Mar 19, 2024  
Mansfield University 2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

English


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Offered by the Department of English and Modern Languages

English Faculty:
Professors Pifer, Sornberger, Ulrich (Chairperson)
Associate Professors Barton, Doerksen, Harris, Murphy, Rashidi, Sullivan-Blum, Washington Assistant Professors  Guignard, Sanner
Modern Languages faculty: Associate Professors Blanco, Holtman, Keeth and Oyallon
Assistant Professor Arango-Keeth


Students majoring in English study literature and practice various modes of writing to help them discover and articulate their ideas as completely and cogently as possible. Courses offered for the major emphasize research skills, critical thinking, and problem solving as essential parts of the composing and interpreting process. Students pursuing the English curriculum receive training in literary analysis and are offered a broad background history of English and American literature and language. In addition, students study selected authors of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and learn to situate literary works in their historical and cultural contexts.

Students may pursue either a B.A. (Liberal Arts) or B.S.E. (Secondary English Education) program. The programs are designed to afford students an extensive exposure to the various forms of literary expression and the methods of literary interpretation. Such a background in the analysis and interpretation of literature provides the B.A. major with a strong basis for further graduate study in literature, as well as for careers in law, public relations, editing, communications, civil service, industry, and library science. Students in the B.S.E. program receive a thorough grounding in literary analysis, English grammar, the theory and practice of composition, and the historical development of the English language, and are thus provided with a strong content-area basis in preparation for teaching English at the secondary level. (See The Teacher Education Certification Section in the University Policies section of this catalog, for further details regarding admission to teacher certification candidacy and Pennsylvania certification requirements.)

The English department also offers three minors: Creative Writing, English Literature, and Women’s Studies. Students in the English B.A. and B.S.E. programs must complete study of a foreign language through the 2202 level. In addition, they may wish to complete a minor in Creative Writing, or Women’s Studies as a way of adding a content emphasis to their undergraduate course of study.

In planning a course of study, English majors must consult with their English faculty advisor on a regular basis. ENG 1130: Introduction to Literary Studies should be completed during the freshman year. English B.A. and B.S.E. students will compile a portfolio of their written work to serve as evidence of their progress through the English curriculum. The portfolios will consist of the following essays: one from ENG 1130: Introduction to Literary Studies; two from different upper division ENG courses; a substantial revision of one of these three essays (to be completed as required in ENG 3333); the research paper from ENG 4401: Seminar in Literary Studies; and the writing lesson plan from ENG 3324: Composition Theory and Practice (BSE only). Students may also choose to include essays from their minor programs, such as Creative Writing or Women’s Studies, in addition to the required essays. Students will submit their portfolio essays electronically to the department chair. The English Curriculum Committee will periodically review the portfolios to assess the effectiveness of the English degree program.

Program Requirements: English Major, (B.A.): 120 s.h.


Distribution Requirements: 27 credits (at least 6 credits in pre-1800 literature)


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