Student Resources

Students in English Department programs have a wide variety of challenging and engaging coursework to choose from in our department. You can also choose to participate in our student organizations, creative activities, publishing projects, and scholarly and literary events.

Includes independent study, independent reading, and thesis units.

Supervised Course Request (SCR) form — Graduate students (GRAD)
Supervised Course Request (SCR) form — Undergraduates (UGRD)

Completed form for Spring 2027 is due to English Department office no later than Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2027. No exceptions.

*Limit one form per each course request, please.*

After all participants have signed, your request will be processed within 3-5 business days. You can expect an email from the office with your class number and enrollment information.

Questions about the SCR process? Email the department staff.

Topics courses are taught seminar style, with substantial reading, research, and writing included.

Topics Courses – Spring 2027

Engl 169T – The Lyric (Gordon)

The literary history of lyric poetry, theories of “lyric reading,” the lyric genre, formalism/close reading, and study of explanations for the historical and ideological emergence of lyric poetry as the literary form most associated with individualism; the relationship between lyric poetry and other forms of artistic expression: still life painting, scientific illustration, and music; and the pervasiveness of lyrics throughout popular culture (karaoke, Spotify, Genius.com, “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!”).

Engl 188T – Juan Felipe Herrera (Vang)

Study of Juan Felipe Herrera’s contributions to the past, present, and future of American and Latinx literature, including work spanning multiple decades and genres, from poetry to YA, children’s literature to visual art, and performance to memoir. A community arts activist from the Central Valley, a U.S. Poet Laureate and MacArthur Fellowship recipient, Herrera has been recognized as a creative force transcending poetic conventions to achieve new experimental frameworks.

Engl 250T – Restoration and 18th Century Drama (Beynon)

Exploration of examples of English drama written and produced between 1660 and 1800 —including heroic drama, social comedy, political tragedy, and sentimental comedy—within larger historical and cultural contexts to understand the political, sexual, and economic dimensions of the English stage during this era.

Engl 250T – From Puerto Rico con Saźon: Cultura, Literatura y Reggaetón (Rodriguez)

Study of Puerto Rican literature, music, and cultural production through novels, poetry, folktales and essays alongside reggaetón, bomba y plena, film, visual art and performances to examine how Puerto Rican artists craft belonging, joy, and resistance amid U.S. rule, debt austerity, blackouts, tourism, natural disasters, and displacement.

Seminars in English – Spring 2027

Engl 193 – Literary Asian San Joaquin (Najmi)

This course focuses on the literary contributions of Asian Americans from the San Joaquin Valley. We will read creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry spanning 50 years, from Maxine Hong Kingston and Lawson Fusao Inada to contemporary authors of diverse backgrounds.

Engl 193 - Medieval Magics (Weston)

Witches and healers, mystics and fairies, and ritual magicians. Charms and prayers, visions and romances, and one real Medieval grimoire. Exploring and interrogating the poetics and culture of the magical and marvelous in the Middle Ages.

Bulldogs for Recovery — Helps students learn healthier ways to cope with substance use, safe partying, etc.
Career Development Center — Gives students a one-stop shop for job opportunities and professional development.
Dream Success Center — Helps students who may have mixed or undocumented immigration statuses.
Learning Center — Provides students with tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic success coaching, etc.
Let's Talk Counseling — Gives students easy access to confidential and anonymous mental health counseling.
Financial Wellness Center — Helps students learn techniques for budgeting, credit, and debt management.
Student Cupboard — An on-campus food pantry that provides students with free food and hygiene products.
Student Health and Counseling Center — A full, high-quality on-campus health facility for students.
Victim Advocacy Services — Provides confidential support to students impacted by interpersonal violence.
Writing Center — Helps students with their writing assignments, from start to finish.