Communication Arts and Literature - Education (BS)

Catalog Year 2025-2026

The English Education program prepares students to teach English and Communication in grades 5-12, leading to licensure in Communication Arts and Literature. Through a range of courses from English, Communication Studies, and Education, students learn the content and teaching skills needed to share their love of language and literature with young people. This program prepares English teachers to be advocates for students through instruction grounded in equity and inclusion. 

Program Requirements

Required General Education

A course in communication principles to develop skills in the analysis and presentation of speeches.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-1B

Nature, functions, responsibilities and effects of the media in contemporary society.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-09
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

The course explores communication with people from other cultures, why misunderstandings occur and how to build clearer and more productive cross-cultural relationships.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-08, GE-7A
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

Addresses drugs and drug use from psychological, behavioral, pharmacological, historical, legal and clinical perspectives - while examining the effects of drug use on personal health and social functioning.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-05

The purpose of this course is for teacher candidates to engage in self-reflection to deeply explore their intersectional identity. Furthermore, teacher candidates will examine historic and ongoing systemic inequities in education. Finally, teacher candidates will analyze the implications of systemic oppression on pedagogy, curriculum, communication, relationships, and learning in classrooms.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-11, GE-7A
Diverse Cultures:
Gold

Literature, Humanities, Film. - Choose 4 Credit(s).

An introduction to writing poetry and short prose. This course does not assume previous creative writing experience on the part of the student.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-11

Study and analysis of elements of prose, poetry and drama in English from earlier periods through contemporary. Emphasizes critical reading of literature. May include such genres as short story, novel, memoir, nonfiction, biography, autobiography, poem, play, screenplay.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-06

Study and analysis of prose, poetry, drama, and film from various genres, time periods, and geographies. Emphasizes critical reading of and writing about literature.

Prerequisites:
ENG 101
Goal Areas:
GE-06

This course will introduce students to Shakespeare's plays (histories, tragedies, and comedies) and sonnets. Students will read, analyze, and develop interpretations of these works, learning about Shakespeare's language, historical situations, and world views.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-06, GE-08

Courses will explore literary representations of, and literary contributions made by, under-represented peoples. Students will develop critical thinking, reading, and writing skills, and increased appreciation of the diversity of human experience. Potential topics include: Multi-Ethnic Literature, Literature and Disability. May be repeated as topics change.

Prerequisites:
ENG 101
Goal Areas:
GE-06, GE-7A
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

Courses will introduce students to works of literature from a variety of world cultures. Designed to increase knowledge of world cultures and appreciation and understanding of cultural differences in representation, and in seeing, believing, and being. Emphasizes critical thinking, reading, and writing. May be repeated with different topics.

Prerequisites:
ENG 101
Goal Areas:
GE-06, GE-08

Courses will focus on some characteristic ways in which literature addresses and explores the ethical dimensions of human society and the relationships between works and their cultural contexts. Emphasizes critical thinking, reading and writing. May be repeated as topics change.

Prerequisites:
ENG 101
Goal Areas:
GE-06, GE-09

Any 100-200 Film course. Any 100-200 Humanities course.

Major Common Core

* Note on COMM 421: 4 credits is the norm. Less credits dependent on experience in consultation with CAL advisor.

A course blending theory and practice to help individuals build effective relationships through improved communication.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-02

The course fulfills secondary licensure requirements for Communication Arts and Literature. First, the course covers teaching methods and materials needed to develop units for communication courses in grades 5-12. Second, the course covers methods and techniques in the development of competitive speech programs in grades 5-12.

Prerequisites:
none

An introduction to literary genres and to the techniques of writing about literature.

Prerequisites:
ENG 101

Topics in British literature covering various periods, literary movements, and themes. The course will study works of fiction, poetry, and drama, and their historical and cultural contexts. Potential topics include Victorian Literature & Art, Gothic Literature, British Colonial & Post-Colonial Literature, Performing Identity in Early Drama, Monsters and Magic, and others. This course may be repeated with change of topic.

Prerequisites:
none

This topics course examines some of the major developments in US literature. In reading a variety of canonical and noncanonical works, students will develop a greater understanding of US literature within specific sociocultural transformations and attendant literary movements. The course may be taught thematically, with possible topics including postcolonialism, environmental studies, immigration, and popular culture. May be repeated with change of topic.

Prerequisites:
none

Theory, practice, and materials for teaching English language arts in middle school and high school, with particular attention to literature.

Prerequisites:
none

Theory, practice, and materials for teaching English language arts in middle school and high school, with particular attention to language and writing.

