Bachelors of Arts Degree in English

The English Department at Davis and Elkins College encourages students to explore their individual interests in literature and creative writing, while developing skills that will prepare them for a variety of careers. Our faculty is comprised entirely of full-time professors; each holds a Ph.D. and works closely with students in classes of limited size. English course offerings are designed to promote essential writing skills, in addition to literary appreciation and analysis. Consequently, we offer a broad range of writing-intensive classes, and a full spectrum of introductory and advanced courses in literature.

A number of factors make the Davis and Elkins English program unique. We offer training in World literature, for example, in addition to American and British literature; such range is unusual in a college of our size, but ever more important in today's increasingly "global" world. We also teach a number of exciting Special Topics courses, drawn from our own varied interests and areas of specialization. Recent examples include Magic and Fantasy in Literature, Faith in Literature, Crime and Punishment in Literature, the Beat Poets, Literature and The Culture Wars, and Native American Mythology.

We are particularly proud of the outlets available to students interested in creative writing at Davis and Elkins College. Not only do we offer courses in poetry and fiction writing, but the English Department sponsors and supports many other creative outlets, as well. Our literary journal, Aurora, is student-edited, faculty-advised, and awfully impressive (when you visit campus, ask for a copy and see for yourself!). The Senator is our campus newspaper, and English majors and minors contribute to its success, as well. We also sponsor an annual Shakespeare Conference, regular guest writers, speakers, and workshops, and an active "open mic" poetry group (which, these days, is a popular forum for students interested in slam, rap, and other alternative poetry and expressive-art forms).

The list goes on. But the bottom line is this: if you want to explore the far reaches of your own talent while pursuing a degree that will prepare you for a career (or graduate school) in any number of writing- and communication-intensive fields (such as law, education, business, or journalism), then take a good look at the Davis and Elkins College English program. We're proud of what we have to offer, and would welcome the opportunity to show you why. Please stop by and visit us in Albert Hall, or give any of us a call (or an email) to let us know more about yourself, your goals, and your special interests.

Placement

Composition, a cornerstone of the liberal arts, is a general requirement of the undergraduate curriculum. The English department conducts placement testing for incoming students in order to direct them to the composition course that matches their ability. Freshmen who qualify register for ENG 101; those who need additional instruction in basic writing skills will be placed in Foundations 101. Students who have scored four or five on the ETS AP Composition or Literature Exam are exempt from ENG 101 and 102; those with a score of three are exempt from ENG 101. The college also provides foundations reading classes for students who, on the basis of SAT or ACT scores, need additional instruction in vocabulary, word knowledge, and reading comprehension.

Degree Requirements

Baccalaureate Programs (B.A.)
The English major requires 40 semester hours, including:

• English 116- American Literature I
• English 117- American Literature II
• English 118- World Literature
• English 119- British Literature I
• English 120- British Literature II
• English 314- Literary Criticism
• English 316- Shakespeare
• English 397- Senior Thesis

And 15 hours chosen from 200 and 300 level English courses. An academic minor is optional.

Minor
A minor in English requires 19 hours, including English 316, six semester hours chosen from English 116, 117, 118, 119 and 120, and nine hours of 200 or 300 level English courses.

For More Information Contact

Dr. Peter T. Okun
Department of English, Communication, & Foreign Language
Davis & Elkins College
Elkins, WV 26241
(304) 637-1286
e-mail: okunp@davisandelkins.edu