courses and remedial work, complete the University’s core requirements, and earn the grade of C or better in all major courses.
In addition, the Department of Humanities offers minors in English French, Spanish, Arabic, History, and African American Studies.

Major
The Department of Humanities offers a major in English. English majors are required to complete 30 hours in major courses. All students majoring in English must successfully complete the following course requirements:

I. University Core Courses
University core courses are marked with an asterisk in the four-year course distribution plan.

II. Departmental Core Courses
ART 190 Introduction to the Visual Arts
ENG 211 Introduction to World Literature
MUS 225 Music Appreciation
PHI 240 Introduction to Philosophy
Departmental Core Elective (from French, Spanish, Theatre, Religion or Ethics)

III. Major Courses
ENG 300 Critical Analysis
ENG 309 Advanced Composition and Rhetoric
ENG 310 Old English to Neoclassical Literature
ENG 311 Romantic to Modern British Literature
ENG 312 American Literature: Colonial to the Civil War
ENG 313 Comparative Literature
ENG 314 African American Literature
ENG 400-409 Special Topic in English Literature
ENG 410-419 Special Topic in American Literature
ENG 420-429 Special Topic in African American Literature

Graduate Studies for English majors
Note: If you are interested in graduate studies, make an appointment to talk with the Department Chair and Graduate studies' Advisor early in your junior year.

ENG 400-409 Special Topic in English Literature (3)
ENG 410-419 Special Topic in American Literature (3)
ENG 420-429 Special Topic in African American Literature (3)

Why Become an English Major?
There are almost as many good reasons to major in English as there are people who choose to do so. One of the oldest reasons is still one of the best: a major in English provides a solid "liberal education" in the broadest, most humane sense of the term--an education that develops the whole person in ways specialized career training simply cannot. To study composition is to learn how to inform, to persuade, to instruct, and to inspire others effectively via language. To study literature is to learn about people and how they express their experience of the world. Meeting these people through their words is also an excellent way to learn more about yourself and to grow beyond your current self-definitions. The use of language--to communicate, to inspire, to express--is inseparable from who we are as human beings, and to explore language in its various forms is to learn more about what it means to be human.

In addition to these deep and lasting benefits, an English degree provides an excellent preparation for a wide range of careers. If you're not sure what you want to do but want to be prepared to do many different things, majoring in English might be a good choice for you. People who can read closely, think clearly, and write well will always be in demand. In fact, employers today say that graduates with strong analytical and communication skills are in higher demand than ever before.

Careers for English Majors
- Education--primary or secondary school teacher, museum educator, college professor
- Law--lawyer (corporate, government, private), researcher, legislative assistant,
  administrative assistant
- Radio and TV--reporter, news writer, researcher, news director, publicity
  or promotion director, community affairs director
- Technical writer (corporations, federal agencies, private)
- Technical Support--employment interviewer, crossword-puzzler maker,
  community organizer, administrator
- Advertising--publicity manager, publicity/promotion specialist
- Magazines, Newspapers, and News Services--journalist, copy editor, news editor,
  publicity/promotion specialists
- Public Relations--public relations officer, public information officer, copy-writer,
  promotion specialist, research analyst, internal publications editor
- Book Publishing--copy editor, copywriter, proofreader, publicity manager
- Reviewer (of books, plays, etc)
- Writer (fiction, nonfiction, verse, greeting cards)


Graduate Studies for English Majors
The job market for college teachers promises to be brighter in the coming years than it has been for several decades. To teach in junior college or to teach introductory courses at four-year colleges, you need at least an M.A. or M.F.A; for permanent employment at four-year institutions, you need a Ph.D. An M.A. requires two years of graduate study, and usually requires a thesis. A Ph.D. involves at least three years of graduate courses, excellent scores on comprehensive exams, and a book-length dissertation consisting of original work in a chosen field. Most programs also require proficiency in at least one foreign language.

As you prepare for graduate school, be aware that graduate study in literature has changed a great deal in the past few years; there is increased study in non-traditional genres, more emphasis on literary theory, and more opportunity for degrees in rhetoric and composition. Even so, more graduate programs require familiarity with traditional literature and literary study for entrance into a program. Finally, good clear writing is essential to graduate work; take responsibility for your papers, and learn from them.

NOTE: If you are interested in graduate studies, make an appointment to talk with the Department Head and the Graduate Studies' Advisor early in your junior year.


Course Descriptions
ARA 151 Arabic I (3)
An introduction to the Arabic alphabet, numerals, and simple grammar in addition to simple translation.

ARA 152 Arabic II (3)
Intensive practice in grammar, reading, and writing. Reading of simple materials is required.

ARA 153 Arabic III (3)
Intensive practice in grammar, reading, and writing.

