English (BA)

Affiliation: School of Arts and Letters

Studying language and texts is at the core of the liberal arts tradition. Students in the B.A. English program participate in this tradition by:

• analyzing the content, form, and techniques authors use in literary works, criticism, and other texts.
• examining words and texts in order to develop their literacies and foster their own power to communicate and participate in communities.
• developing their aesthetic appreciation of diverse texts, pursuing personal enrichment through their work with these texts, and actively seeking opportunities for professional development.
• crossing borders, imagining different worlds, and exploring human expression in order to better understand their own and other cultural conditions.

The English major is structured around five core classes that focus on language, writing skills, and the theoretical, cultural, and historical diversities that shape literary tradition: ENG 209 Applying Literary Theory, ENG 498 Senior English Seminar, and one course in each of the major’s three “Axes of Textual Analysis” (Geography, History, and Theory). The three “axis” courses focus on the geographical, historical and theoretical diversities that shape literary tradition. Together, these five core classes ask students to hone the craft of textual analysis and develop an advanced understanding of literature.

The other courses in the major–the “Literature, Language, and Culture Requirement”–examine words and texts as living parts of a culture. These courses expose students to traditional pedagogical and theoretical approaches to textual study as well as many of the crossdisciplinary and interdisciplinary methods that are redefining literary history, genres, language and contemporary scholarship.

Note for Students interested in the Master of Arts in Education
B.A. English majors interested in pursuing an advanced degree in secondary English teaching at Truman State University must meet the requirements for admission to the Master of Arts in Education program as stated in the Education section of this catalog. These requirements are consistent with the standards set forth by the National Council of Teachers of English and should provide a strong foundation for teacher preparation for those pursuing certification or a degree here or elsewhere. Missouri state certification requirements are also listed in the Education section. Close consultation with an English academic advisor as well as with the secondary English Master of Arts in Education program coordinator is strongly recommended for students interested in the Master of Arts in Education.

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS IN ENGLISH

Seniors who wish to graduate with Honors in English must meet these requirements and follow the procedure below:

 Requirements:

• 3.50 or better overall GPA
• 3.75 or better GPA in the major
• A 15-page paper (or the equivalent) supervised by a mentor and approved by the English Honors Committee

 Procedure:

1. Eligible student chooses a faculty member with expertise in the topic for the 15-page paper or project and asks that faculty member to mentor the student in the paper or project.
2. Student, under guidance of the mentor, writes a formal abstract of the paper/project to be submitted to the English Honors Committee no later than April 15 for December graduates; October 1 for May graduates; and February 15 for August graduates.
3. Student works with mentor on the approved paper/project.
4. Student submits paper/project to the English Honors Committee by November 1 for December graduates; April 1 for May graduates; and July 1 for August graduates.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: