English, B.A.

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.

Neumann University’s English major provides opportunities for students to apply their coursework through participating in diverse activities including campus publications, theater productions, tutoring programs, service learning, student teaching, and internships. Students are prepared to pursue graduate study in literature, composition studies, or law. Students also learn writing and communication skills that enable them to explore career fields in education, publishing, research, business, government, entertainment, and public relations. Those who are not seeking Secondary Education Certification in English have the option of a minor in Writing, Journalism, or some other field of interest.

Program Outcomes

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

• Compose focused and organized examples of writing, in clear, effective, and correct style.
• Demonstrate knowledge of literature from a broad range of historical and cultural contexts, and analyze and interpret texts from a variety of aesthetic/theoretical approaches.
• Synthesize relevant literary criticism with original interpretation of the text(s) to support a sophisticated thesis, using appropriate literary terminology.
• Demonstrate competence in language and literature through experiential learning opportunities, professional activities, and career development.
• Reflect on the power of literature to enrich human life, individually and socially, integrating Franciscan/ Christian perspectives as appropriate.

Progression Criteria/Degree Requirements

In order to remain in the major, a student must not earn a grade less than C in any major course more than two times. For example, a student earns less than C in two major courses. The student retakes each course and earns a C or above. If the same student earns less than C in a third major course, she/he may be counseled out of the major.

Admission Criteria From Another Major

• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 and meet with their academic advisor.

Special Programs

Long regarded as an ideal preparation for the study of law, the English major at Neumann University participates in the Widener School of Law 3+3 Early Admission Program. For information about this program, please click here:  Pre-Law courses  

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.

Course Requirements

Suggested Four-Year Curriculum: 122 Credits (125 credits if Lang 101 is needed)

TOTAL MINIMUM CREDITS UPON GRADUATION    122 

 54 major credits, (3 of which also fulfill Core Lit), 38 other Core, 30 Gen. Electives

 * Since the requirement ENG 230/204 also satisfies  CORE, English majors are encouraged to take any 200-level literature course during Freshman spring, as these count as electives in the English major.  A 100-level literature course does not count toward the major and would only be a General Elective. Majors are encouraged to take additional electives in English (or a minor) vs. isolated general electives esp. if considering graduate school.