ARA 154 Arabic IV (3)
A continuation of Arabic III with additional readings in Arabic literature and a study of Arabic culture.

ENG 110 College English and Composition I (3)
A course in basic composition and grammar. It is designed to improve grammar and mechanics, encourage a positive attitude toward reading and writing, and introduce students to the writing process. The course also fosters an understanding of the demands of academic writing, introduces expository writing, and begins developing basic research skills.

ENG 111 College English and Composition II (3) Prerequisite: ENG 110
An introductory course in expository writing. It is designed to increase understanding of the demands of academic writing. It emphasizes the writing process, writing with clarity and purpose, developing and organizing ideas effectively, and using the conventions of edited English. Students practice writing expositions and arguments informed by short readings and also enhance their research skills.

ENG 112 College Composition and Argument (3) Prerequisite: ENG 111
A course in argument and analysis. It is designed to strengthen interpretive and evaluative skills. It introduces literary and critical analysis and focuses on developing argumentative and persuasive skills. The course incorporates a minor research component.

ENG 113 College Composition and Research (3) (Prerequisite: ENG 112 )
A course in writing argumentative and analytical essays informed by research.

ENG 211 Introduction to World Literature (3) Prerequisite: ENG 111-113
An introduction to the various genres in world literature and a study of some works in depth. Students analyze and evaluate critically basic literary works both orally and in writing. (This course does not count toward the English major).

ENG 300 Critical Analysis (3)
An introduction to theories of literature and literary criticism through their application to specific works.

ENG 313 Comparative Literature (3) Prerequisite: ENG 300
A survey of multicultural and multinational literatures.

ENG 309 Advanced Composition and Rhetorical Theory (3) Prerequisite: ENG 300
A writing workshop that refines the expository and analytical writing skills practiced in previous composition courses. It involves "writing across the curriculum" with an emphasis on rhetoric and style.

ENG 310 Old English to Neoclassical Literature(3) Prerequisite: ENG 300
A survey of representative English literary works and their traditions from Caedmon’s Hymn and Beowulf through the poetry of Thomas Gray.

ENG 311 Romantic to Modern Literature (3) Prerequisite: ENG 310
A survey of representative English literary works and their traditions from the Romantic Movement or "the Age of Revolution" through the early twentieth century or "the world war era."

ENG 312 American Literature: Colonial to the Civil War (3) Prerequisite: ENG 300
A survey of representative literary works and their traditions from the Puritan period through the abolition and civil war periods.

ENG 314 African-American Literature (3) Prerequisite: ENG 300
A survey of representative literary works and their traditions from African orality to the Naturalistic Movement in America during the 1940s.

ENG 400 Special Topic in English Literature (3)
A study of particular literary subject (genre, author, movement, tradition, or language) that warrants additional attention--for example, Shakespeare, 20th-Century British Writers, Women Novelists of the 19th-Century, Major 18th-Century English Novels, History of the English Language, or other topics proposed by professors. The student may repeat the course (for additional credit) but not the topic.

ENG 410 Special Topic in American Literature (3)
A study of a particular literary subject (genre, author, movement, tradition, or language) that warrants additional attention--for example, Modern Poetry, Modern Drama, The Transcendentalists, The American Realistic Novel, Contemporary Fiction, or other topic proposed by professors. The student may repeat the course (for additional credit) but not the topic.

ENG 420 Special Topic in African-American Literature (3)
A study of particular literary subject (genre, author, movement, tradition, or language) that warrants additional attention--for example, Black Male Writers, Black Women Writers, The Harlem Renaissance, The Black Arts Movement, Dialectology, or other topics proposed by professors. The student may repeat the course (for additional credit) but not the topic.

FRE 151 French I FRE 151 French I (3)
Designed (along with FRE 152) to provide the student with a basic knowledge of the French language, including pronunciation and the basic elements of grammar, with emphasis on comprehension, speaking, writing, and the reading of simple French texts.

FRE 152 French II (3)
A continuation of FRE 151.

FRE 253 French III (3) Prerequisite: FRE 152 or equivalent
Designed (along with FRE 254) to intensify the student’s knowledge of French and the French people, to increase the student’s fluency in spoken French, to review and reinforce the student’s knowledge of French grammar, and to acquaint the student with some works of French literature and some aspects of French life and culture.

FRE 254 French IV (3)
A continuation of FRE 253

FRE 322 French Civilization (3) Prerequisite: FRE 254 or equivalent
A study of the historical, political, artistic, and cultural developments in France starting at the time of ancient Gaul, with particular attention to current French civilization.

FRE 330 Survey of French Literature I (3) Prerequisite: FRE 254 or equivalent
A survey from the Chanson de Roland by way of Francois Villon, Rabelais, and the dramatists of the 17th-century to Voltaire and "Les Philosophes."

