B.A. in English-Adolescence Education

Students who love reading, writing, analyzing, and performing, may want to pass that passion on to the next generation of secondary school students. A major in English-Adolescence Education is the perfect way to prepare for this career. To fulfill their English requirements, students pursue an integrated study of literature and literary theory, writing, drama, and film/new media. They combine this English study with professional preparation for teacher certification through education courses.

Literature/Theory

Our literature courses focus on a wide range of cultures and ethnicities, such as American, African-American, Asian-American, English, Irish, postcolonial, and African. We also offer courses in literary theory, film theory, and the study of specific genres. Our courses span time periods from the earliest world literature, to medieval and renaissance Europe, to contemporary works in all genres. All English-Adolescence Education majors take ENG 112 Introduction to Literary Studies, two 200-level literature courses, and three 300-level literature classes as well as a course in literary theory/criticism. Students finish with a capstone seminar in which they research and write a paper under the mentorship of a full-time faculty member.
 

Creative/Expository Writing

Our writing courses run the gamut of all genres--including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, playscript, screenplay, and new media writing. All students take ENG 105 Expository Writing, Oral Communication, and Research, one 200-level writing course that combines creative writing and pedagogy, and one 300-level writing course focusing on one genre. Students who wish to may then complete a senior writing project under the mentorship of a full-time faculty member.
 

Drama/Performance

English-Adolescence Education majors choose from a range of acting courses, theatre arts, history of drama, and oral interpretation of literature. Students interested in learning about production may also take ENG 290 Drama Production and Performance. Students may also choose to perform in or help to produce a campus drama production as part of their preparation to be English teachers.

Film/New Media

Students have courses in film theory and specific genres, such as horror and teen film, as well as writing courses in film and new media and screen writing to choose from to help them develop the visual, digital, and media literacy essential to secondary school teaching.

Senior Seminar and English-Adolescence Education Portfolio

English-Adolescence Education majors complete their English requirements through a Senior Seminar.  This course, a bridge between undergraduate and graduate study, provides students with the opportunity to research and prepare a substantial literary research paper. Students also submit assignments to fulfill their English-Adolescence Education Portfolio requirements in the same semester in which they complete their English Senior Seminar.

Education courses and student teaching

In addition to their English courses, students who choose English-Adolescence Education as their major will add a sequence of education courses in all aspects of teacher preparation that will culminate in a semester of student teaching. Our English-Adolescence Education program is accreditated by NCATE (the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education). Students who successfully complete the program will have initial certification to teach English in middle and high schools.