Department of English

 The English B.A.

The primary aim of the English program is to contribute directly to the liberal education of our majors by developing an awareness of the importance of language, the value of critical reading and effective writing, and the richness of the literature of the past and present. English majors learn to vvrite clearly and persuasively, showing understanding of critical theory and literature from different historical periods.

See the English major at a glance.

Language Arts Emphasis Objectives

English majors in the language arts track are taught to organize, present, and explain concepts from the language arts (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) appropriate to the elementary classroom. Our language arts students learn about current theoretical work in the field and practice planning and implementing teaching that is likely to engage students in learning the integrated language arts. Students also demonstrate their knowledge of classic and contemporary literature for children and strategies for enhancing students' responses to such texts. Finally, our students demonstrate mastery of the writing process and strategies for developing in students the content and correctness appropriate to the elementary level.

See course requirements.

Language and Literature Emphasis Objectives

Our language and literature students learn about the history and development of the English language, the periods and movements that make up the history of American and British literature, and the critical vocabulary used by today's literary scholars. English majors in the language and literature track also learn to write comprehensive essays about literary works, authors, periods, and movements, and to explicate the form and content of a literary work.

See course requirements.

 English Education Emphasis Objectives

English majors in the English education track are taught to organize, present, and explain concepts from the language arts appropriate to the secondary classroom. Our English education students learn about current theoretical work in the field and practice planning and implementing teaching that is likely to engage students in learning the integrated language arts. Students also demonstrate their knowledge of classic and contemporary literature for young adults and strategies for enhancing students' responses to such texts. Finally, our students demonstrate mastery of the writing process and strategies for developing in students the content and correctness appropriate to the secondary level.

See course requirements.