Catalog - Virginia Intermont College

Programs of Study 158
membership required. Must successfully complete either Educ 489 or EDUC 487
and 488 in order to obtain licensure.
Credit, twelve semester hours. Offered fall and spring semesters.
ENGLISH
The English department offers three courses of study: Literature & Language,
Literature & Writing, and English Literature & Language with Licensure.*
Students from other majors may also declare an English minor.
All three study-paths develop the student’s aesthetic appreciation for and historical
knowledge of literature written in English. With a curriculum that covers major
literary periods—from Old English epic poetry to the postmodern novel—all
English majors are trained in the art and craft of interpretive reading and critical
writing. These skills are exhibited when all literature majors submit a senior
thesis and present it to their peers. In addition to the study of literature, students
who pursue a degree in Literature & Writing may take up to four creative writing
workshops, where they will work under the guidance of a published writer. The
English department actively works to bring contemporary poets, novelists, and
nonfiction writers to the campus for readings and special weekend workshops,
and students often gather informally for readings of their own work. The Literature
& Writing degree is ideal for learners who intend careers as a professional writer
and editor. For students interested in teaching at private or public high schools,
the English Literature & Language with Licensure degree ensures not only a wellrounded
knowledge of literature but also instruction in the teaching of writing.
Licensure students are required to take courses in descriptive linguistics, the
theory and practice of composition, and have the opportunity to work under a
full-time composition teacher by enrolling in English 427: Internship in Freshman
Composition.
The English department holds experiential learning in high regard. Thus, majors
are encouraged to apply to the Writing Center where, under the direction of a
full-time English faculty member, students tutor fellow learners in grammar and
composition. Students gain editing experience when they work with the campus
publication, VI Campus Crier. Beyond on-campus experiences, English majors
often join Honor students on a fall trip to an American city and occasionally attend
literary conferences with professors. Additionally, literature students with a 3.0
GPA may apply to the Worrell Honors Program for Study Abroad, which allows
upper-level learners to study in Munich, Germany.
Because of its emphasis in reading, writing, research, and critical thinking, English
is an excellent major for those who plan to pursue careers as writers and teachers
Virginia Intermont College 2012–2013 College Catalog