Department of English

Faculty

Cynthia S.Nicholson, Chair
Thomas G. Cox
John H. Davis
Timothy S. Hayes
Bryan Herek
Jennifer Newhouse
Catherine Vickers

Mission Statement

Studies in literature and language should lead to a richer appreciation of life and its meaning. Learning to express oneself, orally or through writing, demands critical thinking skills to determine what one perceives to be true about experience. Seeing how others express themselves, by reading great literature or studying foreign languages, exposes one to a variety of perspectives on culture and existence, thus expanding a student’s vision. These studies also encourage and help develop a sense of aesthetics and humane values. While these values cannot be measured, we feel they are central to the life of the truly educated; the skills necessary to express one’s growing understanding of these truths, perspectives, and values-critical thinking, clear and logical writing, and oral communication of complex ideas-are essential to success in any career a student eventually chooses.

Educational Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate the ability to think critically and to organize ideas in logical, grammatical paragraphs in a well-developed, thoughtful essay.
Graduates will demonstrate the ability to use these skills to express their understanding of ideas presented in serious literature, both in written essay and in oral discussion.
Graduates will demonstrate an awareness of the interaction of language, culture, and society through foreign language content.
Graduates will demonstrate the ability to think creatively and critically, and write fluently.
Graduates will demonstrate a depth of understanding of the discipline and the skills required for a career or graduate school.

Programs

Major

Minor

Courses

English

French

Spanish