Chair: Keely Tary
Faculty: Rachel Byrd, Blake Gorth, Amanda Livanos, Clarise Nixon, Jodi Ruf, Emily McArthur, Laurie Stankavich, Keely Tary
First-Year Writing Coordinator: Amanda Livanos
EESL Coordinator: Laurie Stankavich
All Programs Coordinator: Keely Tary
The Department of English offers two categories of courses that view humanity's search for truth and its most convincing expression through a Christian perspective. Language courses aid students in developing ease, confidence, and competence in the art of effective communication and in acquiring knowledge of the science of language; literature courses develop the ability to discern and appreciate the best literary works.
Students wishing to major in English must apply to the department through their advisers by taking ENGL 150 during the second semester of their freshman year or at the time of transfer from another major or university. A minimum grade of B- is required in ENGL 101, ENGL 102, and ELIT 216. English majors must maintain a 2.50 overall average in ENGL and ELIT courses.
Students majoring or minoring in English must meet the specific requirements of the Department of English (below) and the General Education program. For the English major, intermediate foreign language is required. ENGL 101, ENGL 102, ENGL 109, ENGL 132, and ELIT 175 do not count toward an English major or minor.
English majors may substitute a journalism writing class or English topics course for one English elective. English majors who minor in journalism or public relations are eligible for internships through the School of Journalism and Communication.
The Department of English develops students' skills in language, literature, and writing from a biblical worldview and prepares graduates for a life of Christian service.
As a requirement for graduation and as part of a departmental assessment process, senior English majors take the Major Field Test for Literature in English as part of ELIT 490 - Senior Capstone. ELIT 490 also includes preparation for the Major Field Test, student writings, and an oral interview. Majors complete a written evaluation of the department, providing information used to improve the quality of the department.
English majors and minors are required to take ELIT 214 - Survey of American Literature (IN-10) and ELIT 215 - Survey of English Literature (IN-10) in residence. Exceptions must be petitioned through the department.
Initial/Add-on program (leading to English as a Second Language teaching licensure)*
Many applicants have completed one or more of these courses (or similar content) as part of an undergraduate curriculum. Through evaluation of transcripts, it can be determined what coursework may be applied toward the requirements for the ESL endorsement. Add-on licensure is available to candidates who have already received a teaching license in another area. Passing score on the required Praxis II examination for ESL must be obtained.
It is expected that candidates wishing this endorsement as part of their initial teaching license will complete all the major and professional education courses required for their major with teaching licensure/certification in addition to the course requirements listed below. Majors in which teaching licensure is available include B.Mus. in Music Education, B.S. in Physical Education/Health, B.A. in Biology; B.A. in Chemistry; B.A. in English; B.A. in History; B.A. in Liberal Arts Education, B.A. or B.S. in Mathematics, B.A. in Physics, B.A. in Religious Education, B.A. in French, B.A. in Spanish.
In addition, candidates wishing this endorsement as part of their initial teaching license must have had the experience of learning a world language equivalent to at least six semester hours of college level language study. This experience may include, but is not limited to: completion of intensive language training by the Peace Corps or passing the Praxis II subject assessment in a second language.
*The practicum (EDUC 476) may be waived if the candidate has a minimum of one semester of appropriately supervised experience teaching ESL in an accredited school (documented by verification from the school or school system of the teaching assignment, duration, and effectiveness) or previous experience teaching in an ESL setting other than an accredited one. This option requires documentation of experience with both elementary and secondary students, including setting, schedule, content, demographic information about students and other pertinent information. Supporting materials, such as lesson plans, units, newsletters, etc.; verification of success (letters from supervisors, copies of evaluations, etc.) should also be included.
The English Minor is designed to provide students with a broad familiarity of core English skills, including literature, language, and writing. The world needs communicators, writers of high quality, and critical thinkers with developed imaginations. All of these skills are practiced and refined through the collaborative study of an English minor.
With the preeminent position of English as a global language, numerous international opportunities exist for teachers with a practical understanding of linguistics, intercultural communication, and theories of second language acquisition. The teaching of English also provides an unparalleled platform for ministry, especially in contexts where formal missionary opportunities are limited or unavailable.
A TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) minor is a valuable option for students on the Southern campus who have chosen majors in international business, non-profit management, global policy and service, communication studies with an intercultural emphasis, international studies, and missions.
Students certified in another content area who also seeks endorsement for teaching English must take the following classes:
The English as a Second Language Program is designed to help students whose native language is not English develop the English skills needed for success in the university's regular academic programs. These skills include reading, writing, grammar, and other study skills specific to the American educational environment. Students whose TOEFL scores are between 45-79 (Internet-based test) or whose English ACT score is below 18, as demonstrated by a test taken in the last 12 months, must enroll in the EESL program. Students may not advance into the regular first-year writing sequence until they have achieved an ACT of 18 (SAT 450) or have permission of the instructor upon completion of ENGL 100.
Students who have not met the exit requirements must register for one to three courses in the EESL program, and additional credit outside the EESL program, as approved by the EESL adviser, not to exceed a total load of 13 hours. The number of EESL courses required for a given student can be determined as follows: