Core Courses

All midshipmen are required to complete or validate two semesters of English during the fourth-class year: HE111 and HE112. Validation of HE111 is awarded for: exceptional performance on the Validation/Placement Exam that all 4th class midshipmen take soon after their arrival at the Naval Academy; or an Advanced Placement score of 5 on the Composition and/or Literature exam; or a score of 7 on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level (HL) English Exam (A1 Exam).

Students who have taken the AP or IB English exams and have earned a 5 on the AP or a 7 on the IB, must have their scores sent to the Naval Academy. Official documentation is required for validation credit. Transfer credit is not accepted for core English courses.

HE101 Practical Writing (3-0-3)
The study and practice of grammatically correct and rhetorically effective expository prose, supplemented by the analysis of essays by professional writers. For students whose writing skills need reinforcement prior to taking HE111W and HE112W. Enrollment in HE101 does not necessitate summer school because the course counts as a Humanities/Social Sciences elective. [fall]

HE111 Rhetoric and Introduction to Literature I (3-0-3)
The first of a two course sequence stressing the writing of rhetorically effective and grammatically correct expository prose. Readings include essays, short stories, and plays. [fall]

HE111W Rhetoric and Introduction to Literature I (3-0-3)
A course similar to HE111 but for students who need more concentrated instruction in writing. Section size limited to 16 students. [fall, spring]

HE111S Rhetoric and Introduction to Literature I (3-0-3)
An honors level of HE111 for students with well-developed writing skills. [fall]

HE112 Rhetoric and Introduction to Literature II (3-0-3)
The second of a two course sequence stressing the writing of rhetorically effective and grammatically correct expository prose. Readings include novels and poetry. Prereq: HE111. [spring]

HE112W Rhetoric and Introduction to Literature II (3-0-3)
A course similar to HE112 but for students who need more concentrated instruction in writing. Section size limited to 16 students. Prereq: HE111W. [fall, spring]

HE112S Rhetoric and Introduction to Literature II (3-0-3)
An honors level of HE112 for students with well-developed writing skills. Prereq: HE111S. [spring]

HE112V Rhetoric and Introduction to Literature II (3-0-3)
A one-semester course in writing and literature, focused on novels and poetry. Prereq: validation of HE111. [fall]