English Writing and Literature Degree – Wayne State College Nebraska

Explore the English Writing and Literature degree program

You love to read, and you love to write. With the English Writing and Literature degree program, you get the best of both worlds – studying English literature and using literature as the inspiration for your own writing. You’ll study classic literature to develop your fluency and intellect and learn how to write with clarity and precision. You’ll get to analyze everything from the Old and New Testaments to Homer, Virgil, and Shakespeare, as well as modern and post-modern European, British, and American poetry, drama, and fiction.

The English Writing and Literature degree program can deepen your knowledge and prepare you for careers deeply rooted in language and rhetoric – careers such as law, public relations, speechwriting, publishing, reporting, theatre, and teaching.

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Fast facts

Degree options:

B.A. or B.S. in English/English Writing and Literature
Minor in English

Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)

Program credit hours: 51

English core courses (15 credit hours)
Writing courses (18 credit hours)
Literature courses (18 credit hours)

Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

School: Arts and Humanities

Department: Language and Literature

Prepare for your future

Opportunities and outcomes

English, writing, and literature topics covered

American literature throughout history
British literature throughout history
Shakespeare’s plays and poetry
Ancient epic and of Greek drama, or literary analysis of the Bible
Analytical and interpretive approaches to the study of literature
World literature across various cultures and time periods
Writing techniques for poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction
Writing for professional workplaces
Linguistics of English

Student learning outcomes

Analyze works of literature in English
Evaluate works of literature in English
Explain how social, philosophical, and cultural factors influence language
Demonstrate effective skills in written communication for a range of genres, purposes, and audiences

WSC Press

The WSC Press publishes regional writing and celebrates contemporary literature of the Great Plains. Students are involved in all aspects of editing and publishing at the WSC Press, and they can get their work published in The Judas Goat, a literary magazine featuring poetry, short fiction, creative non-fiction, and artwork of Wayne State College students.

WSC Press

Plains Writers Series

The Plains Writers Series features Great Plains area authors and artists in a one- or two-day event, followed by a poetry or fiction slam in downtown Wayne. The series is held four times a year and has been an integral part of Wayne State College’s history since 1977.

WSC Slams

The Poetry Slam is a biannual poetry competition held to showcase individuals poetic creativity in a competitive format. The Lucky 13 Fiction Slam is also a biannual event which highlights regional writing specific to short storytelling.

English writing internships

Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find writing internships and career opportunities. Students recently completed internships at the following locations:

Nebraska Life Magazine
Wayne Public Library
WSC Press

Career services and internships

Graduates of the English Writing and Literature degree program work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.

Jobs of recent graduates:

Elementary School Teacher – Sioux City Community Schools (Sioux City, Iowa)
English Teacher – Norfolk Catholic School (Norfolk, Neb.)
Library Assistant – Sioux City Community Schools (Sioux City, Iowa)
Library Specialist – Omaha Public Library (Omaha, Neb.)
Library Technician – Wayne State College (Wayne, Neb.)
Reporter – Grant Tribune-Sentinel (Denver, Colo.)
Writer – Screen Rant
Writer/Editor – Self-employed
Writer/Editor – WSC Press (Wayne, Neb.)

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

After graduating from Wayne State College, recent grads pursued advanced degrees at the following schools:

Creative Writing (M.A.) – Southern New Hampshire University (online)
Creative Writing (MFA) – University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Lincoln, Neb.)
English Education (MSE) – Wayne State College (Wayne, Neb.)
Elementary Education (MSE) – Wayne State College (Wayne, Neb.)
Interdisciplinary Studies (M.A.) – Wayne State College (Wayne, Neb.)
Library Science (MLS) – Emporia State University (Emporia, Kan.)
Theology (Atlanta, Ga.)

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

English core courses (15 credits)

