The English and Writing Studies major is purposefully integrated, offering students an opportunity to develop their critical and ethical thinking skills in a variety of contexts: through study of English language literature in its historical, social, intellectual, and aesthetic contexts; including literature by women and writers from diverse cultures; and through writing in and about professional contexts. Students start with an introductory “Reading and Writing for English Studies” course that grounds their critical and ethical thinking and communication in English Studies, health leadership, and beyond. In their junior year, students take a professional development course, also offered through the Health Humanities program, and finish the major by completing an in-depth capstone project experience tailored to their interests in literature and writing. This integration of literature and writing will give students a solid foundation to teach English at the secondary level, continue to graduate level work, or enter industry as critically thinking professionals and leaders in a variety of health-related fields. The major is designed to complement other programs of study at Salem College and encourages interdisciplinarity.
We offer two minors: in English and in Writing Studies.
The minor in English offers a concentrated study of literary texts written by diverse authors ranging from Shakespeare to American novelists, playwrights and poets representing a variety of ethnic experiences. We extend literary study to visual storytelling found in manga and anime and explore non-western and western traditions in dialogue. Particular attention is paid to writers of lived-experience-as-women and intersectional perspective on gender, race, class, sexuality, age and ability.
The English and Writing Studies Program stresses the importance of diversity in all of its endeavors. A traditional survey of American literature will address the writing of women and other marginalized groups to explore their perspectives on the American experience. Each class stays abreast of current literary and rhetorical trends, while also emphasizing how culture and history inform literary and professional productions. Additionally, the program emphasizes women writers and fosters an understanding of how race, class, and gender continue to affect today’s writing in both literary and professional contexts.
Students in the program are smart, socially conscious young women who bring a keen awareness of their obligation to leave the space in which they live better than how they found it. Our students go beyond the role of “learner” and become a “knower.” Several students each year typically graduate with departmental honors, and many participate in such activities as Incunabula—Salem’s literary magazine—as well as Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society.
Professors in the program bring a passion and keen intelligence that is hard to describe. They all are active scholars, they have been published, and they present their work at conferences every year. Rarely are their office doors closed, and they embrace the fact that their job never ends with the end of a class period. They find new and creative ways to ignite the spark of curiosity in each of their students.
Graduates of the program are in great demand because of their ability to write well, think critically and effectively interpret written communication. They are sought after by graduate schools and law schools, and often teach in public schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges. You will also find recent graduates working for non-profit organizations, as editors, published authors, and several have won national literary awards.
This is an example of course requirements. Actual requirements depend on the year declared and can be found in the academic catalogs.The major in English and Professional Writing requires ten courses (minimum of 30 semester hours) in three areas: the core of English Studies (3 courses), Literary Theory, Rhetoric and Composition (3 courses), and Literature in English (4 courses). To be used toward the major or minor, each course must be taken for 3 or 4 semester hours.
Core Courses (3 courses):
ENGL104. Reading and Writing for English Studies (3 hrs)
ENGL/HHMN 214. Career Development for Health Humanities (3 hrs)
ENGL 380. Senior Capstone Project (3 hrs)
Literary Theory, Rhetoric and Composition (3 courses):
ENGL 250. Introduction to Professional Writing (3 hrs)
ENGL 399. A Game of Interpretation: Introduction to Contemporary Literary Theory (3 hrs)
Select one from:
ENGL 211. Writing Center Theory and Practice (3 hrs)
ENGL 235. Embodied Rhetorics (3 hrs)
ENGL 255. Rhetoric of Health and Medicine (3 hrs)
ENGL 291. Visual Rhetoric and Document Design for Professional Writing (3 hrs)
ENGL 345. Digital Writing in Professional Contexts (3 hrs)
CRWR 217. Introductory Prose Writing Workshop (3 hrs)
Literature in English (4 courses, 3 hrs each):
