English

Bachelor of Arts Degree
Concentrations in: Literature, Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), Writing


Overview

Students majoring in English read a wealth of literature and to develop competence in specific analytical and communicative skills. These skills include integrative thinking, critical and creative writing, usage of college English in both oral and written form, discernment in reading, appreciation of the human experience as illustrated in literature, and confidence in public speaking. Competence in these skills helps our students succeed in career areas such as ministry, education, business, government, publishing, and creative writing.

In addition to achieving the goals of the University, completing the English major enables students to:

  • Integrate literature and the Christian faith.
  • Produce strong, college English in prose and research writing;
    write in creative modes.
  • Enumerate salient textual and contextual aspects of American, English, World, and multicultural literature.
  • Explore in practice and performance the genres of prose, poetry, fiction, and drama.
  • Apply critical thinking skills in writing, public speaking, and interdisciplinary studies.
  • Use appropriate methodology in the analysis and interpretation of prose, poetry, fiction, drama, and film.

The English Major Core Requirements consist of 30 credits in specific writing and literature classes. Each English major must also complete a 15 credit Concentration in Writing, Literature, or TESL. To strengthen their humanities backgrounds, English majors are encouraged to take their 22 credits of electives in such related disciplines as history, philosophy, and the arts.

Entry to Major

Students must be formally admitted to the English major in order to progress through their academic program. Admission is usually submitted following their first year of classes. The English Department Chairperson should be contacted for entrance to major. The criteria for admission are:

  • The Freshman year of college must be completed;
  • A minimum of two English classes at Northwest University have been completed successfully; and
  • A minimum grade point average of 2.500 must have been maintained at Northwest University.

Graduation Requirements

In addition to the standard graduation requirements, English Majors must have achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.000 in all English classes taken at Northwest University.

Students also must successfully complete, typically during the second semester of their junior year, an Oral Baccalaureate Exam (OBE). The OBE is based on the Departmental Reading list, available online and form the English Department Chair. Each English major requests a Committee of three English professors who then use the OBE to evaluate the student’s ability to integrate literature and the Christian faith, to use critical thinking skills effectively, and to apply appropriate methodology in the analysis and interpretation of literature. Students who do not pass the OBE may retake it in a succeeding semester. Students who do not pass the OBE on their second attempt cannot graduate with an English major.


General Education Requirements (58 credits)


Major Requirements (45 credits)


General Elective Requirements (22 credits)

It is recommended that English majors take courses in history, philosophy, and the arts to broaden their humanities backgrounds.
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