With an emphasis on learning by reflective action, Millikin offers three English majors: (1) writing, (2) literature and (3) English education. We emphasize student performance as writers, readers and teachers of English—offering an educational journey through great works of the past, exploring intriguing writings of the present, and preparing students to write, edit, publish or teach in the future. Millikin English students engage in the process of making meaning with texts AND learn by reflecting on those language processes.
Contemporary English studies integrate text analysis (critical reading) and text production (writing and publishing). Our English faculty and students consider multicultural contexts as well as employing the latest digital technologies for editing and publishing.
The major in English studies at Millikin serves both the liberal arts student with a strong interest in literature and writing as well as the student who plans to enter a profession such as teaching, web design, journalism, publishing, library science, medicine, professional writing, business or law. English is an excellent preparation for any profession or career that requires clear thinking and writing. English studies provide a rich understanding of human experience, culture, and contemporary issues. The Department offers courses in the writers and cultural traditions of England and America, as well as international literature in translation, contemporary rhetoric, professional writing, creative writing, film, journalism, web publishing, and print media publishing.
The Core Curriculum
All majors in English studies take the 1 credit "Introduction to Millikin English Studies" the first semester they become an English major. All English majors also complete 18 credits in literary and rhetorical traditions and at least 6 credits in advanced writing studies and at least 3 credits in computer publishing technology. Each of our three English majors also requires a minimum of 12 additional advanced studies credits within the specified major. The core curriculum provides a strong foundation in literary, rhetorical, and cultural traditions. The core also ensures that all English majors graduate with expertise in advanced writing and the use of computer publishing technologies. |
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If you enjoy all types of writing and publishing, you should major in writing. Millikin's writing major emphasizes experiences in a variety of writing contexts including journalism, professional writing, academic writing, literary writing, editing, publishing, and personal creativity. By learning to shift between these multiple contexts, Millikin's writing majors are prepared for a wide range of professional and lifelong writing, editing and publishing opportunities.
In addition to the common core for all English majors, students majoring in writing develop an area of advanced writing studies—at least three advanced writing studies courses in one of three tracks:
• Journalism
• Professional Writing, Publishing & Rhetoric
• Creative Writing
All writing majors take EN310 Applying Writing Theory in the spring of the Junior year, and create a portfolio featuring a senior writing in EN410 Senior Writing Portfolio. Many writing majors also complete a professional writing internship. |
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If you want to begin your career in English studies as a teacher, you should major in English Education. This curriculum is designed to prepare you to teach language arts at the secondary or middle school level. You will share in the same studies of literature and writing and publishing technology as all English majors at Millikin, but you will also develop professional expertise required by state standards for teachers of English.
In addition to the common core for all English majors, students majoring in English Education take courses on teaching language arts, and education courses (which are described in detail on the web advising page). English Education majors are advised to take certain courses within the English core to meet state standards for English teachers. Please review the advising guide carefully.
Required English courses beyond the common core for English Education majors include:
• EN235 Language Arts Methods for Secondary Schools
• EN232 American Literature in the 20th Century
• EN310 Applying Writing Theory
• EN470 Teaching Writing Internship
All English Education student take several Education courses, culminating in a semester of student teaching and senior teaching portfolio.
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If you love reading and studying literature, then the Literature major is for you. Literature majors take courses in the literary tradition which examine the role of literature in society as a force shaping our values and identities over time. Millikin's English program offers a wide range of literary studies, so that you can complete advanced studies in the genres, literary history, and special seminars on contemporary approaches to text analysis.
In addition to the common core for all English majors, students majoring in literature take three advanced studies in the genres or literary history:
• EN340 Studies in Poetry
• EN350 Studies in Drama
• EN360 Studies in Fiction
• EN366 Studies in Literary History
All literature majors take EN420 Seminar in Literature during their senior year as a capstone experience in literary studies. Many literature majors also complete EN470 Teaching Writing Internship, especially if they are planning on graduate studies. |
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Although it may require more than 121 credit hours for graduation, students can major in both English literature and writing. They fulfill the requirements of both majors including:
Three advanced studies in the genres or literary history:
• EN340 Studies in Poetry
• EN350 Studies in Drama
• EN360 Studies in Fiction
• EN366 Studies in Literary History
An area of advanced writing studies—at least three advanced writing studies courses in one of three tracks:
• Journalism
• Professional Writing & Rhetoric
• Creative Writing
A course on the integration of theory and practice:
• EN 310 Applying Writing Theory
And both the literature and writing major capstone courses:
• EN 420 Seminar in Literature
• EN 410 Senior Writing Portfolio
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Many students choose to double major in English and another academic area. If you'd rather take a wider selection of courses across the English studies curriculum, you may prefer to minor in English. The minors require 21 credits in English beyond Interdisciplinary 150 and 151, Critical Writing, Reading, and Research I and II. Nine of the 21 credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.
English Literature Minor
The minor in literature consists of any 21 credits in English. Nine of the 21 credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.
Writing Minor
The minor in writing consists of 21 credits in English. Fifteen of these credits must be in writing courses. Nine of the 21 credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. |
A student who majors in English may earn Honors in English at graduation by maintaining a 3.7 grade point average in all English courses and by submitting to the department faculty an approved honors project of superior quality one month prior to graduation.
Planning to graduate with Honors in English begins at the start of your senior year.
For questions about honors in English, contact Dr. Randy Brooks, Chair. |
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