Academic Catalog

English | Bachelor of Arts: English (Writing)

The Writing concentration gives students the opportunity to practice and reflect upon writing, editing, and reading skills in courses ranging from professional editing to creative writing workshops. Additionally, students can learn about theories of rhetoric, composition, and linguistics, which will complement their developing skills.

Writing concentration classes encourage habits of mind necessary for the craft and processes of writing. You will learn strategies for producing, editing, and publishing your work in several genres. You will learn about situating writing in rhetorical, literary, professional, and community-based contexts. You will critically reflect upon the significance of composing and publishing texts for particular audiences and rhetorical situations. A Writing Internship course helps you put that expertise to work as you write and edit for campus and community organizations. Finally, you will showcase your writing in an electronic portfolio, where you can draw upon the many kinds of writing you have done in your classes.

Under the guidance of experienced professors who are published writers, students will also have the opportunity to contribute to departmental and university publications. All Writing concentration students will work together to write, design, and edit the Post Parade, the department's alumni newsletter. Students also have the opportunity to intern with professional publications such as Fort Hays Studies and Teacher-Scholar: The Journal of the State Comprehensive University. In addition, students may get involved with Fort Hays' literary and arts journal, Lines from the Middle of Nowhere.

Program Summary

General Education34
Bachelor of Arts Language Requirement10
Required Courses24
Directed Choices9
Directed Electives12
Open Electives 131
Total Hours120
1

Open electives are the credit hours required to reach a minimum of 120 total hours and 45 upper-level hours.  The number listed assumes all courses are completed at FHSU as listed.  This number may vary if students transfer courses, or have individual substitutions allowed.  Students should speak with their advisor if either situation applies to determine if the number will vary, and to ensure they enroll in a minimum of 45 upper-level hours.   

Students entering within 1 year of high school graduation will take UNIV 101 Freshman Seminar and may apply that hour in the open elective category.

Program Requirements

General Education

All undergraduate degrees require completion of the Kansas Systemwide General Education

Courses identified with GE on this page may satisfy a general education requirement in addition to the identified degree requirement.  Students who apply a degree requirement to satisfy a general education requirement will typically add an equal number of hours to the university elective category.  This flexibility may allow you to complete a minor or certificate within the 120 hour degree.  Transfer students and students majoring in programs with approved exceptions are especially encouraged to select these courses in completing General Education requirements to maximize the likelihood of completing the degree with 120 credit hours.  

General Education34-35

 BA Language Requirement

All FHSU students pursuing a BA degree are required to take two consecutive non-English language classes. Students taking beginning Spanish or French classes may be able to apply the first class to the Arts and Humanities area of the general education requirement.  

Bachelor of Arts Language Requirement10
Required Courses
English Core Courses
ENG 099Senior English Portfolio0
ENG 126Introduction to Literature3
ENG 307Introduction to Literary Analysis and Theory (Spring)3
ENG 446Advanced Composition (Fall)3
ENG 482English Grammar3
ENG 683History of the English Language3
Writing Concentration Requirements
ENG 385Professional Editing (Spring)3
COMM 345Visual and Creative Design3
ENG 448Writing Internship (Spring)3
Directed Choices
Select three of the following:9
Survey of American Literature I (Fall)
Survey of American Literature II (Spring)
Survey of British Literature I (Spring)
Survey of British Literature II (Fall)
Directed Electives
Writing Concentration Electives
English Department Electives
Select 12 credits of the following:12
Introduction to Creative Writing
Advanced Creative Writing
Playwriting/Screenwriting
Technical and Professional Writing
Community-Based Writing
Writing for Publication
Topics in Writing
Theories of Rhetoric and Composition
Introduction to Linguistic Science
Studies in Language and Linguistics
Studies in English Grammar
Non-English Department Electives (Optional: May choose one course toward the directed electives. Additional courses may be taken for open electives)
Advertising
Intro to Public Relations and Advertising
News Practicum-Reporting and Editing
Historical Methods
Media Continuity Writing
Advanced Digital Journalism
Grant Writing
Strategic Business Communication

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts Degree Language Requirement
Two consecutive semesters of a non-English Language
All bachelor degrees require:
GPA of 2.0 on FHSU courses & 2.0 on all coursework (Higher program requirements prevail over the 2.0 when set)
A minimum of 30 hours earned from FHSU with a grade of D, C, B, or A
Successful completion of an upper division Writing and Information Literacy course (Most majors contain a course designated)
A minimum of 45 hours of recognized upper division credit
A minimum of 120 hours of recognized college credit

Academic Degree Maps are term-by-term sample course plans that specify milestones, courses, and special requirements that are necessary for facilitating on-time completion. Degree Maps are examples and are not prescriptive. Individualized choices such as concentration options, transfer credits, optional minors, advisory programs (certificates), etc. can alter the recommended coursework. Course offerings are subject to change. Students should consult with their academic advisors for additional guidance on course planning.

To determine courses to take in the directed choices (often listed as Program Elective Course) and directed elective course blocks see the overview tab for courses. To locate approved courses in General Education areas (Undergraduate Programs) see the general education section of the catalog.

The undergraduate course maps typically advise the most efficient route for students to complete the general education requirements. Courses that are required in the major may be listed as fulfilling relevant general education requirements. This will result in more open elective course hours in some maps than is listed on the degree overview page.