Mar 28, 2024  
Mansfield University 2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

English, Bachelor of Arts


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs

Offered by the Department of English and World Languages
English Faculty:
Professors Doerksen, Guignard (Chairperson), Harris, Pifer, Stinebeck, Sullivan-Blum, and Ulrich
Associate Professor Washington
Assistant Professors  Lint, Mason
Modern Languages faculty:
Professors Holtman
Associate Professors Arango-Keeth, Keeth, Oyallon


The English major provides students with a strong grounding in the field of literary studies, with an emphasis on developing excellent analytical, critical thinking, writing, and research skills.  Students pursuing the B.A. in English choose from two tracks: Literary and Cultural Analysis or Professional Writing. Both tracks offer students extensive exposure to the various forms of literary expression, methods of literary interpretation, and intensive attention to thinking and writing for specific contexts. Such a background in the analysis and interpretation of literature, coupled with strong research and writing skills, provides the B.A. major with a strong basis for further graduate study in literature, as well as for careers in writing, editing, the law, public relations, communications, politics and government, industry, and library science. Students in the B.A. English Literary and Cultural Analysis track develop strong research and writing skills while mastering the techniques of textual analysis and interpretation. They receive training in literary analysis and are offered a broad background in the history of English and American literature and language.  In addition, students study selected authors of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and employ various critical methods when interpreting texts. This track is designed to afford students an extensive exposure to various forms of literary expression and the methods of literary interpretation.  Students in the B.A. English/Professional Writing track learn to write for professional contexts, including business writing, technical writing, editorial process, writing for the Web and social media, and creative writing.  With its strong career orientation, this track is designed to prepare students for careers in a variety of professional fields. Students pursuing the English curriculum in both tracks receive training in literary analysis and gain a broad understanding of literature from a diverse set of cultures and written in a variety of genres.  In addition, students learn to situate works in their literary historical and cultural contexts, and to employ various critical methods when interpreting texts.

Mission

The English Program of the Department of English and World Languages provides students with the opportunity to study and develop life-long interest in the appreciation of literary works from a variety of cultures and with the opportunity to develop their skills as writers in a variety of genres. Acquisition of skills in writing coupled with the knowledge of literary critical methods and our literary heritage gives students a keener insight into human life and society, a principle goal of a liberal arts education. Understanding the form of expression in literature is essential to a full realization of our hopes, values, and convictions. As liberally educated persons, we seek not only to perfect our powers for intellectual thought, but also to refine our powers of perception, to encourage creativity, and to foster an appreciation of the aesthetic dimensions of life and culture so that we come to recognize the significant imaginative expressions of the human spirit.

Program Goals

  1. English graduates will demonstrate that they understand and can employ the techniques of textual analysis and interpretation. 
  2. English graduates will demonstrate that they understand and can employ humanities-based research methods. 
  3. English graduates will demonstrate that they can write clearly and effectively. 

Program Outcomes

Students who complete the English major will demonstrate the …

  1.  Ability to analyze and interpret texts critically and convincingly.
  2.  Ability to situate literature and language in various contexts, including literary, cultural, and historical.
  3.  Ability to conduct research effectively and document sources appropriately.
  4.  Ability to understand writing as a process, to assess rhetorical contexts, and to revise written work effectively.
  5.  Ability to write clearly and purposefully, with attention to the grammar, mechanics, and other conventions of the English language.
  6.  Ability to write effectively for specific professional contexts.  (Professional Writing Track)

Policies and Procedures

The Department of English and World Languages also offers minor programs in African-American Studies, Creative Writing, English Literature, and Women’s Studies. Students may wish to complete a minor to complement their course of study. 

In planning a course of study, English majors must consult with their English faculty advisor on a regular basis. English B.A. and B.S.Ed. students will compile a portfolio of their written work to serve as evidence of their progress through the English curriculum and for the purpose of program assessment.  The portfolios consist of the following:

  1. The final essay from ENG 1130: Introduction to Literary Studies
  2. The final essay from ENG 3352: Shakespeare
  3. The original version and a substantial revision of an essay written in an upper-division English course (excluding the final essays from ENG 3352 and ENG 4401) to be completed as required in ENG 3333: Advanced Writing for English Majors
  4. The final research essay from ENG 4401: Seminar in Literary Studies

Students will submit their portfolio essays electronically to the department chair.  The English Program Assessment Committee reviews completed portfolios annually to assess the effectiveness of the English degree program.

For more information on the English program, go to http://www.mansfield.edu/english 

Total Credit Hours: 39


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs