The English Department at Rutgers-New Brunswick has been central to the mission of Rutgers University for years. Rutgers English trains more than seven hundred undergraduate majors and minors in literature, and nearly a hundred active graduate students. Through the composition requirement offered by its Writing Program, Rutgers English provides gateway instruction in reading and writing practices to more than 17,000 students annually. Located at the hub of so much intellectual activity, Rutgers English plays a definitive role in shaping the character and quality of humanistic inquiry across the disciplines at the university.
First Semester Planning
We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.
Your schedule will look something like this:
|
College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits) Major Exploration course (3-4 credits) Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits) Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits) Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits) Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) Total Credits: 15-16 |
Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:
|
Course Title |
Course Number |
Credits |
Subject on University Schedule of Classes |
|
Principles of Literary Study |
01:359:201 |
3 |
English-Theories and Methods |
|
The Cultural History of Now |
01:358:275 |
3 |
English-Literature |
| Introduction to Multimedia Composition | 01:351:209 | 3 | English-Creative Writing |
Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page. Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester. Course Title Course Number Credits Subject on University Schedule of Classes
The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects. To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one: 1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue. 2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments: Cinema Studies (175) Criminal Justice (202) Social Justice (904) Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (988) Students considering this discipline are strongly encouraged to also incorporate the study of a world language into their Rutgers degree. This can be starting anew language or continuing a language per your World Language placement test results! 3. In Section Status, deselect Closed 4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering. Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters. Additional Information Beyond the Classroom For your first semester, we want you to focus on selecting appropriate courses, begin to understand the expectations and rigor of college, and identify resources to help you succeed at Rutgers. But, we also know that it is important to provide information for future planning. In addition to the information below, students interested in exploring possible career options may find this resource from the Office of Career Exploration and Success helpful - you'll find that a degree in this subject prepares you for a wide variety of career options! {accordion title="Is there a departmental Honors track or program?"} English majors may elect to write an independent Honors thesis, working with a faculty mentor, during their senior year. We offer a selection of honors courses at every level of the curriculum for students enrolled in SAS Honors or the Honors College. See more information at https://english.rutgers.edu/academics/undergraduate-91/honors.html. Recent graduates work in a wide array of fields including education, publishing, advertising, journalism, public relations, marketing, human resources, social work, law, medicine, non-profits and NGOs. Please click here for more information. A variety of for-credit internship opportunities are available for English majors and minors through the Writing Program. The department sponsors two study abroad programs in England over the summer. There are many opportunities for students interested in creative writing to connect with each other and published authors through Writers House.
Introduction to Myth
01:195:244
3
Comparative Literature (195)
Gender and Consumption
01:988:317
3
Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies (988)
Script Analysis
07:966:371
2
Theater Arts (966)
Introduction to Criminal Justice
01:202:201
3
Criminal Justice (202)
Any World Language
3-4
See Course Planning Sheet for languages offered
