Program Description:
The English major offers three routes through an intensive study of literature, language and writing. By following one of these paths and claiming her education in English, an English major amplifies her imaginative, analytical and empathic thinking and expands her ability to express herself with confidence and authority through creative and critical writing.
The largest liberal arts major at the College, English provides solid preparation for graduate school in literature, writing, journalism, cultural or area studies, law, education, business or even medicine. Many St. Catherine's English and written communication graduates have also gone on immediately after graduation to pursue careers in education, writing, editing, journalism, publishing, business or public relations.
Whatever the student's area of concentration, she works closely with excellent teachers in a range of discussion-based classes. Students and their major advisors plan a course of study that includes the many traditions of literature in English, the development and uses of the English language and the process of writing well. Offered in the Day Program.
Major Requirements:
The English Department recommends that all declared English majors begin their studies with ENGL 220 Introduction to Literary Theory and Research, at the same time fulfilling the core literature requirement.
ENGLISH MAJOR: GENERAL CONCENTRATION Ten courses including:
ENGL 220 Introduction to Literary Theory and Research
ENGL 486W Seminar
Two writing courses (at least one at the 300 level or above)
Two language courses (at least one at the 300 level or above)
Two literature courses (choose among ENGL 354, 355, 365, 374, 375)
Two other English courses
ENGLISH MAJOR: WRITING CONCENTRATION Ten courses including:
ENGL 220 Introduction to Literary Theory and Research
ENGL 486W Seminar
Four writing courses (at least two at the 300 level or above)
One language course
Three literature courses (at least two at the 300 level or above)
ENGLISH MAJOR: LITERATURE CONCENTRATION Ten courses including:
ENGL 220 Introduction to Literary Theory and Research
ENGL 486W Seminar
Two writing courses (at least one at the 300 level or above)
One language course
Four literature courses (choose among ENGL 354, 355, 365, 374, 375)
One other English course
Portfolio Requirement
An English major will begin developing a portfolio as soon as she declares her intent to major (usually after completing ENGL 220).
The portfolio will include:
· one paper from each of the following four courses: ENGL 220 Introduction to Literary Theory and Research, a 300-level literature course, an expository writing course and ENGL 486W senior seminar
· a summary reflective essay
· a resume or CV, prepared with the assistance of the Career Development Office
· a list of courses completed in the major
· a portfolio checklist
English majors with the writing concentration are encouraged to enrich their portfolios with at least two additional samples of creative or expository writing. The student is responsible for developing the portfolio with the guidance of her advisor, and the completed portfolio will be submitted to the department chair at least two weeks before graduation.
COMMUNICATION: WRITTEN COMMUNICATION CONCENTRATION
The English Department and Communication Studies Department jointly offer an interdepartmental communication major in the Day Program and Weekend College. Central to this major is the study of effective and ethical use of language, both oral and written. Students in the written concentration will have an advisor from the English department. See the description of the interdepartmental communication major for specific course requirements.
COMMUNICATION ARTS/LITERATURE MAJOR WITH SECONDARY EDUCATION (GRADES 5-12) TEACHING LICENSURE
Students who wish to teach communication arts/literature in the secondary schools (grades 5-12) will take major course work in three departments: English, Communication Studies and Education. Students declare secondary education as a licensure and complete an internship and portfolio, as well as the following courses.
English courses:
ENGL 220 Introduction to Literary Theory and Research
ENGL 248 History and Structure of the English Language
ENGL 275W Shakespeare
ENGL 354 British Writers I or ENGL 355 British Writers II
ENGL 374 American Writers I or ENGL 375 American Writers II
Two writing courses (at least one at the 300 level or above)
Recommended:
ENGL 205 Rhetorical Grammar
Communication studies courses:
COMM 103 Public Speaking
COMM 202 Interpersonal Communication
COMM 205 Media Criticism
Two additional courses in consultation with advisor
Education courses:
EDUC 207W Teachers as Leaders for a Changing Society
EDUC 209 General Methods: Secondary and K-12
EDUC 249 School Health and Chemical Health
EDUC 345 Literature for Young Adults
EDUC 355 Literacy in the Content Areas
EDUC 365 Current Issues in Education
EDUC 374 Special Methods: Middle School
EDUC 375 Special Methods: Senior High
EDUC 391 Student Teaching and Seminar: Middle School
EDUC 395 Student Teaching and Seminar: Secondary
NOTE: Writing courses do not fulfill the liberal arts and sciences core literature requirement. Courses that meet the core literature requirement are identified in the course description.
Minor Requirements: GENERAL Six courses including:
ENGL 220 Introduction to Literary Theory and Research
Two writing courses (at least one at the 300 level or above)
Three literature courses (at least one at the 300 level or above)
LANGUAGE STUDIES Five courses including:
ENGL 245W Language in Society
ENGL 248 History and Structure of the English Language
ENGL 305 Introduction to Linguistics
ENGL 310W Language as Power
ENGL 449 Topics in Language Studies
Recommended supporting course work:
ENGL 205 Rhetorical Grammar
ENGL 220 Introduction to Literary Theory and Research
PROFESSIONAL WRITING Six courses including:
ENGL 204W Introduction to Professional Writing
ENGL 205 Rhetorical Grammar
Three other writing courses (at least two at the 300 level or above)
One language course
English and Written Communication majors satisfy the Writing Requirement for Majors by completing one of the English courses designated as writing intensive. They complete the Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Writing Requirement with three other writing-intensive courses (CORE 100W and CORE 399W, and any other writing-intensive course in this or another department).