Credits: 3
Description: Study of a variety of analytical and interpretive approaches to the study of literature in print and non-print media. This course provides an introduction to the English major in which the English program goals are communicated.
Credits: 3
Description: A study of the techniques of literary research, critical evaluation, and analysis of literary texts, as well as historical and thematic problems facing the literary scholar.
Prerequisite: ENG 270 Critical Approaches to Literature
Choose one of the following:
- ENG 150 Topics in Literature (3 credits) - Students will read and analyze selected literary works. The course focuses on the relation of literature to place, biography, culture, gender, class, and race. Students will be introduced to the principles of close reading, interpretation, and criticism of literary texts.
- ENG 260 Studies in Genre (3 credits) - Studies in techniques and forms of one of the major genres of literature, poetry, drama, fiction, and film. Film sections may require a lab. Title will vary with offering.
- ENG 280 Themes and Movements in Literature (3 credits) - Readings in world literature organized around a specific literary theme or movement. Topic and title vary from offering to offering.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENG 383 Film and Literature (3 credits) - An on-going series of courses concerned with the relationship (thematic, generic, social-historical, etc.) between cinema and literature. CNA/ENG 383 repeatable once for credit.
- ENG 384 World Literature (3 credits) - This course examines works from literary canons and traditions world-wide. This course may treat a common theme across various cultures; focus on a particular time period, culture, or genre; or compare and contrast texts from two or more countries.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENG 200 Expository Writing (3 credits) - This course is intended to refine writing skills learned in earlier composition classes. The course will deal exclusively with expository writing (that is, non-fiction prose essays that explain, analyze, and evaluate ideas) and topics will vary considerably. Class time will be divided between discussing examples of expository writing and working to improve individual writing. Prerequisite: ENG 102 Composition Skills or equivalent course
- ENG 202 Poetry Workshop (3 credits) - Study of and practice in the techniques of poetry writing for the beginning student.
- ENG 203 Fiction Workshop (3 credits) - Study of and practice in the techniques of writing short fiction.
- ENG 204 Creative Nonfiction Workshop (3 credits) - Study of and practice in the techniques of writing creative nonfiction, or fact-based writing that is crafted in a way that is both artistic and accessible rather than scholarly.

Literature courses (18 credit hours)

Credits: 3
Description: A survey, beginning with pre-contact indigenous literature and concluding with the Naturalist/Symbolist Period.
Credits: 3
Description: A survey, beginning with the Harlem Renaissance and Modernist Period in American Literature and concluding with study of significant contemporary writers.
Credits: 3
Description: A survey of British literature, beginning with Beowulf and concluding with works by 18th century writers.
Credits: 3
Description: A survey of British literature, beginning with the Romantic writers and concluding with contemporary writers.
Credits: 3
Description: Directed reading of Shakespeare’s plays and poetry against the background of Renaissance culture.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENG 381 Classical Mythology (3 credits) - A study of the ancient epic and of Greek drama; readings of Homer, Virgil, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, and Aristotle.
- ENG 382 The Bible as Literature (3 credits) - Literary analysis of the Hebrew scripture (Old Testament) and of the New Testament.

Writing courses (18 credit hours)

