Core Courses

CLS 101/102

EN 110 - Rhetoric I - Credits: 3

Required of all students, this course involves critical reading, listening, writing, speaking, and research. The concept of critical and evaluative thinking underlies all of the activities of the course. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of the College’s selected placement program.

EN 111 - Rhetoric II - Credits: 3

Building on the students’ experiences in Rhetoric I, this course emphasizes research in constructing arguments, metacognition in questioning and supporting intellectual positions, and refinements in style and tone in speaking and writing. Prerequisite: EN 110.

300-400-level EN

AR, EN, MU

HS, PS

BL, CH, SC

CM

CS 103B - Communication Technologies Literacy Software Component - Credits: 2

This course consists of the integrated office suite portion of CS 103 covering current introductory word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation functions. Students completing this course through a dual-enrollment program should take CS 103A to fulfill the CS 103 requirement of the College.

RS, PL

300-400-level RS

CR, EC, GE, PY, SO

Cultural Diversity

BD 400 - Capstone Seminar - Credits: 3

The Capstone Seminar is the demonstration of the students’ mastery of the undergraduate
discipline and its synthesis with the liberal arts. Through a culminating research project, students demonstrate the ability to write and effectively communicate depth in the
discipline, integration of liberal arts, and an understanding of Mercy value. The class should be taken in the senior year.

Major Courses

EN 230 - Survey of American Literature I - Credits: 3

Presents a chronological study of major writers and literary movements from the colonial period up to and including the Civil War. Final project is a term paper which examines the views of several writers on an assigned topic and analyzes the impact those writers have had on 20th century views. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 231 - Survey of American Literature II - Credits: 3

Presents a chronological study of major writers and literary movements from the Civil War to the present. Final project is a term paper which examines the views of several writers on an assigned topic and analyzes the impact those writers have had on the student’s views and the views of the student’s contemporaries. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 240 - Shakespeare - Credits: 3

This course introduces undergraduate students to Shakespeare’s times, his language, and his accomplishments. Students learn about the sources from which the playwright drew his materials, the conventions he shared with his audiences, and the continuing influence of his work. Prerequisites: EN 110, EN 111.

BD 400 - Capstone Seminar - Credits: 3

The Capstone Seminar is the demonstration of the students’ mastery of the undergraduate
discipline and its synthesis with the liberal arts. Through a culminating research project, students demonstrate the ability to write and effectively communicate depth in the
discipline, integration of liberal arts, and an understanding of Mercy value. The class should be taken in the senior year.

(satisfies core requirement)

At least 2 of the following courses:

EN 120 - Theatre: Introduction to Acting - Credits: 3

This course provides an overview of the acting process. The beginning student executes a variety of performance tasks which lead, in a cumulative fashion, to a basic mastery of the process of creating a role for the stage.

EN 130 - Play Production - Credits: 8-12 Lab/3

A laboratory course in the methods and techniques of play production; runs concurrently with the 8-12 week production schedule of the Mount Aloysius theatrical season. Students may receive credit for acting, set construction, stage managing, publicity, and other positions needed during the production schedule. The student may take the course twice for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

EN 201 - Journalism - Credits: 1 (may be taken up to 6 times)

This is a hands-on practical course designed to provide basic information about the journalist’s role in the mass media and in society.  The student will be able to develop and refine his/her practical writing skills and/or skills in photojournalism and production and design of print media through the production of the student newspaper, The Belltower. With this experience, the student will gain a working knowledge and perspective of the organizational, writing, editing, page design, and advertising areas of publication. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 203 - Western World Literature I - Credits: 3

A critical survey of major authors from Classic Greece through the Renaissance. Translations of classic authors are studied with reference to literary trends and historic background. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 204 - Western World Literature II - Credits: 3

A critical survey of major authors from the seventeenth century to the present. Translations of classic, romantic, and realistic authors are studied with reference to literary trends and historic background. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 205 - Major British Writers - Credits: 3

Investigates topics and techniques of literary works from medieval through contemporary times. Discussions, lectures, critical papers, oral reports, and audio-visual presentations provide varied opportunities for judging relevance of literary messages to contemporary problems. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 206 - Modern Drama - Credits: 3

Focuses on the major dramatists of the twentieth century, stressing the changing moods of drama, how drama has been affected by social and personal concerns of playwrights, and the comic and dramatic techniques peculiar to each author. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 207 - Beginning Literacy Criticism - Credits: 3

This course is designed to familiarize students with the skills, concepts, and terminology required of English majors.  Students will study three major genre categories (fiction, poetry, and drama); develop the skills of careful critical reading; examine various critical strategies; and learn the vocabulary and conventions used by scholars of literature. Prerequisite:  EN 110.

