Why study Literature and Languages? The Literature and Languages Department includes four emphases: literature, writing, language, and preparation for teaching at the middle school, high school, or college levels. Study of those emphases challenges our students and provides them the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally.
How does this happen? Out students read a diversity of texts. They learn to analyze carefully. They become effective writers and speakers. They develop into life-long learners. And this development may take place anywhere on the planet. The undergraduate and graduate English degree programs can be completed entirely online through our innovative hyflex teaching and learning model. We have students (and graduates) all over the United States and in many other countries. Some of our graduates teach in high schools and middle schools. Others serve as college or university professors. Some work as editors, grant writers, or technical writers. Some own or work for businesses; others operate or work for non-profits or in government.
The Literature and Language Department serves as home to both the English Undergraduate and Graduate Programs and the World Languages Programs. We offer undergraduate majors in English, English Language Arts (5-12 Certification), minors in Literature, Writing, and Spanish, graduate Master of Arts and Master in Teaching (Secondary English) degrees, and graduate certificates in English Language Arts, Literature, and Writing.
The Literature and Languages Department serves the university as a whole by providing the Introductory Composition and World Languages General Univeristy Requirements. The department also supports the “W” course requirement (see “Special Programs”)and provides specialized classes in writing, linguistics, and literature for other departments and programs.
Mission Statement
The Literature and Languages Department strives to inspire students to bring to the world community original perspectives, innovative strategies, and knowledge that will contribute to the intellectual and creative spirit of our collective human experience. We aim to provide access to a high-quality education to students whose circumstances might otherwise limit those opportunities.
B.A. and M.A. Program Goals and Objectives
Our primary goal at both undergraduate and graduate levels is to produce graduates qualified (as appropriate) with English/Language Arts Endorsement; and/or credentials to instruct middle school, high school, or college-level courses in writing, language, and literature; and/or preparation to gain admission to graduate programs in English or related fields. In order to do so, graduates must develop the following knowledge, skills, and dispositions:
1. Understand the history, development, and structure of the English language and know how that theory relates in practice to the teaching and learning of language, both spoken and written. Demonstrate knowledge and application of the following:
a. Phonetics/phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics
b. Sociolinguistics
c. Language acquisition
d. Teaching and learning languages
2. Be aware of contemporary approaches to the composition process and able to demonstrate that knowledge in a variety of genres as well as connecting that knowledge and those skills to the pedagogy of writing. Demonstrate knowledge and application of the following:
a. Composition theories
b. Writing across variety of genres, both academic and non-academic
c. Teaching composition
3. Know and appreciate the diversity of voices in both Anglo-American and global literature as well as being able to apply classical and contemporary critical approaches to illuminate texts for colleagues and students. Demonstrate knowledge and application of the following:
a. History of literature and its historical context, both in the American tradition and globally
b. Diverse literatures in both the American and global traditions
c. Use of Critical Approaches in both scholarship and teaching
d. Teaching literature
4. Demonstrate strong research, writing, and presentation skills through the production of works suitable for presentation and publication as appropriate to the student’s concentration, including the Bachelor’s Thesis or Master’s Thesis. Demonstrate knowledge and application of the following:
a. Library Research skills
b. Field Research skills
c. Presentation skills
This baccalaureate degree program gives students an understanding and appreciation of the English language and its literature. It also emphasizes and develops writing, editing, and analytical skills vital to success in professional life. These language skills and the developed insights of the English major often prove attractive to an employer or graduate program as preparation for specialized training in a particular career or field.
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