Department of English

Welcome to the English Department at North Dakota State University.

The mission of the English Department at NDSU is to inspire an appreciation for the English language and its literatures, and to cultivate its effective use in creative expression and day-to-day life. We offer two minors (Literary Studies and Writing Studies), a BA and BS degree in English, a BA and BS in English Education (in cooperation with the School of Education), and an MA in English. Read more.

What's new for Spring 2009?

• The Spring 2009 Graduate Classes.
• The NDSU Writing Program (General Education Writing courses) has undergone some changes. Incoming and transfer students will need to figure out which course(s) they need to take).
• Check out the English courses that have been approved for the Upper Division Writing curriculum (300 & 400 level courses).
• Undergraduate degree advising forms and adviser contact information.
• The graduate program handbook has been updated. The department accepts applications throughout the year, but anyone wishing to be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship should apply by May 1, 2008.

Writing Course FAQs: 120 and 300 Level

The NDSU Writing Program has a set of Frequently Asked Questions that students and advisers are encouraged to consult, but two questions are RFAQs--Really Frequently Asked Questions.

100 Level Question: "I was exempt from 110 but I can't register for 120; what do I do?"

Answer(s):

1. Email Dr. Amy Taggart. Include in the email the following information: the year you entered NDSU and became eligible to take 120, your ACT or SAT score, and your student ID# (very important-the registrar will need this to change your status).
2. Dr. Taggart will contact the registrar and request that your status be changed to allow you to enroll in ENGL 120.
3. Dr. Taggart will send you an email following the request. Please be patient, allowing at least 24 hours between receiving the email and trying to enroll in the section you desire-there may be a lag in the system before the change becomes official.

300 Level Question: "I don't have 60 credits but I'd like to take an Upper Division Writing course. Can I get a special permit to add the class?"

Answer(s):

1. We do not issue permits to students with fewer than 60 credits. This policy ensures that students with more than 60 credits can get enrolled in UDW classes.
2. Students who have between 59 and 55 credits can sit in on an Upper Division Writing Class if there is a spot open in the class. These students can be added to the roster once online registration has closed (about 10 days into the semester).
3. We absolutely will not enroll students below 55 credits because the pedagogy of these courses requires advanced standing and we need to keep writing courses (100 level and 300 level) spread out in students' curriculum.

Important Dates and Schedules

• Semester schedules can be found at Bison Connection.
• Important Dates and Deadlines (including final exam schedule).

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Cosgrove Seminar

Wednesday, Oct. 22nd, 2008
3:30-5:00 pm
Morrill Hall 109

"Safe or Sorry? Working Responsibly with SafeAssign."

Presenters:
Nancy Lilleberg, ITS
Dr. Amy Taggart, Director of First-year Writing
Dr. Kelly Sassi, English and English Education
Nona Wood, Associate Director Students Rights/Responsibilities

NDSU has adopted the plagiarism detection program "SafeAssign" and has integrated it as an option into Blackboard. At this session, you'll get a brief demonstration of SafeAssign followed by discussion of best practices and cautions for using plagiarism detection software. We will also discuss student rights and responsibilities in relationship to plagiarism.