Take a focused tour of American writing — colonial through contemporary.
Why add an American Literature Minor at Shawnee State
15 credits — short enough to fit, substantial enough to count.
Start with two survey courses (colonial through Romanticism, and Realism through Postmodernism) to anchor the period; then pick three upper-division American literature courses that match your interests.
Small classes mean your professor will know your writing and give you real feedback.
Strengthens the analytical, critical-thinking, and writing skills employers hire for, especially in law, communications, education, and business.
What you'll study
The minor is 15 credits — two required survey courses (6 credits) plus three upper-division American literature electives (minimum 9 credits) at the 3000 level or above.
- Required (6 credits): ENGL 2251 American Literature Survey — Colonial through Romanticism; ENGL 2252 American Literature Survey — Realism through Postmodernism
- Choose three (minimum 9 credits) from American literature courses at the 3000 level or above
View the full curriculum and sample schedule in the Academic Catalog
Who should consider this minor
- Business and communication majors who want a strong critical reading and writing edge
- Pre-law students who need to read closely and argue precisely
- Education majors planning to teach English language arts
- Anyone curious about how American writing shaped American culture
Tuition and Financial Aid
SSU offers affordable tuition rates with the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee ensuring that your tuition, room, meal plan, and general fees remain consistent for four years.
To support students financially, Shawnee State provides a variety of scholarship opportunities:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Awards ranging from $2,000 to full tuition are available based on academic achievements, such as GPA and standardized test scores.
- Choose Ohio First Scholarships: Specifically for Ohio residents pursuing degrees in high-demand fields like Medical Laboratory Technology, these scholarships offer awards from $1,500 up to full tuition.
- Pell-Eligible Free Tuition Program: Students from select Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky counties who qualify for federal Pell Grants may be eligible for free tuition.
For detailed information on tuition rates and to explore all scholarship opportunities, please visit the Tuition & Fees and Scholarships pages.
We encourage you to contact your advisor, the Bursar’s Office, or the Financial Aid Office for details about your personal tuition or billing statement.
Contact Information
Ann Linden
Title: Department Chair
Area: Department of English & Humanities
Phone: (740) 351-3300
Email: alinden@shawnee.edu