Undergraduate Program
Degree Objectives and Learning Outcomes
The undergraduate degree in English follows a course of historical study in the English language and the literatures of Britain and the United States , as well as related English-language traditions and literary works in translation. Students are trained in composition and proceed with a solid grounding in critical theory to explore literature as an artistic medium and an intellectual discipline. They acquire skills in writing and textual analysis designed to complement other academic studies and to enhance later professional and personal goals. The university and community are enriched by public lectures, poetry readings, and the publication of four journals devoted to criticism and creative writing.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate familiarity with major authors, works, genres and movements in British and American literature. Our four required survey courses, two in British literature, two in American literature, are designed to insure that students master this degree objective.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to read, write and think critically. Our new course, ENG 298, Writing About Literature, required of all majors, is designed to provide a viable foundation for our students to achieve this degree objective; this introductory course will allow students to continue to develop their acumen in this arena as they take the more advanced courses to complete their major.
- Graduates in English will demonstrate an understanding of English language and linguistics. Our recently adopted revised major requires that student take one of 7 courses in areas such as linguistics, History of the English Language, semantics, or modern grammar to assure that they achieve this degree objective.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of theoretical and critical methods. Our ENG 303, Introduction to Literary Theory and Criticism, required of all majors, will insure that students master this degree objective, which they will continue to refine as they complete the upper division requirements for the major.
- Students will demonstrate a knowledge of multi-ethnic American literature in one of the following areas: African-American Literature, Chicano Literature, Native American Literature. All English majors are required by the newly revised major to complete one upper-division course in one of these multi-ethnic American literatures to assure that they satisfy this degree objective.