English (B.A.)

Program Overview

The English program at Messiah College assists students in studying a wide array of literatures using a variety of critical thinking and writing skills to help them become perceptive readers, insightful thinkers, and responsible writers. Professors encourage students to develop perspectives on the relationship of Christian faith to all aspects of literary endeavor.

Because many careers call for close analysis and interpretation of texts as well as fluency in writing, the English major prepares students for success in a variety of fields. Besides the obvious career choices of advanced scholarship, teaching, journalism, and publishing, Messiah English majors have pursued law, business, Christian ministry, public relations, and other professional careers.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s English program can:

1. analyze literary texts by reading closely and applying disciplinary vocabularies, theories and methods.
2. demonstrate writing and rhetorical skills appropriate to both critical and creative tasks in a variety of media and genres.
3. respond to literary texts within their contexts such as culture, genre, literary history, aesthetic values, and ideological orientation
4. develop and challenge their thinking through scholarly research in support of both critical studies and creative activities.
5. on vocational calling, explore possible career paths, and develop action plans for their professional lives.
6. articulate the connections between Christian faith and the study of English.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

One of the following concentrations: (27)

Literature Concentration

Nine electives (27 credits) which meet the following requirements:

Two British literature courses, one before 1800, one after (genre/theory overlap possible) – See explanation of “overlap” below

Two American literature courses, one before 1900, one after (genre/theory overlap possible)

One Postcolonial/World literature course (genre/theory overlap possible)

Two Genre courses (one must be literature)

One Writing course (genre overlap possible)

One Critical Theory course (literature/genre overlap possible)

Writing Concentration

Nine electives (27 credits) which meet the following requirements:

One British literature course

One American literature course

One Postcolonial World literature course

One Critical Theory course (writing or literature)

Four writing courses (may include COMM 112)

Note: While students can only earn three credits per course, they may meet more than one area requirement in a single course. Any course meeting more than one requirement must be approved in advance by the English Department.

QuEST Requirements