English Department of Kutztown University

Students who choose a major in English Studies receive preparation in important and highly marketable skills. In addition to the practical skills that they learn, students also develop an increased awareness of aesthetic, cultural, historical, and political questions. Moreover, students have an exciting array of degree options within English Studies from which to choose.

All students majoring in English develop highly valued communication skills. Students learn to read and think critically, formulate logical arguments, and communicate effectively in written and oral forms. Business and community leaders repeatedly identify these skills as being essential in successful employees. Our graduates have moved on to careers as educators, editors, writers, newspaper and magazine journalists and public relations professionals. Others have continued their education and received M.A., M.Ed. and Ph.D. degrees in English, Education, and Composition and Rhetoric.

Degree options include the following programs:

· B.A. English

· B.A. English w/Cultural and Media Studies

· B.A. English w/Paralegal Studies

· B.S. Education/English (co-sponsored with Secondary Education)

· B.A. Professional Writing

· B.A. Professional Writing w/Cultural and Media Studies

· M.A. English

The freshly revised B.A. English degree gives students exposure to American and British Literature but also to diverse and genre literature. Working with advisors, students also identify two “themes” (such as American Studies or Diversity in Literature) and complete two literature and one non-literature course under each theme. Students completing this degree will have gained a deeper understanding of the literatures of the world and how they help us understand and address contemporary issues.

The B.A. in Professional Writing requires students to experience a variety of professional writing situations and genres in the six core classes, following which students choose electives among offerings in creative writing, technical writing, public relations, desktop publishing, journalism and magazine writing, and script writing. This program concludes with an internship.

The B.S. in Secondary Education/English provides students with a thorough training in literature as well as a program of training in education issues. This program concludes with a semester of student teaching.

Students who enroll in the degree programs with concentrations in either Cultural and Media Studies or Paralegal Studies take several courses in those areas in place of general electives.

Additionally, the department offers minors in English and Writing. The department is also developing a new concentration in Composition /Rhetoric although several courses in this popular area are already being offered.

The M.A. in English offers students opportunities to extend their studies in Literature, Composition/Rhetoric, and Professional Writing. Some M.A. students are already full-time teachers who want to further their education to improve their promotion possibilities, while others see this program as a step toward their goal of enrolling in a Ph.D. program. Some students also graduate with the M.A. and become instructors at local colleges and universities. Opportunities exist for individualizing the program through independent studies.

Finally, the English Department works with every Kutztown University student as all students take College Composition (ENG 023), the required writing course. This course introduces students to the expectations that their college professors will have with regard to writing, thinking, and research skills. Many professors teach College Composition as a topics-based course, and some require students to complete some assignments in electronic forums; all professors work closely with students to help them develop college-level writing skills during the semester.

I invite you to write or call with your questions about our department, degree programs, minors, or classes.

Janice Chernekoff, Chair

English Department

Kutztown University

Kutztown, PA 19530

cherneko@kutztown.edu

610-683-4353