Prerequisites:
none

Students will examine a current area of interest in the field of Writing Studies, including the topic's theoretical, scholarly, and pedagogical implications for writing and/or the teaching of writing. This course can be repeated for credit as the topic changes each time it is offered.

Prerequisites:
none

Major Restricted Electives

World Literature - Choose 3 - 4 Credit(s).

Topics on themes, issues, and developments in genres of the literatures of the world. Content changes. May be repeated.

Prerequisites:
none
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

A study of selected novels from a variety of time periods and cultures, including Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Prerequisites:
none

Selected works of literature for students in grades 5-12 from a variety of countries and cultures.

Prerequisites:
none

Young Adult Literature - Choose 4 Credit(s).

A survey of literature for students in grades 5-12, fiction, and non-fiction, and methods of teaching this literature.

Prerequisites:
none

Survey of books suitable for the Middle School classroom, covering a variety of topics and genres.

Prerequisites:
none

Aesthetic Response - Choose 4 Credit(s).

This course is designed to develop the skills to complete the artistic process of studying literature through performance and sharing that study with an audience.

Prerequisites:
none

An introduction to writing poetry and short prose. This course does not assume previous creative writing experience on the part of the student.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-11

This course examines Shakespeare's poetry and dramatic works within their social and historical context. The plays will be considered as both literary texts and dramatic performances.

Prerequisites:
none

Linguistics Choice - Choose 4 Credit(s).

The English language considered structurally (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics) and sociolinguistically (geographical and social dialects, gender issues, acquisition of first and second language, standard and nonstandard forms).

Prerequisites:
none

This course introduces students to sociolinguistics with some specific focus on the role of culture and language in education. Topics of study focus on diverse student populations in American schools, particularly language learners. The course examines the interaction between language(s) and culture and helps students explore how individuals are members of many communities and are influenced by a host of different cultural markers, such as language, race, ethnicity, regionalism, social class, gender, and other differences.

Prerequisites:
none

Other Graduation Requirements

See the K-12 Teaching Programs section of the catalog for admission requirements for professional education and for a list of required professional education courses.

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-1A
General Education Course * 4 credits
General Education Course * 4 credits
Required General Education Course * 3 credits

Spring - 15 Credits

Required General Education Course * 3 credits
General Education Course * 4 credits
General Education Course * 4 credits
Required General Education Course * 4 credits

Second Year

Fall - 15 Credits

The course explores communication with people from other cultures, why misunderstandings occur and how to build clearer and more productive cross-cultural relationships.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-08, GE-7A
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

An introduction to literary genres and to the techniques of writing about literature.

Prerequisites:
ENG 101
General Education Course * 3 credits
General Education Course * 4 credits

Spring - 16 Credits

In this course, teacher candidates will explore the equitable use of current and new technologies to support the wide range of student learning variability, while addressing safe, culturally responsive, and ethical use. Teacher candidates will also discuss innovative educational technologies to reflect on their use for professional, personal, and community purposes.

Prerequisites:
none

The purpose of this course is for teacher candidates to engage in self-reflection to deeply explore their intersectional identity. Furthermore, teacher candidates will examine historic and ongoing systemic inequities in education. Finally, teacher candidates will analyze the implications of systemic oppression on pedagogy, curriculum, communication, relationships, and learning in classrooms.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-11, GE-7A
Diverse Cultures:
Gold

The purpose of this course is for teacher candidates to apply a critical lens to unit and lesson planning to foster critical thinking, discussion, engagement, and inquiry. Teacher candidates will examine cognitive processes associated with learning. Teacher candidates will also explore theory and methods to develop equitable, accessible, and culturally sustaining learning experiences to eliminate barriers to learning, including asset-based pedagogy, and identity affirming classroom environments.

Prerequisites:
none

A review of traditional grammar designed to prepare students for advanced work in language and grammar. This course will run for a half-semester.

Prerequisites:
none

This course is designed to develop the skills to complete the artistic process of studying literature through performance and sharing that study with an audience.

Prerequisites:
none

Topics in British literature covering various periods, literary movements, and themes. The course will study works of fiction, poetry, and drama, and their historical and cultural contexts. Potential topics include Victorian Literature & Art, Gothic Literature, British Colonial & Post-Colonial Literature, Performing Identity in Early Drama, Monsters and Magic, and others. This course may be repeated with change of topic.

Prerequisites:
none

Third Year

Fall - 18 Credits

A course blending theory and practice to help individuals build effective relationships through improved communication.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-02

This topics course examines some of the major developments in US literature. In reading a variety of canonical and noncanonical works, students will develop a greater understanding of US literature within specific sociocultural transformations and attendant literary movements. The course may be taught thematically, with possible topics including postcolonialism, environmental studies, immigration, and popular culture. May be repeated with change of topic.

