Frequently Asked Questions
about the Undergraduate Program
Q: How do I declare a concentration in English?
A: After consulting Requirements for the Concentration and determining that you want to concentrate in Literatures and Cultures in English (concentration code 715), you will need the Registrar's concentration form (also available at 3rd floor, University Hall). You also need the English Department's concentration advising form (pdf; also available in the English Department office at 70 Brown St.) on which you will set forth your plan for how you wish to pursue your concentration.
Next, you take these forms to any English concentration advisor, who will answer any questions you may have in filling them out, help you decide on an area of focus, and approve your concentration materials. You may seek advice and approval for your concentration plan from any of the department advisors. After you have officially declared the concentration, we will assign you to an advisor for the duration of your time at Brown.
After you've had your concentration forms approved by an advisor, you see Jane Donnelly in Room 101 at 70 Brown St. so that she can establish your department file.
Finally, you file the University forms with the Registrar. After you've accomplished all of these steps, the University will officially consider you an English concentrator.
Q: How can I get transfer credit for a course I took at another school?
A: You must meet with Professor Tamar Katz George, Director of Undergraduate Studies. Only the Director of Undergraduate Studies can approve transfer credit for English courses taken at other institutions. The Registrar's office has a pdf form for both preliminary and retroactive approval. When you meet with Professor George to request approval, you must bring with you the Registrar's transfer credit forms, plus the following: (1) a course description that explains in some detail the subject, approach, required reading, and assignments of the course for which you're seeking credit, and (2) an official transcript with grade received (if you've already taken the course). It may be necessary for you to provide the course syllabus and examples of papers written, particularly if you're trying to determine Brown English course equivalents.
Q: After I've declared my concentration, how often should I meet with my advisor?
A: You are required to meet with your advisor at least once a year, but it is a good idea to consult with your advisor, at least briefly, before each pre-registration period so that you can be sure that you will fulfill the requirements of the concentration in time to graduate on schedule.
Q: How can I figure out if courses I'm taking apply to my focus area?
A: Check our online course breakdown tables.
Q: How many courses outside of the English Department can count toward my concentration in Literatures and Cultures in English?
A: As many as two courses outside the department may count toward the concentration requirements. Any outside courses must be approved by your concentration advisor.
Q: How do I apply for Honors in Literatures and Cultures in English?
A: Applications are available in the English Department office. You must have already declared a concentration in Literatures and Cultures in English. You should complete the application and submit it early in the second semester of your junior year, accompanied by two letters of recommendation from faculty members. You must submit a brief sample of your critical writing (5-7 pages) with your application. More details on the Honors Program.
Q: How do I apply for Honors in Nonfiction Writing?
A: Applications are available in the English Department office. You must have already declared a concentration in Literatures and Cultures in English. You should complete the application and submit it early in the second semester of your junior year. More details on the Nonfiction Writing Honors Program.
Q: What is the deadline for applying for Honors in Literatures and Cultures in English?
A: Early in the second semester of your junior year. Go to Honors for this year's deadline.
Q: When do I learn if I've been accepted into the Honors Programs?
A: The Honors Committee evaluates the applications and informs students by letter about the decisions during the first week of pre-registration.
Q: How do I apply for Honors in Creative Writing?
A: This program is open to English concentrators who matriculated in Spring 2005 or before. Interested students should obtain information from the office of the Literary Arts Program.
Q: I'm interested in taking a writing class to improve my academic writing. How do I decide what course would be appropriate for me to take?
A: Click here to visit "Choosing an Introductory English Course" or here to see the Nonfiction Writing FAQs.
Q: Does the English Department award prizes?
A: Yes. You can find more information on our prizes page.
