English Program - McPherson College Catalogs

Purpose Statement

The English department commits itself to developing graduates who can read critically and communicate effectively and who understand the changing nature of language.

The department achieves this purpose when its graduates

demonstrate an ability to accomplish various purposes through effective communication – oral, written, and electronic – and to help others achieve them;
demonstrate an understanding of ways in which aspects of culture such as history, religion and social norms are reflected in literature;
demonstrate an ability to analyze literary texts;
demonstrate a knowledge of research tools and strategies, especially in literature, and the critical and ethical use of appropriate documentation;
demonstrate knowledge of the structure of English, of the Standard American dialect, of both traditional and modern grammars, and of the nature of language.

English Major

Requirements

I. Complete the following courses:

EN 230 Linguistics (2 hours)
EN 250 American Literature I (3 hours)
*G-EN 255 American Literature II (3 hours)
*EN 313 Advanced Expository Writing (3 hours)
EN 335 Advanced English Grammar (2 hours)
EN 340 British Literature I (3 hours)
EN 345 British Literature II (3 hours)
EN 375 Junior Seminar in English (2 hours)
EN 430 History and Structure of English (2 hours)
EN 475A Seminar in English (1 hour)
*EN475B Seminar in English (1 hour)
*G-EN 210 Masterpieces of World Literature, OR
*G-EN 220 Contemporary World Literature (3 hours)
G-EN 270 Fiction (3 hours), OR
G-EN 370 Poetry (3 hours, OR
EN 420 Creative Writing (3 hours)

II. Complete 7 elective hours in English. These may include additional hours in English and American literature, as well as the following courses:

G-CM 120 Intro. to Human Communication (3 hours)
CM 305  Editing (3 hours)
*G-EN 210 Masterpieces of World Literature (3-4 hours)
*G-EN 220 Contemporary World Literature (3-4 hours)
G-EN 235 Topics in Literature (3 hours) (may be taken more than once if topic differs)
EN 320  Young Adult Literature (2 hours)
EN 350  Theory & Practice of Tutoring Writing (1 hour)
*G-EN 370 Poetry (3-4 hours)
*G-EN 270 Fiction (3-4 hours)
*G-PA 385 Performing Arts History & Literature I or
*G-PA 390 Performing Arts History & Literature II (3 hours)
EN 420  Creative Writing (3 hours)
EN 445  Readings and Research in English (2-4 hours)

III. Complete the following supporting courses

Communication courses (3 hours)
Spanish Level II, or the equivalent in some natural language

Requirements for teaching licensure (6-12) in English

I. Complete the following courses:

EN 230  Linguistics (2 hours)
EN 335  Advanced English Grammar (2 hours)
EN 430  History and Structure of English (2 hours)
EN 320  Young Adult Literature (2 hours)
*G-EN 370 Poetry (3 hours), OR
*G-EN 270 Fiction (3 hours), OR
EN 420 Creative Writing (3 hours)
*G-EN 210 Masterpieces of World Literature, or
*G-EN 220 Contemporary World Literature (3 hours)
EN 250 American Literature I (3 hours)
*G-EN 255  American Literature II (3 hours)
EN 340  British Literature I (3 hours)
EN 345  British Literature II (3 hours)
*EN 313  Advanced Expository Writing (3 hours)
EN 375  Junior Seminar in English (1 hour)
EN 475A Seminar in English (1 hour)
*EN475B   Seminar in English (1 hour)

II. Complete the following supporting courses:

Journalism courses (3 hours)
G-ML 109 Spanish Level II, or the equivalent in some natural language
CI 417 Methods for Teaching English and Language Arts in the Secondary School (3 hours)

Other courses required by the Curriculum & Instruction Department for licensure.

Students must take the Praxis II examination: English Language, Literature, and Composition: Content Knowledge.

Competency Exam

Students who plan to major in English must pass a writing competency exam. This exam will be offered in the fall semester. Transfer students will take the exam early in their first semester at the college. Students who fail the exam may re-take it after participating in guided study and practice of writing.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (6-12) Endorsement

Requirements

Same professional education requirements as for 7-12 endorsement in other fields, plus:

G-CI 333  Intercultural Education Seminar (2 hours)
EN 230  Linguistics (2 hours)
EN 335  Advanced English Grammar (2 hours)
G-SO 202 Minorities in the U.S. (3-4 hours)
CI 428  Methods for Teaching English as a Second Language (3 hours)
CI 475  Student Teaching/Practicum (6-12 hours)
CI 476  Professional Seminar in Education (2 hours)

Student teaching/practicum is to include ESL experience; for those already certified, student teaching/practicum is four credit hours.

Note: Non-native speakers of English must contact the Department of Curriculum and Instruction regarding proficiency requirements.

English Minor

A minor in English consists of 20 hours of English courses chosen from the list of courses in the English major and must include courses in both literature and writing. G-EN 110 and G-EN 111 do not count as part of the 20 hours for the minor.