English
Division Chair: B. Wooten
Department Chair: S. Pulsford
Faculty: A. Bruder, J. Cohen, B. Crachiolo, T. Hawthorne, and S. Pulsford
Website: http://www.berea.edu/eng/
Courses: ENG Courses
Course Sequencing Table: English
Major/Minor Requirements: English B.A. with a Concentration in Literature; English B.A. with a Concentration in Writing; English Minor
The English Department offers courses in literature, composition, and creative writing. The Department offers the following major with a choice of concentrations—(Literature and Writing). The Department has two principal responsibilities: advancing the student’s skill in writing, and critical analysis; and furthering the student’s insight into the meaning and value of human experience through the study of literature and other art forms as well as through the student’s own creativity. Upon graduation, majors proceed into graduate or other professional schools, or numerous other occupations.
English
English courses are offered in three categories: Literature, Writing, and Language, as outlined below.
Literature Categories
Authors — These courses focus on a specific author or group of authors, guided by an organizing principle that may be centered on concepts, styles, themes, or related influences shared among the works to be studied. These courses may consider authors from different historical eras or nations (including those whose writing is treated in translation). A course in this category might emphasize a single author, or consider significant combinations of authors. See course descriptions for ENG 210 and ENG 310.
Genres — Courses in this category focus on literature, film, and writing based on types of literary and visual texts—prose (fiction and nonfiction), poetry, drama, or experimental literary or visual forms—or particular audiences. In addition to investigating individual genres, these courses will examine the concept of genre in film as well as literature. See course descriptions for ENG 225 and ENG 325.
Times — These courses focus on literary developments in a specific historical era, or compare/contrast the literature of different eras, or of different cultures. This category is called “Times” because all literary “times” do not present themselves in tidy century-long packages, and all courses involving literary periods do not confine themselves to one particular chronological time. See course descriptions for ENG 200 and ENG 300.
Cultures — Courses in this category will introduce students to traditionally under-represented literatures. Regular offerings include ENG 135 (also AFR); ENG 140 (also APS); ENG 141 (also AFR); ENG 212 (also AFR and WGS); ENG 237 (also WGS); and ENG 242. This category also can be fulfilled with any 300-level literature course offered by the Foreign Languages Department. Also see course descriptions for ENG 205 and ENG 305.
Questions — These courses focus on a specific major question in literary and cultural studies. They are guided by a principle of organization that may be centered on concepts, problems, themes, or related concerns shared among the works to be studied. These courses may take a variety of approaches, including (but not limited to) inquiries based on: history, adaptation and appropriation, aesthetics and critical appreciation, cultural studies, translation, new media, and narrative. See course descriptions for ENG 240 and 340.
Language Category
Language — These courses focus on English as a modern language, and may take a variety of perspectives: linguistic; cultural; aesthetic; and historical. Emphasis is on language as a system of meaning. Regular course offerings include ENG 330, 387, and LAT 117. This requirement also can be met by taking foreign-language courses through the 103 level.
Writing Categories
Creative Writing — These courses focus on the art of imaginative writing. Emphasis is on the study of particular genres of writing—poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and drama—as well as the practice of those genres. See course descriptions for ENG 282 and ENG 382.
Professional Writing — These courses focus on writing in diverse professional situations. Emphasis is on the study and practice of writing in such fields as journalism and media, law and public policy, science, technology, business, and grant writing, among others. See course descriptions for ENG 280 and ENG 380.
Composition/Rhetoric — These courses focus on academic writing, including classical rhetoric, literacy studies, composition theory/processes, persuasion, the use of research, and the many forms of the academic essay. See course descriptions for ENG 284 and ENG 384.
In addition to supporting students' achievement of the Aims of General Education, the English Department seeks to assist students in meeting the following learning goals and associated learning outcomes:
English Student Learning Goals & Outcomes
Learning Goal 1: Study of Literature
Through the reading and study of literature, students will cultivate their imaginations and abilities to discern connections, think about topics and issues from multiple perspectives, and develop insight into the meanings and values of human experience.
Learning Outcome 1.1: Interpretation
Interpret the literary past and present through attention to genre, period, authors, traditionally underrepresented literatures, language, and/or important questions in literary theory and cultural studies.
Learning Outcome 1.2: Human Diversity
Articulate understandings of human diversity as expressed in literature by considering race, gender, class, religion, sexuality, language, and culture, among other categories.
Learning Outcome 1.3: Argument
Generate skillful readings and synthesize a broad range of texts into cogent and meaningful arguments.
Learning Outcome 1.4: Literary Theory
Demonstrate knowledge of literary theory and the complex intersections between literature, criticism, and audience.
Learning Goal 2: Expository Writing & Critical Analysis
Students will gain advanced skills in expository writing and critical analysis.
Learning Outcome 2.1: Composition
Compose sophisticated essays of varying lengths featuring a range of textually-based persuasive arguments and research from both primary and secondary sources.
Learning Outcome 2.2: Close Readings
Create skillful close readings of a variety of literary texts.
Learning Outcome 2.3: Complex Writing Projects
Produce complex writing projects appropriate for a variety of professional and academic situations.
Learning Outcome 2.4: Audience and Rhetorical Purpose
Articulate an increasing awareness of audience and rhetorical purpose in writing.
Learning Outcome 2.5: Critical Reflection
Reflect critically on writing and reading processes.
Learning Goal 3: Creative Writing
Students will develop their abilities to write creative pieces that are compelling, nuanced, and voiced.
Learning Outcome 3.1: Defining Writing Genres
Define distinct creative writing genres and the particular demands and opportunities of each.
Learning Outcome 3.2: Writing Craft and Practice
Demonstrate a working knowledge of writing craft and practice appropriate to the diverse genres and audiences.
Learning Outcome 3.3: Writing Evaluation
Evaluate the writing of others and give and receive constructive feedback on work in progress.