Studying English

The Department of English prepares students for employment, advanced study in the fields of business, education, literature, linguistics, cultural studies, and peace studies, and graduate research in the arts and humanities. Courses in British and American literature, English composition, and creative writing meet in small, interactive classes that foster a community of learners. While completing coursework in the English major and writing minor, students acquire an awareness of new perspectives and develop a passion for the intellectual inquiry that will serve them well in any profession. Special tracks are available for students preparing for careers in elementary or secondary education.

The Department’s mission is to foster knowledge of English and American literature in historical context and to develop the skills necessary to engage in lively, informed debate and discourse in both oral and written communication. Further, through the study of great literary texts, the department provides opportunities to engage in critical thinking, research, analysis, and ethical inquiry, thus helping students build the lifelong skills necessary to becoming active and ethical readers, thinkers, and citizens.

The Department of English is also home to a vibrant and thriving community of student writers. Many of our majors assume leadership roles at the College—for example, holding offices in student clubs or and editorships of popular student publications like the Mount Times and The Underground, a student-run literary magazine with contributors from around the nation and the world.

By the end of their course of study, students are expected to demonstrate basic knowledge of English and American literature in historical context. They will have developed a critical vocabulary enabling participation in literary discourse and will be able to identify and apply the major theories of literary interpretation and criticism. Students will be able to write a clear and convincing analysis of at least one primary literary text, and will have experience engaging in literary research using both print and electronic sources. They will be well prepared to produce a persuasively argued paper with a bibliography that incorporates primary and secondary sources.

Contact
(718) 405-3305
english@mountsaintvincent.edu
Founders Hall 353