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.

Program Learning Outcomes

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.

1. Complete the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

Students must satisfy the specific degree requirements for their undergraduate major and fulfill the following University degree requirements:

Academic (program total units with an average 2.0 GPA - “C” or better)
General Education (GE) (34 Lower Division + 9 Upper Division)
American Institutions (AI) (0-6 units) (may be satisfied in GE Areas 3A, 3B, 4, UD 3, or UD 4)
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) 3 units (see Writing in the Disciplines)
Physical Education (PE) (0-2 units)
Units in Residence (30 units, including 24 upper division and 12 in major)
Upper Division Units (40 units, including 12 upper div in major for BA, 18 upper div in major for BS)
Undergraduate Policies & Procedures

Apply for Graduation
Information about the Commencement Ceremony and Conferral of the Degree

Summary of Degree Units

Core Lower Division General Education: 22 (6 units may be satisfied by major coursework)

American Institutions/ US123 Requirements: 6 (Note: may be satisfied by GE coursework)

Upper Division General Education: 3 (6 units may be satisfied by major coursework)

Physical Education: 2

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR): 0 (3 units may be satisfied by ENGL 100W)

Major Preparation: 6-16

Major Requirements: 47-49

University Electives or Minor: 16-29

Total: 120

2. Lower Division College of Humanities & the Arts Requirement (3 units):

3. Upper Division College of Humanities & the Arts Requirement (2-4 units):

Complete a course offered by the College of Humanities & the Arts in a discipline other than your major.

4. Major Preparation (6-16 units)

One year of foreign language study at the college level or equivalency through examination 0-8 unit(s)

ENGL 2 - Critical Thinking and Writing 3 unit(s) (GE Area 1B / Formerly Area A3)

Area 1A Course (3 units)

Complete one course:

ENGL 1A - First Year Writing 3 unit(s) (GE Area 1A / Formerly Area A2)
ENGL 1AS - First-Year Writing: Stretch English II 3 unit(s) (GE Area 1A / Formerly Area A2)

Additional Preparation (3-13 units)

ENGL 2 - Critical Thinking and Writing 3 unit(s) (GE Area 1B / Formerly Area A3)
One year of foreign language study at the college level or equivalency through examination 0-8 unit(s)