Select 4 from the following:
ENGL 105. Narratives of Health and Healing (3 hrs)
ENGL 200. Independent Study in English and Professional Writing (1-4 hrs)
ENGL 221. Special Topics in English and Professional Writing (3 hrs)
ENGL 223. Taboos, Experiments and the Other: Modern Drama (3 hrs)
ENGL 225. Building Communities, Growing Resilience: Theater of American Women Playwrights (3 hrs)
ENGL 245. Hayao Miyazaki: Anime Master Storyteller and His Influences (3 hrs)
ENGL 246. Trauma and the “Power of Fantasy” in Hayao Miyazaki’s Films (3 hrs)
ENGL 249. Gender, Race and Ethnicity in Shakespeare (3 hrs)
ENGL 270. Internship in English and Professional Writing (1-4 hrs)
ENGL 290. Honors Independent Study in English and Professional Writing (3-4 hrs)
ENGL 292. Early America Through the Eyes of the ‘Other’ (3 hrs)
ENGL 294. Women Write America, 1865-1990 (3 hrs)
ENGL 298. “Imaginary Gardens with Real Toads”: Engaging Modern Amer. Poetry (3 hrs)
ENGL 299. Shakespeare Meets Manga (3 hrs)
ENGL 315. Major Writers in the English Language (3 hrs)
ENGL 320. Contemporary American Ethnic Woman: Her Story (3 hrs)
ENGL 325. Modern Writings from Women of Non-Western World: Global Lit (3 hrs)
ENGL 347. ‘Odd’ Literary Couples: American Novel, 1900-1945 (3 hrs)
ENGL 349. Race, Culture and Identity in Multi-Ethnic Literature of the US (3 hrs)
ENGL 365. Symbolic Healing in Native American Literature (3 hrs)
CRWR 218. Introductory Poetry Workshop (3 hrs)
A maximum of one internship (ENGL 270) can be used as an elective towards the major. Typically, a maximum of two independent or two honors independent studies can be used as electives, as long as they are taken for a minimum of 3 semester hours each. Any exceptions must be approved by the department. At least six of the 10 required courses, including ENGL 380, must be completed at Salem.
This is an example of course requirements. Actual requirements depend on the year declared and can be found in the academic catalogs.The minor in English offers a concentrated study of literary texts and requires the completion of five English courses (minimum of 15 semester hours): a core course in Reading and Writing for English Studies and four literature courses selected from a list of Literature in English. Maximum of one independent or one honors independent study can count toward the minor. Each course for the minor must be taken for 3-4 semester hours. At least three of the five courses must be completed at Salem. No more than three courses can be counted toward both a student’s minor and major.
ENGL 104. Reading and Writing for English Studies (3 hrs)
Literature in English (12 hrs):
Select 4 from the following:
ENGL 105. Narratives of Health and Healing (3 hrs)
ENGL 200. Independent Study in English and Professional Writing (1-4 hrs)
ENGL 221. Special Topics in English and Professional Writing (3 hrs)
ENGL 223. Taboos, Experiments and the Other: Modern Drama (3 hrs)
ENGL 225. Building Communities, Growing Resilience: Theater of American Women Playwrights (3 hrs)
ENGL 245. Hayao Miyazaki: Anime Master Storyteller and His Influences (3 hrs)
ENGL 246. Trauma and the “Power of Fantasy” in Hayao Miyazaki’s Films (3 hrs)
ENGL 249. Gender, Race and Ethnicity in Shakespeare (3 hrs)
ENGL 270. Internship in English and Professional Writing (1-4 hrs)
ENGL 290. Honors Independent Study in English and Professional Writing (3-4 hrs)
ENGL 292. Early America Through the Eyes of the ‘Other’ (3 hrs)
ENGL 294. Women Write America, 1865-1990 (3 hrs)
ENGL 298. “Imaginary Gardens with Real Toads”: Engaging Modern Amer. Poetry (3 hrs)
ENGL 299. Shakespeare Meets Manga (3 hrs)
ENGL 315. Major Writers in the English Language (3 hrs)
ENGL 320. Contemporary American Ethnic Woman: Her Story (3 hrs)
ENGL 325. Modern Writings from Women of Non-Western World: Global Lit (3 hrs)
ENGL 347. ‘Odd’ Literary Couples: American Novel, 1900-1945 (3 hrs)
ENGL 349. Race, Culture and Identity in Multi-Ethnic Literature of the US (3 hrs)
ENGL 365. Symbolic Healing in Native American Literature (3 hrs)
The minor in professional writing emphasizes the whole person within systems of power and prepares students in the genres, styles, and communication practices essential for the contemporary, digital workplace. With its focus on collaborative writing, problem-solving, real-world audiences, and document design, the minor in professional writing complements any major and helps students develop vital professional practices. The minor in professional writing requires completion of five courses (15 semester hours) listed below:
Required courses:
ENGL 250: Introduction to Professional Writing (3 hrs)
ENGL 291: Visual Rhetoric and Document Design for Professional Writing (3 hrs)
ENGL 235. Embodied Rhetorics (3 hrs)
1 writing intensive (WI) course in the student’s major discipline, or if a writing intensive course is not available in their major, in a different department with the approval of their advisor.
