How much English do I need to take?

Stetson students are required to successfully complete 6 of the 9 hours of First Year English. Thus students taking EH 111 go on to take EH 121; students in EH 121 go on to take EH 131. First Year English courses must be taken sequentially--no student may take EH 121 and then go on to take EH 111, or take EH 131 and subsequently take EH 121. Stetson policy is that students must remain continually enrolled in First Year English courses until they have completed the requirements. In other words, students may not skip a semester of FYE while fulfilling other requirements.

Can I take EH 111? It looks easier.

Students must be placed in EH 111 by the University; students may not opt to enroll in the course. Contact the Director of First Year English at mboneill@stetson.edu for additional information about EH 111 placement.

What about the grading standards?

The faculty of the English Department have high standards for academic writing, and we try to pass those standards on to our EH 111, 121, and 131 students. What many freshmen do not understand or are not prepared for is the rigor with which academic writing is graded; while many entering students have consistently earned As in their previous writing courses, freshmen are often shocked to see that those writing skills are considered average by Stetson faculty. We believe in maintaining grade ethics: we will not inflate a course grade over and above the student's actual achievement, and we will not give grades of B and A without warrant. Grading standards can be found here.

Can I drop this course if I get into trouble with it?

No. Dropping any of the First Year English courses is not allowed. In some extreme situations, for example a withdrawal for health reasons from the University, enrollment in an FYE course can be changed. The University places a high priority on writing skills, however, and we expect you to complete the requirements for First Year English in your first year at Stetson.

What about my AP or IB credits?

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate scores are often high enough to warrant exemptions from EH 121 and EH 131. Consult the Director of First Year English for the particulars.

Can I try to test out of EH 121 or EH 131?

Yes. At the beginning of every semester, the First Year English Program offers exemption examinations during FOCUS. Students hoping for an exemption from EH 121 take a two part exam: the first part is objective (comprehension and grammar understanding), and students doing very well on this part are invited to take the next part, an essay written under timed conditions and then read by at least two faculty members, who decide whether the student has demonstrated the skills we expect from students when they leave EH 121. This decision is final, and so students are expected to remain enrolled in their EH 121 courses until they are notified that they have passed the exams.

Students attempting to test out of EH 131 are given an essay examination in which they read a specific piece of literature (essay, poem, short story) and respond to it in critical or interpretative ways. These essays are read by at least two faculty who decide whether the student has demonstrated mastery of the skills. These results are also final, and the same warning applies: students should remain enrolled in their EH 131 course unless notified differently.

I have a real problem with my First Year English teacher. How do I deal with it?

Conflict with your teacher can be a touchy situation. Students should first attempt to resolve the problem with the teacher, but if that doesn't work, students should contact Dr. Megan O'Neill, the Director of First Year English, at x7722. If the problem is not resolved at this level, students should contact the Chair of the English Department, Dr. Tom Farrell. The majority of problems are solved by this point, but should they continue, all parties should take the problem to Dean Ballenger (Arts & Sciences) for resolution.