Dec 06, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

English, BA


The Literature program, offered by the Department of English and Comparative Literature , provides students a solid grounding in literary genres, periods, and critical approaches to British, American, and World Literatures. Students are exposed to a wide range of canonical and non-canonical texts, and they learn to read closely and critically, and to write clearly and effectively. During their time at San Jose State, students will have an opportunity to develop and carry out research projects, and they will learn to locate, evaluate, and organize information effectively. Graduates of our program excel in close reading, critical thinking, and clear writing-all of which are crucial, marketable skills in today’s job markets. 

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 38
Major Preparation 6-16
Major Core Requirements 24-25
English Concentration 20
Major Elective 3-4
University Electives 17-29
Total 120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

University Requirements


Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment, and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (27 units)


Of the 39 units required by the university, 12 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with a major advisor for details.

Note: Students who have completed the ADT Transfer degree (under SB 1440) for this major will have completed all lower division GE requirements and should follow the 60 unit guarantee roadmap. Meet with an advisor prior to registering for your first semester for the 60 unit roadmap or specific questions.

Upper Division General Education (3 units)


Of the 9 units required by the university, 6 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with major advisor for details.

American Institutions (6 units)


Complete one 6-unit sequence of American Institutions (US123) courses, which also satisfies GE Area D. Students may also satisfy the American Institutions Requirement  with other courses, but these may not satisfy other GE areas.

The American Studies (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) and Humanities Honors (HUM 1A /HUM 1B /HUM 2A /HUM 2B ; 24 units) sequences satisfy the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see course descriptions for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

Asian American Studies (6 units)


U.S. History and Government (6 units)


Complete One US1: US History Course


Complete One US23: US Constitution and California Government Course


Physical Education (2 units)


All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement


At SJSU, students must pass both the SJSU Writing Skills Test (WST) and a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course. The Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)  is satisfied by a course in the major. A grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirements.

Major Preparation (6-16 units)


  • One year of foreign language study at the college level or equivalency through examination 0-10 unit(s)

Complete one course (3 units):


Major Requirements (47-49 units)


Shakespeare (4 units)


Complete one course:

American Literature & Ethnicity (3-4 units)


Complete one course:

Complete 12 units of English Concentration Electives:


Major Elective (3-4 units)


  • Any one upper division English Course 3-4 unit(s)

University Electives or Minor (17-29 units)


Total Units Required (120 units)


Explanations and Limitations

English majors who complete the Humanities Honors Program (HUM 1A , HUM 1B , HUM 2A , HUM 2B ) will be credited for ENGL 125 .

Details and advising information on the above requirements are available in the Department of English and Comparative Literature .