Program: BAENGCW - Bachelor of Arts
Introduction
The English department constitutes a major humanizing force within the university. Our courses engage with diverse literary and cultural texts, giving our students the opportunity to practice critical reading and effective writing, thus preparing students for career options and advanced study. English majors develop skills in writing, information literacy and research, oral communication, cultural awareness, reading comprehension, and literary analysis.
The English department at Mercyhurst offers a B.A. in English, as well as the following concentrations: Creative Writing, Professional and Technical Writing, Secondary English Education, and Pre-Law. The English department also houses the Theatre Minor and the Film Studies Minor. These programs allow students to personalize their studies while acquiring the breadth of knowledge and skills found in the traditional English major.
The English Department sponsors the Mercyhurst Literary Festival, the Mercyhurst Theatre Program, and Lumen, the campus arts journal. We have a chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, an international honor society formed to recognize English majors and minors who achieve high standards of excellence in their chosen linguistic or literary fields.
English Department Mission Statement
The Department of English offers programs of study that teach students to think critically and imaginatively about literature, language, and culture. Our goal is to produce discerning and creative readers, writers, and thinkers who have the communication skills needed to excel professionally. English majors and minors study challenging American, British, and world texts, while cultivating their skills in oral communication, digital literacy, creative writing, research and information literacy, and professional writing.
English majors must maintain an overall 2.0 GPA. English majors with a concentration in Secondary Education preparation must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA and at least a 3.0 GPA in their major courses. English majors must earn a C or better in any course from the major meant to fulfill a degree requirement. No required course in the major may be taken on a Pass/Fail basis.
All English majors are highly encouraged to take an internship and/or study abroad. All majors will undergo a sophomore review with their advisor during their sophomore year of study or upon transferring into the English major.
In this program, students gain practical experience writing both poetry and fiction in small workshops and seminars. The aim of this coursework is for students to produce publishable work under the close guidance of our experienced faculty. The English faculty strongly encourage students to refine their editing skills by working on the staff of Lumen, Mercyhurst University's arts journal. Additionally, each year the department hosts the Mercyhurst Literary Festival, which gives students a chance to meet and attend workshops with renowned writers from across the country. Ultimately, students graduate from the program ready to pursue careers as writers and editors in the publishing industry or to attend graduate school to further develop their craft.
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Take the Following:
200 OR 300 Level ENG or THEA Elective 3 credits
300 Level ENG or THEA Seminar 3 credits
300 Level ENG or THEA Seminar 3 credits
300 Level Seminar in 20th/21st Century Lit 3 credits
Required Courses
ENG 200 Literary Studies - 3 credits
ENG 205 Introduction to the English Major - 3 credits
ENG 280 Introduction to Creative Writing - 3 credits
ENG 380 Creative Writing Fiction - 3 credits
ENG 384 Creative Writing Poetry - 3 credit
Choose One 200 or 300 Level Elective in Literature or Theatre - 3 credits
Choose One 300-Level Elective in 20th/21st Century Lit - 3 credits