The Department of English equips students to explore, from a faith-informed perspective, the complex narrative worlds of both literature and life that they might live out their callings more intelligently and compassionately.

English majors will gain an understanding of the uses of language as a means of exposition, persuasion, and critical thinking, an ability to speak and write with clarity, and an understanding of literature as a record of the development of human thought and a reflection of cultural history.

With this in view, the Department’s objectives are:

1. To mentor students in the concepts, skills, and attitudes which enable trenchant literary analysis and deepen the pleasures of reading.
2. To equip students to write and speak incisively, persuasively, and creatively.
3. To explore and appraise the ideas and ideologies literary works represent, and to appreciate the complex ways such works and their traditions arise from, reflect, and contribute to the development of culture and history.
4. To acquaint students with diverse theoretical approaches to literature and help them identify implicit assumptions, contributions, and implications.
5. To explore and identify how literary skills and sensibilities can prepare Christians to engage more intelligently and compassionately in their worlds.

In addition to a 24-unit core of courses in British Literature, American Literature, World Literature, Shakespeare, and Critical Theory, English students select one of the following five concentrations:

1. Generalist
   For those wishing for more flexibility in their schedules, the Generalist track requires at least twelve units in elective upper division English offerings.
2. Global and Ethnic Literatures
   For those desiring exposure to more diverse literary traditions, this concentration requires students to take specialized classes in Comparative Literature, World Literature, and Studies in Ethnic Literature.
3. Writing
   For those seeking to supplement their study of literature with theoretical and vocational training in writing, this concentration requires students to take four specialized courses in writing.
4. Secondary Instruction
   For those interested in teaching English at the high school level, this concentration provides coursework that, combined with passing the California Subject Examination for Teachers, leads to a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in English.
5. Honors Graduate School Preparation
   For those committed to rigorous professional training in preparation for graduate study in English, application can be made for admission to this concentration, which requires 42 units. Having first registered as generalists, or declared one of the other tracks, candidates may apply to the concentration after three semesters of undergraduate study, having attained at least a 3.8 GPA in their major, or having obtained departmental consent. Students take six specialized upper division courses.