Choose one remaining course from:
ENGL 255. Rhetoric of Health and Medicine (3 hrs)
ENGL 211. Writing Center Theory and Practice (3 hrs)
ENGL 345. Digital Writing in Professional Contexts (3 hrs)
COMM 107. Digital Storytelling (3 hrs)
COMM 322. Strategic Communication and Marketing (3 hrs)
COMM 275. Health Communication (3 hrs)
COMM 323. Research Methods in Communication (3 hrs)
The minor in creative writing encourages students to hone their craft of prose and poetry through foundational workshop courses. We study a diverse selection of writings, ranging from the historical to the contemporary, and find inspiration from our own experiences and from those around us. Alongside workshops, students have the opportunity to study a variety of topics, such as drafting a novel, as well have the opportunity to engage with the vibrant community within the college and nearby. The minor in Creative Writing requires five courses (15 hours) listed below:
Required Coursework:
CRWR 215: Literary Artist as Citizen
CRWR 217: Introductory Prose Workshop
CRWR 218: Introductory Poetry Workshop
Choose One:
CRWR 313: Intermediate Fiction Workshop
CRWR 321: Intermediate Poetry Workshop
Choose One:
CRWR 315: The Art and Act of Revision
CRWR 220: Special Topics in Creative Writing
CRWR 200: Independent Study in Creative Writing
CRWR 270: Internship in Creative Writing
CRWR 290: Honors Independent Study in Creative Writing
A Literature, Theory, or Professional Writing course.
Advertising Intern, West Wayne, Inc.
Intern, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx’s office
Radio Marketing/Management, Radio Disney KMIC AM 1590 Houston
Intern, Cosmogirl! Magazine
Social Worker Shadowing, Families Count
Archives Assistant, United Nations Photo Library
Research Assistant, Furman University Secession Era Editorials Project
Lincoln Theatre Guild
Editorial Intern, Sojourners Magazine
Alternative Journalism, Village Voice
Government Scenes, Office of Senator Stephen Martin
Editorial Assistant, Atlanta Metropolitan Publishing
Editing/Research Project, Charles H. Stone Memorial Library
University Press Internship, Vanderbilt Publishing
Fiction Intern, White Wolf Publishing
Class Year: 2022
Major: Creative Writing (minors in English and Professional Writing)
Class Year: 2019
Major: Creative Writing (Minors: English, Music, and Professional Writing)
Graduate Studies: Masters in Library and Information Science, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro
Class Year: 2022
Majors: English and History
Class Year: 2019
Major: English (Minor: Creative Writing)
Graduate Studies: Masters in Theatre Studies, Montclair State University
The English and Writing Studies Program stresses the importance of diversity in all of its endeavors. A traditional survey of American literature will address the writing of women and other marginalized groups to explore their perspectives on the American experience. Each class stays abreast of current literary and rhetorical trends, while also emphasizing how culture and history inform literary and professional productions. Additionally, the program emphasizes women writers and fosters an understanding of how race, class, and gender continue to affect today’s writing in both literary and professional contexts.
Students in the program are smart, socially conscious young women who bring a keen awareness of their obligation to leave the space in which they live better than how they found it. Our students go beyond the role of “learner” and become a “knower.” Several students each year typically graduate with departmental honors, and many participate in such activities as Incunabula—Salem’s literary magazine—as well as Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society.
Professors in the program bring a passion and keen intelligence that is hard to describe. They all are active scholars, they have been published, and they present their work at conferences every year. Rarely are their office doors closed, and they embrace the fact that their job never ends with the end of a class period. They find new and creative ways to ignite the spark of curiosity in each of their students.
Graduates of the program are in great demand because of their ability to write well, think critically and effectively interpret written communication. They are sought after by graduate schools and law schools, and often teach in public schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges. You will also find recent graduates working for non-profit organizations, as editors, published authors, and several have won national literary awards.
This is an example of course requirements. Actual requirements depend on the year declared and can be found in the academic catalogs.The major in English and Professional Writing requires ten courses (minimum of 30 semester hours) in three areas: the core of English Studies (3 courses), Literary Theory, Rhetoric and Composition (3 courses), and Literature in English (4 courses). To be used toward the major or minor, each course must be taken for 3 or 4 semester hours.
