Harper College

Associate in Arts

Transfer to a four-year university to study English

Transfer majorsLiberal Arts icon


  • English (literature)
  • Creative writing
  • Teaching of English

Earn your Associate of Arts and transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor’s degree in English (literature), creative writing, or teaching of English. Studying English opens the door to many different career fields, as skills in composition, communication and critical analysis are valued across multiple industries.

Take core classes along with classes specific to the field of English, including surveys of literature, creative writing, technical writing, business writing and advanced composition. Expand your learning outside of the classroom by participating in student publications, such as Point of View, Harper’s literary and arts magazine. You will also have access to Harper’s new library, which reopened in spring of 2018.

Harper is an affordable place to begin your college education. Academic advisors or counselors will help you choose courses that meet the specific requirements of the four-year college or university you plan to attend.

Sample transfer plan

This sample transfer planning guide meets the requirements of the Associate in Arts degree and follows the Illinois Articulation Initiative English baccalaureate major recommendations. Students choosing to follow this sample plan need to choose the major of Associate in Arts if needing financial aid. Transfer institution requirements may vary - students should check individual college/university requirements before completing the sample plan as outlined. Baccalaureate admission may be competitive. Completion of these courses alone does not guarantee admission.

F = Fall only course S = Spring only course U = Summer only course

FIRST SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
ENG 101 3

Description:  Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900

Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of C or better. Other placement options: english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 086 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 099 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with required reading placement test score.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Mathematics1 3
Physical and Life Science2 3
Social and Behavioral Science3 3
SPE 101 3

Description:  Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

SECOND SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
ENG 102 3

Description:  Continues ENG 101. Reading literature and writing of various types of prose. Introduces methods used in writing investigative papers. IAI C1 901R

Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor or department chair.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Humanities and Fine Arts4 3
Major Discipline and Transfer Elective5 3
Physical and Life Science2 4
Social and Behavioral Science3 3

THIRD SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
Humanities and Fine Arts4 3
Major Discipline and Transfer Elective5 3
Major Discipline and Transfer Elective6 3
Social and Behavioral Science3 3

FOURTH SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
Humanities and Fine Arts4 3
Major Discipline and Transfer Electives5 8
Major Discipline and Transfer Elective6 3

1 - Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.

2 - Select at least one Physical and one Life Science. One course must include a lab. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for the approved courses in this category.

3 - One course from Humanities and Fine Arts or from Social and Behavioral Sciences must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.

4 - Select one course from Humanities and one course from Fine Arts. Interdisciplinary courses may count in either category. One course from Humanities and Fine Arts or from Social and Behavioral Sciences must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.

5 - Recommended courses for ease of transfer: LIT 221 (F), LIT 222 (S), LIT 231 (F), LIT 232 (S). Additional recommended courses: LIT 105, LIT 110, LIT 112, LIT 115, LIT 206, LIT 207, LIT 208, LIT 210 (S), LIT 220 (S), LIT 223 (F), LIT 224.

6 - A writing course is recommended but is not part of the Illinois Articulation Initiative Baccalaureate Majors' Recommendations (IAI Majors). Choose from ENG 130, 200, 201, 220, 221, 222.

Resources

Next steps

For more information about studying English at Harper, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.

Last Updated: 3/15/24