FRE 331 Survey of French Literature II (3) Prerequisite: FRE 254 or equivalent
A survey of literature of the 19th and 20th centuries from the Romantic poets by way of Realism , Symbolism, Surrealism, and "Les Engages" to Existentialism and "Le Nouveau Roman."

HIS 203 African American History I (3)
Social history from the African background (emphasis on West Africa) through the slave trade, the plantation system, and the Reconstruction to the PostReconstruction period. The struggle for liberation is highlighted.

HIS 204 African American History II (3)
Social history from the nadir to the 1980s. Much attention is given to the Civil Rights decade, 1955-1964.

HIS 321 United States History I (3)
A study of the period from the discovery of America to the Civil War. It gives the student an understanding of Colonialism, the formation of the American nation, and the events that led to the Civil War. Special emphasis is given to African-American issues throughout the entire period.

HIS 322 United States History II (3)
A continuation of HIS 321. It explores thoroughly the Civil War, United States expansionism, and U.S. roles in World War I, World War II, and the present world scene. Emphasis is given to the contributions of African-Americans in building the U.S. economy, its politics, and its cultural and social changes. Special attention is directed to the Civil Rights Movement from its inception to the present.
HIS 361 North Carolina History (3)
North Carolina history from the colonial period to World War II. Emphasis is placed on the role that North Carolina played during the period of independence, the Civil War, and Reconstruction and, also, the state’s role in the formation of the New South.

HUM 200 Introduction to the Humanities (3) HUM 200 Introduction to the Humanities (3) Prerequisite: ENG 112
A cross cultural and interdisciplinary study of works of art, literature, music, theatre, and other creative forms. The course examines the ideas and values of various times and cultures reflected in such works as well as the significance to be found in them today.

HUM 210 A Survey of the Arts (3) Prerequisite: Major in Education
An introduction to the basic characteristics of the art, drama, dance, and music of western and non-western world, with emphasis on the relationship between the arts and society. Attention is given to analyzing the attributes of the various arts.

SPA 151 Spanish I (3)
An introduction (along with SPA 152) to the Spanish language through listening, practice, conversation, simple readings, and elementary writing.

SPA 152 Spanish II (3)
A continuation of SPA 151

SPA 253 Spanish III Conversation and Grammar(3) Prerequisite: SPA 152 or equivalent
Similar in emphasis to Elementary Spanish but with expanded opportunities for comprehension and speaking proficiency.

SPA 254 Spanish IV Composition and Grammar (3)
A continuation of SPA 253 with expanded opportunities for reading and writing proficiency.
SPA 322 Latin American Civilization (3) Prerequisite: SPA 254 or instructor’s permission
A study of the historical, political, artistic, and cultural developments of Latin America from preColumbian times to modern day. The course is conducted in Spanish.

SPA 330 Survey of Latin American Literature (3) Prerequisite: SPA 254 or equivalent.
A survey of Latin American Literature from Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz to modern day, including "modernnismo", "Vanguardismo" and post "Vanguardismo". A look at various genres, including poetry, short stories, novel.

SPA 332 Hispanic Literature of the United States (3) Prerequisite: SPA 253 or equivalent
This course will study the rich literature of the Hispanic writers within the United States. Authors are Cuban-American, Puerto Rican, Mexican-American as well Hispanic world.

SPA 350 Business spanish (3) Prerequisite: SPA 253 or equivalent
Designed to help students develop skills pertaining to the business world in spanish, including correspondence and telephone etiquette.

Important Reminders for English Majors and Minors
I. Attendance and Grade Policies
English majors are expected to attend all of their classes and to maintain at least a "B" in their major courses.

II. English Competency Exam
Before graduation, each student at Shaw University must pass the English Competency Exam. This exam is given in place of a final exam in ENG 113 for most students and for others during specified dates and times in October, February and April.

III. English Comprehensive Exam
English majors are required to demonstrate proficient skills in grammar usage, essay writing and literary analysis.

IV. Tutorial Assistance
Students who find a need for additional assistance in their course work should attend the AAA Writing Center. Students who are enrolled in ENG 110 must attend the AAA Writing Center. The AAA Writing Center is located in the Old Education Building on the East Campus.

V. Counseling and Career Planning and Placement Centers
Students are encouraged to visit the Counseling and Career Centers as early as their sophomore year. Brochures outlining the services of the centers are located in the office of Students Affairs which is located in the Willie E. Gary Student Union Building. Included in the brochures are, for instance, how to write letters of application and resumes and summer internships.


Transfer Students
Transfer students may receive credit for courses which are equivalent to departmental courses at Shaw. Obtain clarification from the Registrar.