First-Year Courses

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Fall 

NumberCourse Descriptions
ENGL 115University Writing and Research
ENGL 125Literature and Culture
ENGL 135Literature and Criticism
FILM 101Introduction to Film
INTR 100Popular Culture and University Writing (6 credits: includes ENGL 115)

Spring

NumberCourse Descriptions
ENGL 115University Writing & Research
ENGL 125Literature and Culture
ENGL 135Literature and Criticism
INTR 101Digital Media and Literature (6 credits: includes ENGL 125)
INTR 106

Environmental Geography and Literature (6 Credits: includes ENGL 125)

Course Descriptions


ENGL 115: University Writing and Research

Multiple sections
An introduction to critical thinking and reading, academic writing, and research skills, consistent with the conditions and expectations students encounter as readers and writers at university.

All sections include an in-class essay, a research essay, and a final examination.

There are multiple sections of this course. See the Course Timetable for descriptions of individual sections.

ENGL 125: Literature and Culture

Multiple sections
An introduction to the concept of literary genres that explores the relationship between literature and its historical and cultural contexts. This course emphasizes reading, research, and writing.

All sections include an in-class essay, a research essay, and a final examination.

There are multiple sections of this course. See the Course Timetable for descriptions of individual sections.


ENGL 135: Literature and Criticism

Multiple sections

An introduction to different ways of approaching and analyzing literary works to develop an awareness of the relation between literature and criticism. This course emphasizes reading, research, and writing.

Note that all sections include an in-class essay, a research essay, and a final examination.

There are multiple sections of this course. See the Course Timetable for descriptions of individual sections.

FILM 101: Introduction to Film Studies (3 Credits)

A general introduction to the study of film as an art form and medium of cultural communication. Feature films are emphasized, with attention also to documentaries and experimental films. Focus areas will range from film history, criticism, theory, and a basic understanding of formal qualities including cinematography, editing, mise-en-scène, and sound. 

INTR 100 (6 credits): Popular Culture and University Writing (6 Credits)

A combination of ENGL 115 and MEDI 115 in an integrated learning environment. Students will explore the core concepts of popular culture and university writing and research. Readings, assignments, and assessment will be shared in an interdisciplinary environment. Note: students will receive course exemption for ENGL 115 and MEDI 115 upon completion.

INTR 101 (6 credits): Digital Media and Literature

Combines ENGL 125 and DIGI 110 in an integrated learning environment. Students will explore the relation between literature and digital media and their historical and cultural contexts. This course emphasizes reading, research, writing, and introductory digital media skills. Readings, assignments, and assessment will be shared in an interdisciplinary environment. Note: Students will receive course exemption for DIGI 110 and ENGL 125 upon completion.

INTR 106 (6 credits): Environmental Geography and Literature

An interdisciplinary, team-taught course combining study of environmental literature, the Earth's biophysical processes and systems, and the impact of human population and land use activities. Topics include energy cycles, air pollution and climate change, resource consumption and waste, and sustainability. We will explore scientific and non-scientific ways of making knowledge. Note: Students will receive course exemption for GEOG 101 and ENGL 125 upon completion.

Poster for INTR 106

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING OUR NEW FIRST-YEAR PROGRAM (IMPLEMENTED SEPTEMBER 2009)

September 2009 marked the implementation of our new First-Year Program. English 111, 112, and 116 have been discontinued, and English 115 has a new title and description. Two new courses –- English 125 and English 135 — have been added. (Descriptions of both the discontinued and the new courses can be found in the Calendar).

For the Degree English Requirement, you may take any two of English 115, 125, or 135, in any order.

If you have already taken English 111, 112, or 116, and you still require a second 3-credit English course, you may take either English 115English 125, or English 135 to fulfill the Degree English Requirement. However, be sure to check with your Program to confirm the required combination of English courses.

English Majors and Minors

The first-year requirements for English Majors and Minors likewise changes to:

Any two of English 115, 125, or 135, in any order.
See the complete description of requirements for Majors and Minors.

View Course Timetable