undergraduate bulletin - LaGrange College

ENGLISH
INTRODUCTION
The Department of English offers a wide range of courses to meet a variety of needs and
demands:
introductory and advanced courses in composition and literary studies
British and American literature survey and period courses
genre studies, including works translated into English from other languages
language and theory courses
single-author courses
creative writing and nonfiction writing courses
Objectives of Composition Courses
The primary goal of courses in composition and literature is to help students become competent
readers and writers by providing them with challenging texts and ample opportunities to practice
their skills of critical thinking and expression. Toward this end, the English faculty has set the
following four (4) objectives. All students completing the Core Curriculum will demonstrate:
proficiency in expository writing with Standard American English grammar, punctuation,
and usage
proficiency in critical reading
the ability to assimilate, organize, and develop ideas logically and effectively
an understanding of the rudiments of research-based writing, including accurate and
ethical citation and MLA documentation
OBJECTIVES OF ENGLISH MAJOR COURSES
All students completing the baccalaureate program in English will be prepared to pursue careers
in which a broad knowledge of literature and a proficiency in critical reading, critical thinking,
and expository writing are important. They also will be prepared to pursue graduate studies in
English and in other professional areas, such as law, medicine, or journalism. In addition,
students who wish to prepare for a career in teaching may do so by completing a major in
English. For each of these endeavors, English majors will demonstrate:
an extensive knowledge of the development of British literature and American literature
from their origins to the present
a capacity for interpreting literature, reading critically, and expressing literary ideas, both
in oral discussion and in written work
an ability to bring informed critical and analytical judgment to bear on the study of literary
issues, both in oral discussion and in written work
a mastery of the techniques of literary research and the use of MLA style
a knowledge of Standard American English grammar, punctuation, and syntax
a knowledge of Standard American English usage
145