Faculty:

• Michael A. Arnzen, Ph.D.
• Christine Cusick, Ph.D.
• Dennis Jerz, Ph.D.
• Laura Patterson, Ph.D.
• Nicole Peeler, Ph.D.
• Emily Wierszewski, Ph.D.

The English major at Seton Hill provides students with varied opportunities for creative work in a supportive, energized environment. Students practice writing in different genres, from poetry to literary analysis to creative non-fiction, in order to gain the broadest possible experience in composing for different audiences. Students also gain inspiration and understanding by studying literature of the past and present, as well as new writings from marginalized groups and popular culture, and by situating those texts in their cultural and historical contexts. Student-run publications including The Setonian newspaper and Eye Contact literary magazine offer the opportunity for hands-on editorial experience. Guest writers of regional and national  fame, brought in through Seton Hill’s graduate writing program, enrich the student writer’s experience outside the classroom.

The English major’s diverse curriculum allows students to explore language-related pathways into a career involving words. The strong communication skills gained in the English major are crucial in most professions. Career opportunities include journalism, publishing, public relations, technology, library science, editing, teaching, non-profit work, business and technical writing, and freelance writing. English majors are also excellent candidates for graduate work in law, medicine, and the humanities.

Students who are interested in receiving teaching certification in English should see “Education - Teaching Certification ”.

Learning Objectives: English

1. Discuss and assess literary history, appraising texts from the traditional British and American canon as well as writings from popular culture and previously marginalized groups, through college level engagement in class discussions and written compositions.
2. Analyze a variety of texts, representing a diverse range of genres, styles, media, and cultures in discussion and in the writing of critical essays.
3. Evaluate and collect information from credible research sources to create critical projects engaging with conventions of the field.
4. When presented with a rhetorical situation (audience, purpose, context), choose the most appropriate genre, style and medium to communicate effectively.
5. Discuss and assess significant issues arising in the discipline of English and relate them to cultural and historical contexts.
6. Evaluate one’s own reading and writing practices, and examine their place in the evolving field of literary criticism and production through self-assessment and revision.
7. Create and enact a career plan as defined in the Career Workshop sequence and other coursework.

All candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree in English must complete the courses required for the Liberal Arts Curriculum, the capstone assessment requirement, and the courses required for the major.

The capstone assessment includes submission of a portfolio and a presentation. Students give an oral presentation to their advisor and one additional English faculty member and participate in a discussion of how the major and University objectives are integrated.

A minimum of 120 credits is required.