English, B.A.

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English

Adaptability, imagination, and the power to communicate are three qualities essential for success in today’s challenging and rapidly changing society. These three qualities, developed by the English major through the study of language and literature, instill both breadth and flexibility in thinking and attitude. Such study also encourages the development of clear and persuasive communication, analytical skill, cultural and historical insight, and creativity.

Students learn writing and communication skills that will enable them to explore career fields in business, government, education, research, entertainment, or publishing. Neumann University’s English major has unique flexibility built into the program. Much of the curriculum can be tailored to meet individual talents and interests by allowing students to focus on the humanities, literature, language, writing, or journalism. The program also supports minors in Writing and Journalism.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and will be able to:

Read and respond intelligently to literary works across a broad spectrum of genres, cultures, and historical periods.
Interpret and analyze language and literature through the informed use of literary and linguistic techniques and theories.
Appreciate and apply the insights of influential writers and thinkers to his/her own life.
Communicate clearly and persuasively, with discrimination and sound judgment.
Apply learning to a real work environment—through participation in campus publications, theater productions, tutoring programs, service learning, student teaching, or internships.
Pursue graduate study and employment in a wide range of careers.
Apply for the National Teachers Examination (NTE/PRAXIS) and certification to teach English, pending completion of Secondary Education requirements.

Admission Criteria

Candidates for the English major are required to:

Achieve a minimum grade of “C” in ENG 102 Rhetoric and Writing II .
Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in any English major course or allied requirement taken prior to admission to the major.
Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher at the time of application to the major, after completing at least one semester at Neumann University.
If seeking Secondary Teacher Certification, achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 at the time of formal application to the major. Please refer to the Secondary Teacher Certification sections of this catalog for more details.
Make formal application to the major in the Fall semester of the sophomore year.

Progression Criteria/Degree Requirements

Progression in the English major leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree requires students to:

Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00; a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for the Secondary Education Certification program.
Receive a minimum grade of “C” in every major course requirement and a minimum grade of “B” in every required Education course, if seeking Secondary Education Certification.
Receive approval from the Dean of the Division of Education and Human Services for the educational component of the certification program.
Complete a minimum of 122 credits for the English major and 135 credits for Secondary Teacher Certification in English.

Special Programs

Long regarded as an ideal preparation for the study of law, the English major may be combined at Neumann with a specially designed Pre-Law curriculum to create an unusually strong foundation for success in law school. For information on this option, please see the suggested Pre-Law courses in the Special Programs section of this catalog. Additionally, the English major allows for a strong foundation in journalism and writing.

Career preparation is also provided by Neumann’s combined English/Secondary Education program, which offers both a full major in English and thorough training in Education, all leading to certification for the teaching of English at the secondary school level.