English Program

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Student Learning Outcomes
The English program and its major degrees are designed to correlate with the institutional learning outcomes:

1. Through the general education courses within the English program, students develop their abilities to read analytically, to speak and to write skillfully, and to respond logically and creatively to a variety of literary of forms. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, and IV.)
2. Through the sequence of advanced literature courses, students refine their communication skills and develop their understanding of the literary works of various world cultures, subcultures, and minority groups that form the fabric of this global community.  (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes III, IV, and V.)
3. Through the advanced writing courses, students engage their critical, creative and technical skills as writers to develop proficiency and aesthetic fulfillment.  (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes IV, and V.)
4. Through the electives and options in the program, students pursue their personal interests and skills in order to develop their potential as life-long learners.  (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes IV, and V.)

Student Learning Outcomes
Students who attain the B.A. in English will:

1.         Gain an overview of the British and American literature that is essential for sensitive, intelligent life-long learners. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes III, IV, and V.)
2.         Enhance their basic writing skills in the advanced writing courses that build on the freshman composition sequence.  (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, and IV.)
3.         Engage in the advanced study of American and British literature that builds on the material learned in the introductory surveys.  (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes III, IV, and V.)
4.         Complete a capstone senior project by conducting a critical research project or producing a creative work that reflects the learning and experiences acquired in the English program.  The senior project allows students to work closely with a faculty mentor in designing this capstone experience.  (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, IV, and V.)

Upon completion of this program, students are able to enter the work world or pursue graduate or professional studies. Graduates can use their skills for careers as writers for corporate enterprises, for careers as college or university instructors, or for careers in legal professions.

English Major Courses

Student Learning Outcomes
Students who attain the B.S. in English Education will:

1.         Gain an understanding of the British and American literature that is essential for sensitive, intelligent life-long learners. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes III, IV, and V.)
2.         Enhance their basic writing skills in the advanced writing courses that build on the freshman composition sequence.  (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, and IV.)
3.         Engage in the advanced study of American and British literature.  (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes III, IV, and V.)
4.         Gain an understanding of the history, development, and grammatical underpinnings of English.  (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, IV, and V.)
5.         Acquire understanding of adolescent literature typically included in high school curricula.  (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, IV, and V.)
6.         Complete a study of English methods and pedagogy including the use of instructional technologies prior to completing the professional semester of pre-service teaching.  (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, IV, and V.)
7.         Complete a capstone senior project by conducting a critical research project or producing a creative work that reflects the learning and experiences acquired in the English program.  The senior project allows students to work closely with a faculty mentor in designing this capstone experience.  (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, IV, and V.)

Upon completion of the program, students are able to enter the classroom as proficient teachers of English literature and language or to consider post-baccalaureate education for advanced degrees.

English Education Major Courses (Secondary Education)

English Minor

English Education Minor (Secondary Education)

English Education Minor (Elementary Education)

Note: Students seeking degrees in English are strongly encouraged to take courses in British, American, and World History, as well as oral interpretation. Students in the English Education program should also consider additional coursework in fields closely related to language arts such as journalism, communication, and theatre.