English Major Program Goals

1. Students will be able to analyze both verbal and visual texts from a number of genres and a variety of historical periods.
2. Students will be able to read texts critically and with sensitivity to the historical and cultural conditions within which they are produced.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to produce effective writing in a variety of critical modes, using the conventions of standard American English. In addition, students choosing to focus on creative writing will demonstrate appropriate ability in this area.
4. Students will understand current theory and be able to employ varieties of theoretical approaches in their critical analyses.
5. Students will be able to incorporate secondary sources and/or traditional and nontraditional research material into the analysis of texts and will be able to use correct MLA style.
6. Students will understand the goals of the major and be able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their program.