School:
College of Liberal Arts
Department:
Language and Literature
Student Type:
Undergraduate
Program:
English Language and Literature
Faculty:
Wilson Chen, Ph.D.
Elizabeth B. Kubek, Ph.D., Department Chair
Objectives:
Courses in English Language and Literature are designed to:
1. Introduce students to close reading and analysis of the literary and cultural texts that shape our society;
2. Develop students' ability to understand complex ideas and create clear, effective critical arguments, both orally and on paper;
3. Train students in the use of advanced communicative and creative technologies;
4. Develop aesthetic, ethical and critical skills through reading, writing and discussion;
5. Provide opportunities and skills for research in traditional and electronic media;
6. Make use of proven instructional techniques, such as active learning and process-oriented writing;
7. Encourage students to develop collaborative, interpersonal and persuasive skills by working closely with faculty and each other;
8. Provide focused training for careers in education, writing or other areas requiring communications skills; and
9. Prepare students for graduate school and/or professional careers by covering both traditional and contemporary approaches to texts, writing and research.
Goals of the English Language and Literature major:
The program is designed to:
1. Develop an appreciation and understanding of literature in English and in translation;
2. Provide experience in reading significant writers, periods, genres and literary traditions in cultural context;
3. Teach strategies and methodologies for interpreting literary texts; and
4. Emphasize the vital and dynamic role of the literary imagination in cultures.
Requirements - Major:
English Language and Literature majors must complete at least 39 hours within the program, with a grade of "C" or better, including LITR-100(3); three courses designated pre-1800 by the Department (9); three courses designated post-1800 by the Department (9); one "diversity" LITR course, as designated by the Department; and LITR 399 (3). Of the 39 hours, at least 15 must be at the 300 level.
English Language and Literature majors are required to demonstrate competency in a second language by completion of at least one language course at the 202 level.
English Language and Literature majors who have a minor in Secondary Education must complete at least 39 credit hours within the program, with a grade of "C" or better, including: LITR 100 (3); the American Literature Sequence, LITR 255/256 (6); two additional courses designated pre-1800 by te Department (6); two additional courses designated post-1800 by the Department (6); LITR 307 (3), LITR 322 (3), LITR 352(3), one "diversity" LITR course designated by the department and LITR 399 (3). Of the 39 program credit hous for these majors, 21 must at the 300-level. LITR-100 is the prerequisite for most 300 level courses. Through working with advisors, majors will be guided through the selection of courses both within and outside othe program in order to plan a program of study in their individual educational and career goals.
English Language and Literature major for pre-law students:
While stating that no single major is recommended for admission to law school, the "Statement on Prelegal Education of the Association of American Law Schools" emphasizes the absolute necessity for the "need to master, at the undergraduate level, advanced writing skills and effective oral communication. Lawyers must be able, in drafting instruments, to convey meaning clearly and effectively. In oral and written advocacy he or she must be capable of communicating ideas convincingly and concisely. Truly, the law-trained man or woman, to perform effectively the tasks expected, must be a precisionist in the use of language."
Students interested in law school who choose English Language and Literature as a major are advised to take, in addition to their major requirements, the following courses, many of which may be applicable to divisional core requirements: PHIL-C260 or C355(3) and a history course; ECON-C101(3), ACCT-111(4), PLSC-202(3), MGT-150(3), CMSC-C120(3), BIOL-C108(3), and BCHM-C100(3).
Requirements - Minor:
A minor consists of at least 21 hours of courses with a grade of "C" or better, including LITR-100(3); one course from C255(3), C256(3), C257(3) or C258(3); and six credit hours at the 300 level.
Requirements - Teaching Certification:
Students desiring to be certified to teach English at the secondary level (grades 6-12) are to declare themselves as literature majors and education minors and register with the education program as teaching certificate candidates. Advising is then a joint responsibility of the literature and the education programs.
Students must complete the requirements for a major in literature as well as the requirements of the Teacher Certification Program in Secondary Education, which includes an education minor (see Education).
Students who desire a teaching minor in English should consult with the Education program to plan their program of studies for certification.
Requirements - Other:
Advanced Courses in English Language and Literature:
Where appropriate, pre-requisites for 300-level LITR courses may be waived, with permission of instructor and departmental approval. Students seeking waiver of a pre-requisite should consult their advisor for details. Waiver of a pre-requisite (i.e. LITR 100) for any one 300-level course does not constitute a waiver of pre-requisites for any other course, or of any course requirement for the major or minor.
Selected 200-level LITR courses will periodically be offered in a special format designed for English Language and Literature majors and minors (MMO format). Registration for these sections is restricted to include only majors and minors in English Language and Literature and, in some cases (to be indicated in the Semester Course Schedule), in appropriate cognate programs as approved by the department for that course (i.e. Gender Studies, Education, Communications, Film Studies). It is strongly recommended that English Language and Literature majors and minors enroll for MMO sections whenever these are available. In semesters where a particular course is offered in both MMO and regular formats, English Language and Literature majors and minors (and other eligible students, as above) will not be eligible to enroll in the non-MMO section.
Other Information:
Departmental Distinction:
Students majoring in English Language and Literature or Spanish in the Department of Languages and Literature who meet the following criteria may apply for Departmental Distinction:
1.) GPA in the major of 3.5 or higher,
2.) Overall GPA of 3.25 or higher,
3.) Successful completion of senior thesis,
4.) Oral presentation of a paper at either a regional undergraduate conference or a colloquium sponsored by the department,
5.) Active participation in department activities (e.g. Help organize and attend presentations by invited speakers, off-campus events, and Open Mic sessions, write for and/or work on Different Voices or Quantum Pulp, help organize and run initiation ceremonies for honor societies, etc.), and
6.) At least 25 hours of community service related to the field (e.g. Tutoring in the ARC, community literacy volunteer, work at an area social agency serving the Hispanic community, etc.). Students interested in working towards Departmental Distinction should speak with their advisor and contact the Chair of the Department of Languages and Literature as early as possible in their academic career. Students must apply for Departmental Honors during the semester BEFORE the semester in which they plan to graduate (October of February).
English Honor Society:
Benedictine University sponsors the Alpha Theta Xi chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society. An initiation ceremony for eligible students is held each spring. Entrance requirements include: 1) a major or minor in English Language and Literature, 2) a grade of "C" or better in Litr 100, Introduction to Literary Analysis and three English Language and Literature courses at the 200/300 level, 3) a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher in the major/minor, 4) a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in general scholarship, 5) three semesters or five quarters of college course work, and 6) undergraduate or graduate standing. Interested students should contact the department chair or an English Language and Literature faculty member for additional information.
Major Sheet:
http://www.ben.edu/major_sheets/english.pdf (will open in a new window)
The information contained on this page is from the 2006-2007 Undergraduate Catalog and is valid until August 1, 2007.
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