Prerequisites:
none

In this course teacher candidates will critically explore asset-based pedagogy grounded in anti-racist, culturally relevant, and responsive practices to differentiate instruction. Additionally, teacher candidates will explore their intersectional identity and the importance of ongoing self-reflective practices necessary to cultivate identity affirming learning environments and experiences for students. Finally, teacher candidates examine instructional strategies that model and explain concepts and skills in multiple ways to support the diverse needs of students.

Prerequisites:
none

In this course teacher candidates will explore strategies to cultivate learning experiences that are equitable, culturally relevant, justice-oriented, student-centered, and meaningful. Candidates will have an opportunity to create a unit plan, formative and summative assessments, and rubrics that emphasize multiple ways of expressing learning. Furthermore, candidates will examine grading practices and methods for providing/sharing feedback that supports learner variability and facilitating student ownership of their learning.

Prerequisites:
none

The English language considered structurally (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics) and sociolinguistically (geographical and social dialects, gender issues, acquisition of first and second language, standard and nonstandard forms).

Prerequisites:
none

Spring - 16 Credits

Theory, practice, and materials for teaching English language arts in middle school and high school, with particular attention to literature.

Prerequisites:
none

A survey of literature for students in grades 5-12, fiction, and non-fiction, and methods of teaching this literature.

Prerequisites:
none

The course fulfills secondary licensure requirements for Communication Arts and Literature. First, the course covers teaching methods and materials needed to develop units for communication courses in grades 5-12. Second, the course covers methods and techniques in the development of competitive speech programs in grades 5-12.

Prerequisites:
none

A study of selected novels from a variety of time periods and cultures, including Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Prerequisites:
none

Fourth Year

Fall - 14 Credits

Theory, practice, and materials for teaching English language arts in middle school and high school, with particular attention to language and writing.

Prerequisites:
none

This course examines Shakespeare's poetry and dramatic works within their social and historical context. The plays will be considered as both literary texts and dramatic performances.

Prerequisites:
none

In this course, teacher candidates will explore strategies to build strong relationships with and advocate for students, families, and the community. Candidates will examine ways that the curriculum addresses multiple perspectives, cultures and backgrounds to emphasize culturally sustaining learning experiences. They will explore professional responsibilities and teacher leadership roles. Finally, teachers will examine ways to use data and information gathered from the students, school, and caregivers to advocate and support students for positive change.

Prerequisites:
none

In this course, teacher candidates investigate how traditional methods of reading instruction can contribute to systemic oppression in classrooms and how anti-oppressive methods can help break the cycle of inequities in education. Teacher candidates apply understanding of systemic oppression and inequity to provide asset-based, ongoing support for students. This includes knowledge and implementation of content area reading instruction, recognizing the characteristics of reading disabilities and implementing accommodations to meet student needs, and using the language development framework to support multilingual learners.

Prerequisites:
none

Spring - 12 Credits

In this seminar, teacher candidates will reflect upon and assess /discuss practices, experiences, challenges, and success in their student teaching experience.

Prerequisites:
none

In this course, teacher candidates apply learning from coursework to practice in the 5-12 classroom.

Prerequisites:
admission to student teaching.

Policies

Grade Policy. Students must earn a "C-" or better for a course to apply to their major.

P/N Grading Policy. Courses leading to a major in English may not be taken on a P/N basis, except where P/N is mandatory.

English Majors. Students majoring in English may elect one of the following minors: Film Studies, Linguistics, and Technical Communication. However, a course used to meet the requirements of an English major, minor, or certificate cannot also be used to meet the requirements of another English major, minor, or certificate. Consequently, because Technical Communication shares required courses, students may elect only one of them: BA English Studies Technical Communication Emphasis, BS English Technical Communication Option, the certificate in Technical Communication, or the Technical Communication minor.

Residency Requirements. Students pursuing a major and/or minor in the Department of English must complete at least 50% (half) of the required credits for the major and/or minor at Minnesota State Mankato.

Limits to Independent Work. Students pursuing a major or minor in the Department of English may earn no more than 33% (one-third) of the required credits through supervised independent work such as independent studies or internships, not including capstone experiences.

Other. Students are required to apply to Professional Education which may have additional policies.

Degree
Bachelor of Science

Major Credits
74

Total Credits
120

Locations
Mankato

Career Cluster
Education and Training


This program satisfies licensure-to-practice standards for Minnesota and may satisfy standards for other states or US territories.

Licensure/Certification Disclosure