EN 209 - Introduction to Short Fiction - Credits: 3

An investigation of topics and techniques of old and new short fiction. Discussions, lectures, critical papers, oral reports, and audio-visual presentations provide varied opportunities for judging contemporary relevance of fictional forms. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 210 - Themes in Western World Literature - Credits: 3

An in-depth survey of the major mythological motifs in Western World Literature. Emphasis will be placed on recurring and interrelated patterns in Hebrew, Greek, Italian, Arthuria, Spanish, and American myths. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 215 - Comparative Literature I - Credits: 3

Surveys major works from ancient Greece to the present. Examines works in the contexts of history and literary trends, allowing students to explore different perspectives on reality. Lectures, class discussions and collaborative projects provide the wherewithal for the student’s final project, an integrative essay on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the instructor. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 216 - Comparative Literature II - Credits: 3

Surveys the post-colonial literatures of Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the West Indies; the works of such writers as Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Nadine Gordimer, R.K. Narayan, Patrick White, Albert Wendt, Margaret Atwood, and Wilson Harris. Offers students a wide variety of “windows on the world” which contradict and challenge readers’ assumptions. Tasks include research and presentations on political, social, and economic developments underlying the works studied. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 233 - Introduction to Theatre - Credits: 3

Investigates the various roles and functions that make up the community based stage event called “theatre”; examines the “roles” of performers, directors, designers, playwrights, composers, critics and audiences, placing plays, both ancient and modern, in their historical contexts; stage a one-act play; also attend and evaluate two plays.

At least 6 of the following courses:

EN 301 - Advanced Public Speaking - Credits: 3

This course will focus on enhancing the student’s public speaking skills in dealing with stage fright, choosing and researching speech material, types of speeches and their delivery, and use of visual aids.

EN 303 - Literature of Crime and Detection - Credits: 3

Focuses on the popular mystery genre as a vehicle for developing problem solving and critical thinking skills. Student tasks include research, writing, and speaking as well as participation in classroom discussions. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 304 - Women Writers - Credits: 3

Explores writing by women in various genres including fiction and non-fiction, primarily in the British and American traditions. Elaine Showalter’s treatment of “imitation,” ”protest,” and “self-discovery” phases is a starting point for writing and speaking assignments concerned with the articulation of the perspectives of women. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 307 - Critical Thinking in Literature - Credits: 3

In reading a series of literary works of various genres, students will evaluate and respond to views of the world represented by those works. Treating each work as an assertion, students will evaluate each assertion within its literary context and against the student’s own background knowledge. Prerequisites: EN 110, EN 111, or permission of the English Department.

EN 309 - Creative Writing - Credits: 3

Students learn to apply the elements of creative writing in one of the following areas:  the short story, the novel, poetry, playwriting, or creative non-fiction. Marketing and submission for publication will be addressed.

EN 312 - Modern American Novel - Credits: 3

A critical survey of modern American novels. Discussions, lectures, critical papers, and audio-visual presentations provide varied opportunities for examining novelists’ views of American history and values. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 313 - Professional Communication - Credits: 3

Examines writing and speaking skills essential for clear communication in different career fields. Emphasizes principles of audience analysis, organization, and clarity within the Natural Sciences, Applied Sciences, Social Sciences, and the Humanities. Frequent writing, speaking, and research assignments build to a professional report and formal presentation. Prerequisites: EN 110, EN 111.

EN 321 - Advanced Acting - Credits: 3

A continuation of the exploration of acting begun in EN 120.  Students will analyze play scripts (both classical and modern) for scene and character development as well as prepare monologues for use for graduate school or auditions outside the realm of the College. Prerequisite:  EN 120.

EN 325 - Literature of Health and Healing - Credits: 3

In this course students will explore issues of physical, psychological, and spiritual health and healing within fiction and non-fiction texts.  Readings will reflect both traditional and nontraditional healing experiences.  Students will be required to communicate their critical ideas by applying skills in reading, writing, speaking, and research in the humanities through presentation/discussion, written essays, and exams.

EN 330 - Literature into Film - Credits: 3

This class is a critical examination of the modern film based on other genres, comparing the written to the primarily visual presentation of literature, with emphasis on the techniques and choices made in transferring printed material into film. Prerequisites: EN 110, EN 111, or permission of the English Department.

EN 340 - Studies in Poetry - Credits: 3

This course will focus on themes and techniques of classic, romantic, modern and post modern poetry and will be a focus for judging and interpreting poetry’s types and techniques. Prerequisites: EN 110, EN 111.

EN 345 - Children's Literature - Credits: 3

This course offers a critical/historical survey of works that have been composed for or appropriated by children. It includes discussion of the specific features of children’s literature and the basic genres and kinds of children’s literature. Issues of literary value versus popular appeal, ideologies of gender, ethnicity, and the family, the endorsement of children’s texts through book awards and censorship will be included.

