2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

english major
You study at the Air Force Academy to become a leader in our nation’s military. Outstanding leadership starts with effective
communication. That’s exactly what you’ll learn as an English major. Leaders throughout history have used their skills as
readers, thinkers, and communicators to change the world. This is the essence of the English major. You’ll focus on literature,
imagination, and communication as deliberate human endeavors. You’ll explore the most perplexing questions of the human
condition: What does it mean to be human? What is the source of our greatness and our depravity, our nobility and our pathos?
For what ideals and against what forces must we fight? How will you persuade others, especially those you lead? How will
you help them understand? The ultimate goal of the warrior-scholar is wisdom--a vision that transcends the ephemeral and the
superfluous. The study of literature and communication offers the wisdom of generations to a new generation of leaders: you.
The courses you study as an English major reflect a combination of the rigorous traditions of the discipline and your personal
interests. The program is extremely flexible, allowing you to explore the literature and ideas that excite your curiosity. You’ll be
able to pattern a curriculum suited to your desires--one that’s sure to enrich your intellectual life. For those students who show
outstanding potential, research grants for work at civilian institutions are available, as well as opportunities to present papers at
professional conferences and to have research published.
If you enjoy reading, thinking, and communicating, the English major is for you. Your studies as an English major will give you
practical training in leadership. Great literature provides examples of human value systems and human relations—occasions for
you to experience and appreciate the art of dealing with people before you receive your commission in the Air Force.
Suggested Course Sequence
3rd-Class Year 2nd-Class Year 1st-Class Year
Chem 200 Aero Engr 315 Academy Opt
Econ 201 Beh Sci 310 Astro Engr 410
English 341 Biology 315 English 353
English Opt 1 El Engr 315 English 370
Engr Mech 220 English 390 English 470
For Lang 3 English 461 English 490
For Lang 4 English 462 English Opt 4
Law 220 English Opt 2 English Opt 5
MSS 200 English Opt 3 English Opt 6
Physics 215 History 302 Mgt 400
Pol Sci 211 Math 300 MSS 400
Sys Opt Geo 310 Philos 310 Soc Sci 412
ENGLISH (English)
Offered by the Department of English and Fine Arts.
English 109. Academic Communication for English as a Second Language Students. Introduction to academic reading
and writing for English as a Second Language (ESL) students. Frequent writing assignments emphasize writing for the various
academic communities. Emphasis on the rhetorical, syntactical, and grammatical conventions of written English.
English 111. Introductory Composition and Research. Emphasizes the fundamental uses of language, concentrating on
sound academic writing and the rhetoric of argument. Introduces the student to basic methods and resources for academic
research, and provides instruction and practice in the presentation, integration, and documentation of researched material.
Establishes the foundation for analytical thinking through frequent writing assignments that derive from and reinforce a wide
range of readings.
English 211. Literature and Intermediate Composition. Refines the analytical and critical reading skills introduced in
English 111 through the examination of significant literary texts. Course objectives include acquiring skills in analytical and
argumentative writing, research methods and documentation, critical reading, and effective oral communication. Written
assignments and oral presentations incorporate literary analysis and research, and provide a foundation for communication
skills advanced in English 411. Midterm explication paper and final research essay. All fourth-class cadets who have validated
or received transfer credit for English 111 should enroll in English 211 at their earliest opportunity.
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