Welcome to English & Communications

Home of English, Writing, Communications & Journalism

English & Writing
The Department of English offers two degree programs devoted to the theory and practice of written communication: the Bachelor of Arts in English and the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Writing. Courses in British, American, and World literatures, and in literary, journalistic, and workplace-related writing offer students in any major a greater fluency in expression and an appreciation of our literary heritage. Graduates in the department's majors go on to graduate study, professional schools, specialized training programs, and a variety of occupations where verbal excellence, strong interpersonal skills, and disciplined thinking are essential.

Goals for English & Writing Majors

• Students will gain proficiency in the use of Standard Written English, learning to express themselves in a clear and cogent manner.
  
  
• Students will become broadly familiar with English-language literature and its patterns of development.
  
  
• Students will acquire sophisticated reading skills that make possible the critical analysis and interpretation of written texts.
  
  
• Students will develop research skills that enable access to relevant scholarly materials, as well as the historical contexts within which literary works are embedded.
  
  
• Students will become familiar with how the skills gained as an English major can be put to use after graduation.

Communications
Students in the college's Communications program also become familiar and skilled in written and verbal communication, accompanied by an understanding of how those skills can be applied in print and multimedia journalism, business and nonprofit organizations, information specialists in government positions, and public relations and marketing. Communications students also become familiar with the ways in which technology is changing the role of the media in government, the environment, and commerce today, while learning the complexities of media ethics, and the responsibilities and practices of fair and accurate journalism.

Goals for Communications Majors

• Students will gain proficiency in the use of Standard Written English, learning to express themselves in a clear and cogent manner.
  
  
• Students will demonstrate skills and knowledge required for entry-level positions or further study in communications, journalism, publishing, and comparable fields.
  
  
• Students will be able to write informative and narrative nonfiction for a variety of media and audiences.
  
  
• Students will know how to author and assess focused messages for target audiences, including marketing and information campaigns.
  
  
• Students will understand media publishing processes, including audience analysis, marketing, and persuasion; media design, editing, and publishing techniques; and the resolution of legal and ethical issues.
  
  
• Students will develop the ability to analyze the content, theory, impact, and ethics of historic and contemporary media.