Core Courses (3 courses):
ENGL104. Reading and Writing for English Studies (3 hrs)
ENGL/HHMN 214. Career Development for Health Humanities (3 hrs)
ENGL 380. Senior Capstone Project (3 hrs)
Literary Theory, Rhetoric and Composition (3 courses):
ENGL 250. Introduction to Professional Writing (3 hrs)
ENGL 399. A Game of Interpretation: Introduction to Contemporary Literary Theory (3 hrs)
Select one from:
ENGL 211. Writing Center Theory and Practice (3 hrs)
ENGL 235. Embodied Rhetorics (3 hrs)
ENGL 255. Rhetoric of Health and Medicine (3 hrs)
ENGL 291. Visual Rhetoric and Document Design for Professional Writing (3 hrs)
ENGL 345. Digital Writing in Professional Contexts (3 hrs)
CRWR 217. Introductory Prose Writing Workshop (3 hrs)
Literature in English (4 courses, 3 hrs each):
Select 4 from the following:
ENGL 105. Narratives of Health and Healing (3 hrs)
ENGL 200. Independent Study in English and Professional Writing (1-4 hrs)
ENGL 221. Special Topics in English and Professional Writing (3 hrs)
ENGL 223. Taboos, Experiments and the Other: Modern Drama (3 hrs)
ENGL 225. Building Communities, Growing Resilience: Theater of American Women Playwrights (3 hrs)
ENGL 245. Hayao Miyazaki: Anime Master Storyteller and His Influences (3 hrs)
ENGL 246. Trauma and the “Power of Fantasy” in Hayao Miyazaki’s Films (3 hrs)
ENGL 249. Gender, Race and Ethnicity in Shakespeare (3 hrs)
ENGL 270. Internship in English and Professional Writing (1-4 hrs)
ENGL 290. Honors Independent Study in English and Professional Writing (3-4 hrs)
ENGL 292. Early America Through the Eyes of the ‘Other’ (3 hrs)
ENGL 294. Women Write America, 1865-1990 (3 hrs)
ENGL 298. “Imaginary Gardens with Real Toads”: Engaging Modern Amer. Poetry (3 hrs)
ENGL 299. Shakespeare Meets Manga (3 hrs)
ENGL 315. Major Writers in the English Language (3 hrs)
ENGL 320. Contemporary American Ethnic Woman: Her Story (3 hrs)
ENGL 325. Modern Writings from Women of Non-Western World: Global Lit (3 hrs)
ENGL 347. ‘Odd’ Literary Couples: American Novel, 1900-1945 (3 hrs)
ENGL 349. Race, Culture and Identity in Multi-Ethnic Literature of the US (3 hrs)
ENGL 365. Symbolic Healing in Native American Literature (3 hrs)
CRWR 218. Introductory Poetry Workshop (3 hrs)
A maximum of one internship (ENGL 270) can be used as an elective towards the major. Typically, a maximum of two independent or two honors independent studies can be used as electives, as long as they are taken for a minimum of 3 semester hours each. Any exceptions must be approved by the department. At least six of the 10 required courses, including ENGL 380, must be completed at Salem.
This is an example of course requirements. Actual requirements depend on the year declared and can be found in the academic catalogs.The minor in English offers a concentrated study of literary texts and requires the completion of five English courses (minimum of 15 semester hours): a core course in Reading and Writing for English Studies and four literature courses selected from a list of Literature in English. Maximum of one independent or one honors independent study can count toward the minor. Each course for the minor must be taken for 3-4 semester hours. At least three of the five courses must be completed at Salem. No more than three courses can be counted toward both a student’s minor and major.