EN 355 - Introduction to Linguistics - Credits: 3

This course provides students with an overview of morphology, phonetics and phonology, syntax, and semantics.  In addition, the course introduces students to key concepts in psycho- and sociolinguistics, and it incorporates discussions of language acquisition and language teaching.  This course offers valuable insights for students of English, education, the social and behavioral sciences, and speech and
communication.

EN 360 - Technical Communication - Credits: 3

Examines rhetorical and format issues raised in writing in a technical context. Such issues range from audience analysis to costs and capabilities. Frequent writing assignments culminate in a technical report related to the student’s academic major. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 395 - Special Topics in Literature - Credits: 3
Designates new or occasional courses that may or may not become part of the department’s permanent offerings. Specific topics will be listed as course title on the student’s transcript. Consult the current course schedule for available topic(s).

EN 415 - North American Native Literature - Credits: 3

This course will look primarily at representative literature written by North American Native authors and will consider the social and political forces which have affected Native Americans on this continent.  Students will be required to use critical thinking to integrate those texts with the indigenous cultural and historical contexts that have influenced the authors.  They will be required to communicate their critical  ideas by applying skills in reading, writing, speaking, and research in the humanities.  Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 420 - Multicultural Perspectives in American Literature - Credits: 3

Students who take this course will get an overview of literature produced by members of specific minority cultures (Native American, Asian American, African American, Hispanic American, Jewish, Gay/Lesbian, or others) within the United States, including information on history and cultural development.  They will study a varied body of literature, including oral tradition, poetry, memoirs, short stories, and novels, and may consider other forms such as art, music and dance.  Prerequisite:  EN 110.

EN 495 - Major Author Studies - Credits: 3

Study of the works of one to two major writers. This course will explore the body of work of major literary figures and will include appropriate biographical and critical material to enhance discussion and understanding of the significance of the designated major authors in the canon of literature in English. This course may be repeated up to two (2) times without repeating a given topic. Prerequisite:  EN 110.

Other Courses

THEATRE CONCENTRATION

Required Courses

EN 120 - Theatre: Introduction to Acting - Credits: 3

This course provides an overview of the acting process. The beginning student executes a variety of performance tasks which lead, in a cumulative fashion, to a basic mastery of the process of creating a role for the stage.

EN 130 - Play Production - Credits: 8-12 Lab/3

A laboratory course in the methods and techniques of play production; runs concurrently with the 8-12 week production schedule of the Mount Aloysius theatrical season. Students may receive credit for acting, set construction, stage managing, publicity, and other positions needed during the production schedule. The student may take the course twice for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

EN 206 - Modern Drama - Credits: 3

Focuses on the major dramatists of the twentieth century, stressing the changing moods of drama, how drama has been affected by social and personal concerns of playwrights, and the comic and dramatic techniques peculiar to each author. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 230 - Survey of American Literature I - Credits: 3

Presents a chronological study of major writers and literary movements from the colonial period up to and including the Civil War. Final project is a term paper which examines the views of several writers on an assigned topic and analyzes the impact those writers have had on 20th century views. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 231 - Survey of American Literature II - Credits: 3

Presents a chronological study of major writers and literary movements from the Civil War to the present. Final project is a term paper which examines the views of several writers on an assigned topic and analyzes the impact those writers have had on the student’s views and the views of the student’s contemporaries. Prerequisite: EN 110.

EN 233 - Introduction to Theatre - Credits: 3

Investigates the various roles and functions that make up the community based stage event called “theatre”; examines the “roles” of performers, directors, designers, playwrights, composers, critics and audiences, placing plays, both ancient and modern, in their historical contexts; stage a one-act play; also attend and evaluate two plays.

EN 240 - Shakespeare - Credits: 3

This course introduces undergraduate students to Shakespeare’s times, his language, and his accomplishments. Students learn about the sources from which the playwright drew his materials, the conventions he shared with his audiences, and the continuing influence of his work. Prerequisites: EN 110, EN 111.

EN 321 - Advanced Acting - Credits: 3

A continuation of the exploration of acting begun in EN 120.  Students will analyze play scripts (both classical and modern) for scene and character development as well as prepare monologues for use for graduate school or auditions outside the realm of the College. Prerequisite:  EN 120.

EN 330 - Literature into Film - Credits: 3

This class is a critical examination of the modern film based on other genres, comparing the written to the primarily visual presentation of literature, with emphasis on the techniques and choices made in transferring printed material into film. Prerequisites: EN 110, EN 111, or permission of the English Department.

EN 331 - Scene Design/Lighting - Credits: 3

This course is the study and creation of all design aspects of a play.  In this class, we will be studying design for the stage - lights, set, props, costumes, and sound.  We will study each of these areas practically, i.e., reading and discussing a series of plays and designing all elements of the world of the play.

EN 411 - Directing - Credits: 3

This course will be an exploration into the work of the stage director and the work required to direct a play.  Elements covered will include:  choosing a text, developing a concept, casting, pacing, stage pictures, and working with other theatre artists.  Prerequisite:  EN 120.