B.A. in English

The English major and minor provide preparation for entry into graduate study, professional schools, and a wide variety of career fields. English majors have the option of choosing a track in literature, media and performance studies, or writing, or a secondary teaching licensure program. Through the literature and writing courses required for the major, students develop valuable writing, critical reading, and research skills. The study of literature provides tools of critical analysis, awareness of major authors and literary traditions, and insight into how literary developments mirror and influence major societal developments. The writing courses teach the principles of clear and effective writing for a variety of purposes and audiences. All English majors complete an internship, which provides valuable practical experience and the opportunity to apply skills in a professional context. In addition to the required internship, seniors must successfully complete a senior research seminar. By choosing minors in such areas as gender and society, politics, and psychology, students can prepare themselves to apply their skills in the professional world. The English major, meanwhile, is a lifelong resource in providing a broad liberal arts education. Upon successful completion of the English program, students will be able to respond to a literary text in a way that reflects an awareness of aesthetic values, historical context, ideological orientation, and critical approach; write coherent, well-organized essays that establish a clear focus, provide appropriate evidence, and are grammatically correct; conduct appropriate research and synthesize their own original ideas with those advanced by literary critics and other scholars; demonstrate a thoughtful understanding of their own writing process; analyze literary works ? in all genres ? with respect to structure, style, and theme; demonstrate information and technological literacy in research and competence in Modern Language Association (MLA) documentation; and deliver oral presentations that are focused, well-organized, and effective, and establish a connection with the audience.