Credits: 3
Description: A linguistic study primarily of English, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, orthography, historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, and linguistic anthropology.
Choose two of the following courses not previously taken in the English core:
- ENG 200 Expository Writing (3 credits) - This course is intended to refine writing skills learned in earlier composition classes. The course will deal exclusively with expository writing (that is, non-fiction prose essays that explain, analyze, and evaluate ideas) and topics will vary considerably. Class time will be divided between discussing examples of expository writing and working to improve individual writing. Prerequisite: ENG 102 Composition Skills or equivalent course
- ENG 202 Poetry Workshop (3 credits) - Study of and practice in the techniques of poetry writing for the beginning student.
- ENG 203 Fiction Workshop (3 credits) - Study of and practice in the techniques of writing short fiction.
- ENG 204 Creative Nonfiction Workshop (3 credits) - Study of and practice in the techniques of writing creative nonfiction, or fact-based writing that is crafted in a way that is both artistic and accessible rather than scholarly.
- ENG 206 Workplace Writing (3 credits) - This course focuses on writing genres commonly used in professional workplaces, including correspondence (letters, memos, and emails) as well as reports, proposals, and lab reports. Students will learn to write polished, professional communication, focusing content for specific audiences and contexts. The instruction emphasizes audience and situational analysis, clarity, professional tone and style, as well as elements of format and pattern, research, and revision techniques. Prerequisite: ENG 102 Composition Skills or equivalent course.
Choose two of the following courses:
- ENG 402 Advanced Poetry Workshop (3 credits) - Continued study of and practice in the techniques of poetry writing. Prerequisite: ENG 202 Poetry Workshop or instructor permission.
- ENG 403 Advanced Fiction Workshop (3 credits) - Continued study of and practice in the writing of short fiction. Prerequisite: ENG 203 Fiction Workshop or instructor permission.
- ENG 404 Advanced Creative Nonfiction Workshop (3 credits) - Continued study of and practice in the writing of creative nonfiction. Prerequisite: ENG 204 Creative Nonfiction Workshop or instructor permission.
Choose 3 credit hours not previously taken from the following upper-level electives, or an upper-level foreign language course:
- ENG 321 Production and Design for Publication (3 credits) - Application of editing techniques through the production of smaller publications, including chapbooks, book promotional materials, and basic literary event planning. Publishing ethics are addressed along with a look at various publishing and printing processes. Prerequisite: ENG 221 Editing for Publication.
- ENG 333 American Theatre (3 credits) - Theatre, plays and players from 17th century beginnings to the present.
- ENG 365 Modern American Fiction (3 credits) - Modern American Fiction (3) Short stories and novels by significant 20th century American writers.
- ENG 381 Classical Mythology (3 credits) – A study of the ancient epic and of Greek drama; readings of Homer, Virgil, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, and Aristotle.
- ENG 382 The Bible as Literature (3 credits) - Literary analysis of the Hebrew scripture (Old Testament) and of the New Testament.
- ENG 383 Film and Literature (3 credits) - An on-going series of courses concerned with the relationship (thematic, generic, social-historical, etc.) between cinema and literature. CNA/ENG 383 repeatable once for credit.
- ENG 384 World Literature (3 credits) - This course examines works from literary canons and traditions world-wide. This course may treat a common theme across various cultures; focus on a particular time period, culture, or genre; or compare and contrast texts from two or more countries.
- ENG 386 Modern World Drama (3 credits) - Reading of representative global dramatists in translations from Ibsen to the Post-Moderns.
- ENG 402 Advanced Poetry Workshop (3 credits) - Continued study of and practice in the techniques of poetry writing. Prerequisite: ENG 202 Poetry Workshop or instructor permission.
- ENG 403 Advanced Fiction Workshop (3 credits) - Continued study of and practice in the writing of short fiction. Prerequisite: ENG 203 Fiction Workshop or instructor permission.
- ENG 404 Advanced Creative Nonfiction Workshop (3 credits) - Continued study of and practice in the writing of creative nonfiction. Prerequisite: ENG 204 Creative Nonfiction Workshop or instructor permission.
- ENG 415/515 Neihardt Seminar (3 credits) - An intensive study of selected authors, genres, and approaches to writing and reading. The course is usually taught by a visiting writer/scholar. This course may be repeated.
- ENG 421 Advanced Publishing (3 credits) - Focus on the selection, design, and publishing of the Judas Goat and other significant in-house publications. Non-print publishing such as literary event planning and promotion will be included. Prerequisites: ENG 321 Production and Design for Publication, and CNA 290 Editing and Copy Editing.
- ENG 441 Traditional English Grammar (1 credit) - Study of the rules and principles of traditional grammar in the English language, and of techniques and strategies for teaching grammar.
- ENG 442/542 Teaching Writing (2 credits) - A survey of the major theories and issues surrounding the teaching of writing in the pre-college classroom. Topics include classroom strategies, traditional grammar and its alternatives, grading and testing, and individualizing the writing curriculum. After an initial survey of current literature on these topics, students will be involved in designing their own writing curricula, micro-teaching, and adapting materials to the needs of the student population they expect to encounter in their professional careers.
- ENG 443/543 Young Adult Literature (2 credits) - Study of popular and traditional literature appropriate for adolescent readers, and of techniques and strategies for teaching this literature.
- ENG 444/544 Developmental Reading in Middle and Secondary Schools (2 credits) - Survey of current research on the reading processes of middle and secondary school student: techniques for assessing, developing, and improving students’ reading strategies, with emphasis on such topics as vocabulary development, comprehension, study skills, and reading in the content areas. This course meets the middle and secondary school reading requirement (reading in the content areas).
- ENG 483/583 Studies in Film and Literature (3 credits) - A study of the history, development, techniques and cultural impact of a selected cinematic and literary genre or theme with focus on the interplay between film and print. This course may be repeated for a total of 6 hours, by advisement, with different topics.
- ENG 497 Internship (1-12 credits) - A practical learning experience with publishers, editors, or a writer that provides the student with an additional option to further explore editing and publishing outside of the classroom. Enrollment by advisement.
- PHI 301 Logic (3 credits) - A study of formal logic, including categorical syllogisms, propositional logic, natural deduction, and predicate logic.

Popular pairings

Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study or to focus their studies on a specific topic. Students who recently majored in English Writing and Literature at Wayne State also paired this major with one or more of the following programs:

View all majors and minors

Related programs

Students interested in the English Writing and Literature program may also be interested in:

English Literature (B.A.)
English Writing (B.A. or B.S.)
Journalism (B.A. or B.S.)

Wayne State College has provided me with so many opportunities that would have otherwise been unavailable to me at a larger university or institution. Thanks to our small class sizes, I was able to develop personal relationships with each faculty member in my department. My undergraduate experience was enriched with their guidance and support, and when I was offered a graduate assistant position in the Language and Literature Department, I eagerly accepted, as I know they will continue investing in me and my future.

Emma Gardner

Omaha, Nebraska

English Writing and Literature