2019-2020 BSC Catalog

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
79
English
Bachelor of Arts
Kent S. Andersen, Jane Archer, Frederick Ashe, William Tynes Cowan,
Jessica N. Hines, Lucas J. Johnson, Michael McInturff, Sandra L. Sprayberry,
Joseph Stitt, John D. Tatter, Melinda Rainey Thompson, David W. Ullrich
The courses offered by the English faculty serve a twofold purpose: to teach students
to formulate and articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively in both spoken and
written language, and to help students develop a critical understanding of work by
writers of American, British, and world literature.
The English faculty understands that students come to the study of English with diverse
interests and motives. Therefore, with faculty guidance, a student majoring in English
may design a course of English study to satisfy those interests while maintaining some of
the depth and breadth of study traditionally expected in the discipline. Such subjects as
gender studies, ethnic literature, literature in various interdisciplinary contexts, literary
history, literary theory, and the teaching of English suggest possible emphases.
The study of literature provides students with an appreciation of various responses of
men and women to the human condition; in addition, the study of English serves as a
humane preparation for careers in fields such as teaching, law, medicine, government
service, journalism, and publishing. Students considering graduate study in English
should consult with a member of the English faculty as soon as possible to plan the
most appropriate course of study.
Sequential numbering within 200- and 300-level courses does not represent a
graduating scale of difficulty.
Neither credit by examination in the AP and IB programs, nor individualized
educational experiences (such as individual contracts, internships, or tutorials) fulfill
general education requirements in writing or literature.
Upon completion of the English major, students will be able to
• analyze a literary text for form, structure, and genre
• form a thesis and support it with a coherent and unified essay structure
• formulate a sound argument based on textual and contextual evidence
• apply and integrate scholarly material
• produce prose with a clear, confident voice
Major Requirements
The following courses are required (12 units):
EH 205
EH 250
EH 260
EH 300
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2019-2020