Department of English and Linguistics - About Us
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- Department of English and Linguistics
- Department of English and Linguistics - About Us
Mission
The Department of English and Linguistics is responsible for writing instruction and general education courses in literature, folklore, linguistics, and related fields. It offers undergraduate and master's-level degree programs in English, as well as minors in English, creative writing, folklore, linguistics, and professional writing.
Goals
The Writing Program
Upon completion of basic courses in the writing program (ENG W129, W131, W140, W233), students should:
- Demonstrate critical thinking through the interrelated activities of reading and writing. For example, students might annotate, respond to, and formally evaluate texts and analyze, synthesize, and interpret their writings and those of peers and professionals.
- Read and write clearly and persuasively in various rhetorical contexts. For example, students might read and write expressive, persuasive, and informative papers for personal, public, and academic audiences using the processes, formats, and styles appropriate for these audiences.
- Apply methods of inquiry appropriate to various rhetorical contexts so that students move beyond mere reporting of information to make an original contribution to knowledge. For example, students might do primary and secondary research ranging from introspection to the use of public sources.
The English Major
All IPFW graduates with a major in English will be able:
- To write critically, precisely, and persuasively, especially about topics relevant to the major field and selected concentration.
- To communicate knowledge of literary and linguistic conventions and traditions, especially those of America and England.
- To demonstrate the ability to use research tools and methods appropriate to their selected concentration.
Additionally, all IPFW graduates with a major in English will possess knowledge and skills appropriate to their selected concentration as stated below.
English and Communication Media Concentration
Graduates will demonstrate particular strengths in:
- Understanding the history and operation of mass media
- Being able to produce a range of materials for a variety of public audiences
English Language Concentration
Graduates will demonstrate particular strengths in:
- Understanding the rules of operation and social connections of natural languages, especially English
- Knowing the evolution of the English language
- Using the analytical and descriptive tools of English linguistics
English Literature Concentration
Graduates will demonstrate particular strengths in:
- Understanding and appreciating literature in English created during various historical periods
- Applying the methods of various types of literary criticism
Teacher Certification
Graduates will demonstrate particular strengths in:
- Understanding the elements of literature, language, and communication appropriate for a secondary-school teacher of English
- Applying their knowledge of literature, language, and communication to the teaching of others
Writing Concentration
Graduates will demonstrate particular strengths in:
- Understanding the principles of writing and rhetoric
- Applying writing skills to original works of fiction, nonfiction, and/or poetry
Master of Arts in English
Students who complete the Master of Arts in English will be able to:
- Demonstrate the knowledge of two specific areas of study in English
- Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the diverse scholarly approaches to major issues in the study of literature, language, linguistics, or rhetoric/composition/writing
- Write professional papers that demonstrate critical and analytical thinking and other necessary skills for independent research and writing
Master of Arts for Teachers of English
Students who complete the Master of Arts for Teachers of English will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of those areas of study in English that are relevant to their development as teachers at the secondary or college level
- Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the diverse scholarly approaches to major issues in the study of literature, language, and linguistics, or rhetoric/composition/writing
- Write professional papers that demonstrate critical and analytical thinking and other necessary skills for independent research and writing
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