ENGL 104. Reading and Writing for English Studies (3 hrs)
Literature in English (12 hrs):
Select 4 from the following:
ENGL 105. Narratives of Health and Healing (3 hrs)
ENGL 200. Independent Study in English and Professional Writing (1-4 hrs)
ENGL 221. Special Topics in English and Professional Writing (3 hrs)
ENGL 223. Taboos, Experiments and the Other: Modern Drama (3 hrs)
ENGL 225. Building Communities, Growing Resilience: Theater of American Women Playwrights (3 hrs)
ENGL 245. Hayao Miyazaki: Anime Master Storyteller and His Influences (3 hrs)
ENGL 246. Trauma and the “Power of Fantasy” in Hayao Miyazaki’s Films (3 hrs)
ENGL 249. Gender, Race and Ethnicity in Shakespeare (3 hrs)
ENGL 270. Internship in English and Professional Writing (1-4 hrs)
ENGL 290. Honors Independent Study in English and Professional Writing (3-4 hrs)
ENGL 292. Early America Through the Eyes of the ‘Other’ (3 hrs)
ENGL 294. Women Write America, 1865-1990 (3 hrs)
ENGL 298. “Imaginary Gardens with Real Toads”: Engaging Modern Amer. Poetry (3 hrs)
ENGL 299. Shakespeare Meets Manga (3 hrs)
ENGL 315. Major Writers in the English Language (3 hrs)
ENGL 320. Contemporary American Ethnic Woman: Her Story (3 hrs)
ENGL 325. Modern Writings from Women of Non-Western World: Global Lit (3 hrs)
ENGL 347. ‘Odd’ Literary Couples: American Novel, 1900-1945 (3 hrs)
ENGL 349. Race, Culture and Identity in Multi-Ethnic Literature of the US (3 hrs)
ENGL 365. Symbolic Healing in Native American Literature (3 hrs)
The minor in professional writing emphasizes the whole person within systems of power and prepares students in the genres, styles, and communication practices essential for the contemporary, digital workplace. With its focus on collaborative writing, problem-solving, real-world audiences, and document design, the minor in professional writing complements any major and helps students develop vital professional practices. The minor in professional writing requires completion of five courses (15 semester hours) listed below:
Required courses:
ENGL 250: Introduction to Professional Writing (3 hrs)
ENGL 291: Visual Rhetoric and Document Design for Professional Writing (3 hrs)
ENGL 235. Embodied Rhetorics (3 hrs)
1 writing intensive (WI) course in the student’s major discipline, or if a writing intensive course is not available in their major, in a different department with the approval of their advisor.
Choose one remaining course from:
ENGL 255. Rhetoric of Health and Medicine (3 hrs)
ENGL 211. Writing Center Theory and Practice (3 hrs)
ENGL 345. Digital Writing in Professional Contexts (3 hrs)
COMM 107. Digital Storytelling (3 hrs)
COMM 322. Strategic Communication and Marketing (3 hrs)
COMM 275. Health Communication (3 hrs)
COMM 323. Research Methods in Communication (3 hrs)
The minor in creative writing encourages students to hone their craft of prose and poetry through foundational workshop courses. We study a diverse selection of writings, ranging from the historical to the contemporary, and find inspiration from our own experiences and from those around us. Alongside workshops, students have the opportunity to study a variety of topics, such as drafting a novel, as well have the opportunity to engage with the vibrant community within the college and nearby. The minor in Creative Writing requires five courses (15 hours) listed below:
Required Coursework:
CRWR 215: Literary Artist as Citizen
CRWR 217: Introductory Prose Workshop
CRWR 218: Introductory Poetry Workshop
Choose One:
CRWR 313: Intermediate Fiction Workshop
CRWR 321: Intermediate Poetry Workshop
Choose One:
CRWR 315: The Art and Act of Revision
CRWR 220: Special Topics in Creative Writing
CRWR 200: Independent Study in Creative Writing
CRWR 270: Internship in Creative Writing
CRWR 290: Honors Independent Study in Creative Writing
A Literature, Theory, or Professional Writing course.
Class Year: 2022
Major: Creative Writing (minors in English and Professional Writing)
Class Year: 2019
Major: Creative Writing (Minors: English, Music, and Professional Writing)
Graduate Studies: Masters in Library and Information Science, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro
Class Year: 2022
Majors: English and History
Class Year: 2019
Major: English (Minor: Creative Writing)
Graduate Studies: Masters in Theatre Studies, Montclair State University
Advertising Intern, West Wayne, Inc.
Intern, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx’s office
Radio Marketing/Management, Radio Disney KMIC AM 1590 Houston
Intern, Cosmogirl! Magazine
Social Worker Shadowing, Families Count
Archives Assistant, United Nations Photo Library
Research Assistant, Furman University Secession Era Editorials Project
Lincoln Theatre Guild
Editorial Intern, Sojourners Magazine
Alternative Journalism, Village Voice
Government Scenes, Office of Senator Stephen Martin
Editorial Assistant, Atlanta Metropolitan Publishing
Editing/Research Project, Charles H. Stone Memorial Library
University Press Internship, Vanderbilt Publishing
Fiction Intern, White Wolf Publishing
See our Academic Catalog for all of our course offerings.