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Brian Clements, Chair ClementsB@wcsu.edu Higgins Hall 219B, Midtown campus (203) 887-8876
Krista Brooks, Department Secretary BrooksK@wcsu.edu Higgins Hall, 201, Midtown campus (203) 837-9041 Fax (203) 837-3953
Faculty
Overview
Courses in the Department of English prepare students for success in a wide variety of careers. In literature, authors examine the challenges of human existence, and readers participate by discussing and writing about what makes texts and their ideas important and pertinent to new generations. We consider the English degree to be the “degree for life” because English courses develop three skills needed in any field:
These skills are developed by close reading of literary texts and by exploring their personal and historical contexts. The English degree prepares students to enter fields where knowledge of texts, critical thinking, and written and oral communication are vital.
Mission
The English department at Western Connecticut State University seeks to promote the university’s mission by providing students with a high-quality education in English language and literature. We are committed to developing students’ powers of critical thinking, analysis, and writing as well as knowledge of important texts, contexts, traditions, and modern developments. We believe students who complete any of the department’s programs will be prepared to compete vigorously in the global marketplace and to pursue a variety of career paths or to seek further education.
As a department, our goals are to:
Alpha Lambda Epsilon
The department sponsors Alpha Lambda Epsilon, a local chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society. Sigma Tau Delta’s central purpose is to confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate and professional studies. Candidates for undergraduate membership must have completed at least three semesters of college work and a minimum of two college courses in English language or literature beyond the usual requirements in freshman English. Members must also have a minimum 3.0 grade point average in English and rank at least in the highest 35 percent of their class in general scholarship. Students may contact the department chair for more information on becoming a member of Alpha Lambda Epsilon.
Learning Outcomes:
At the successful completion of this program, student will be able to:
Degree Programs in English
Bachelor of Arts English
Bachelor of Science English: Secondary Certification
Minors English American Literature
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH (B.A.)
Description: The study of English prepares students for success in a wide variety of careers. In literature, authors examine the challenges of human existence, and readers participate by discussing and writing about what makes texts and their ideas important and pertinent to new generations. We consider the English degree to be the “degree for life” because English courses develop three skills needed in any field:
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 48 SH.
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2021/academic-programs-degrees/
Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the general education breadth requirement. If cognate courses are required, they are included in the list of courses required in the major.
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BA English Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
*All Bachelor of Arts degrees at WCSU require that students complete a language at or above the elementary II level. Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a minimum of a C average in high school have met this requirement. However, they must still complete at least one Intercultural Competency course.
Course Restrictions For a complete list of prerequisites, corequisites and other restrictions for all courses, please consult the Course Description section of this catalog.
Description: This degree provides students with the breadth of knowledge of literature, writing, and modes of inquiry in the humanities, so that students have the foundational knowledge they need to educate others.
Degree Requirements All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 42 SH, Certification 35 SH
Sample Four Year Plan: BS Secondary Education: English Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
*The BS Secondary Ed: requires that students complete a language at or above the elementary II level. Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a minimum of a C average in high school have met this requirement. However, they must still complete at least one Intercultural Competency course.
Minor in English (18 Semester Hours)
Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.
Required Courses: ENG 130W English Seminar Two 200-level English courses Two 300-level English courses One 400-level literature course
Minor in American Literature (18 Semester Hours)
Required Courses (3 SH): ENG 130W English Seminar Select Five (5) courses from the following list (15 SH): ENG 209 American Literature to 1865 ENG 210 American Literature from 1865 ENG 214 African American Literature ENG 217 American Dream: Visions & Revisions ENG 348 Early American Literature ENG 349 American Literature of Identity 1820-1920
Students may petition the Chair to apply the following courses to the minor when, in the Chair’s judgment, the topic is appropriate: ENG 227 Topics in Ethnic and Minority Literature ENG 414 Road Scholar ENG 450 Studies in Major Authors ENG 453 Special Topics in Literature
