English, B.A.

The English major/minor provides an important foundation in literature, advanced writing and research skills for graduates entering fields such as religion, business, management, government, law, marketing, advertising, communication, technical writing and editing, public relations, education, and multimedia journalism.

A major in English also prepares students for graduate study in English language and literature. Upon the recommendation of an English advisor, English majors may minor in a number of disciplines to better prepare them for specific career goals.

The discipline of English embraces literature in the broadest interpretation of the word as a gateway to strengthen student writing, critical thinking, and creative research and expression. The English area prepares students to become insightful, technologically literate, life-long learners who understand the connection between theory and application, in order to compete successfully in careers and/or advanced studies within a complex and evolving global society.

Goals

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in English program, students will

1. Write according to purpose and audience
2. Write focused essays in clear, grammatical prose using Edited American English
3. Think creatively and independently
4. Ethically gather, understand, evaluate, and synthesize information
5. Perform formal research according to MLA documentation and style
6. Demonstrate knowledge of literary history
7. Demonstrate knowledge of literary forms / genres
8. Demonstrate understanding of important literary concepts and terms
9. Use critical strategies in responding to literature
10. Analyze and evaluate literature with well-articulated positions, illustrations, and support
11. Use technology appropriate to the assignment.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in English program students will have demonstrated mastery in

• Writing essays that focus on purpose and respond to the needs of different audiences
• Understanding a research writing assignment as a series of tasks, including finding, evaluating, analyzing, and synthesizing appropriate primary and secondary sources
• Using multiple strategies for generating, organizing, revising, editing, proofreading, and writing essays
• Writing essays structured with clear beginnings, theses, appropriate body paragraph development and conclusions
• Writing essays with content which demonstrates critical thinking in a logical and clear progression using language appropriate to audience with assertions which are clearly supported or illustrated
• Writing essays with an acceptable number of syntax and grammar errors for the criteria of the papers
• Performing formal research according to MLA documentation and style.
• The knowledge of literary history, forms and genres, as well as an understanding of important literary concepts and terms
• Using technology appropriate to the assignment
• Presenting research findings orally in an effective manner appropriate to purpose and audience.

Graduation Requirements

This degree program requires a minimum of 121 semester hours for graduation. English majors must take a minimum of 51 credits in English at the 200-level or above and complete a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours in sequence in the same modern language other than English. English majors must earn a C or better in all ENG and modern language courses. A C- or lower in any major course is not considered passing and the course must be retaken.