To Apply
English majors with a 3.3 or higher GPA, who have taken at least two 300-level English or Comparative Literature courses (one may be a creative writing workshop) at CCNY (not transfer credits) and who have a genuine interest in literature and literary criticism.
Write a personal statement, addressed to the English Honors Committee, of no more than 500 words describing why you want to join the program and what are your literary and research interests, together with an updated transcript and the name of at least one faculty member who is willing to serve as a reference. Please include your address, phone number, email and student identification number in your application and submit it to Renee Philippi, Administrative Director, NAC 6/316.
Application deadlines are November 15th in the fall semester and March 15th in the spring.
Seminars:
Honors students are required to take two seminars. Though there are no designated honors seminars, students may take 490-level English seminars or, contingent on the instructor’s approval, a Masters level seminar. If a substantial number of honors students enroll in a seminar, it will become a de facto honors seminar.
The Honors Thesis:
Honors students must find a faculty mentor who is willing to direct their project. The mentor cannot be a part-time adjunct faculty member but may be from a department other than English.
The thesis must be approximately twenty-five pages, plus a bibliography. Creative writing projects are allowed, but only when accompanied by a 5 page critical introduction to the creative piece.
The final thesis must be approved by the mentor. After it has been revised and approved, it must be submitted by email to the Director of Honors and the Administrative Director.
During the semester in which students are working on a thesis, they should register for a 3-credit English Honors course (English 303Q). Students cannot register for this course online; instead, they must see one of the English advisers, who may register students for the course.
In rare cases, when the project requires a particularly long research period, students may register for an additional semester of thesis work. If that is the case, they must obtain the mentor’s, as well as the Director’s permission. For a second semester of thesis work, students should register for English 302Q.
For additional information or questions, please contact Renee Philippi: RMPhilippi@ccny.cuny.edu, (212) 650-8388, or visit NAC 6/316.