BA in English

Overview

English majors develop a sense of the past, an analytical edge, a grasp of critical thinking, and an appreciation of literature and language. As an English major, you’ll read a wide range of literature, then analyze, discuss, and write about what you read. You’ll learn how poetry, drama, fiction, and argumentative prose work to tell stories, explore emotions, and exploit the resources of language. The major offers a variety of language-based areas: composition/literacy studies, creative writing, editing and publishing, and linguistics.

Mission

In CSU, Chico’s Department of English we make sense of language in its stunning diversity. We cultivate readers, writers, teachers, editors, researchers, thinkers, and problem-solvers. We equip students with the tools to make connections across time and cultures, creating meaning through arguments, stories, and research.

Our wide-ranging curriculum, both undergraduate and graduate, demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity. We welcome all students regardless of race, class, gender, sexuality, age, ability, religion, nationality, political affiliation, or immigration status. Students in our programs have the opportunity to study Composition and Rhetoric; Creative Writing; English Education; Linguistics; Literature; Literary Editing and Publishing; and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Across myriad professional opportunities, students edit chapbooks, tutor English language learners, mentor students in writing workshops, study abroad, write creatively and analytically, create digital texts and websites, and construct teaching portfolios. Students of English go on to become global citizens enacting change in their communities.

Goals & Objectives

Graduates will have an understanding of texts from a wide array of genres.
Graduates will be familiar with a range of texts across different cultures and different time periods.
Graduates will master the formal styles of writing, revising, and argumentation that are used in the field of English.
Graduates will be able to extend what they have learned in the classroom to experiences outside of the classroom context.
Graduates will understand how to apply the information they have learned in class to their future teaching experiences. (English Education only)

Learning Outcomes

G=Goal
SLO= Student Learning Outcome

G1.Graduates will have an understanding of texts from a wide array of genres.

SLO1a. Students can read texts from a wide array of genres using a variety of critical reading practices.

SLO1b. Students can identify the characteristics of specific genres and a range of terms and categories specific to genre-study in the field of English.

G2. Graduates will be familiar with a range of texts across different cultures and different time periods.

SLO2a. Students can read and interpret a range of texts from American, British, and international cultures.

SLO2b. Students can identify the changing contexts of writing in English, from medieval through contemporary times.

G3. Graduates will master the formal styles of writing, revising, and argumentation that are used in the field of English.

SLO3a. Students can write clear, concise, rhetorically effective, reasonably error-free prose for a variety of purposes and audiences.

SLO3b. Students are able to draft and revise their own written work.

G4. Graduates will be able to extend what they have learned in the classroom to experiences outside of the classroom context.

SLO4. Students take part in English-related activities offered outside of classroom contexts, including dramatic productions, public lectures, literary readings, and internships in community settings.

G5. Graduates will understand how to apply the information they have learned in class to their future teaching experiences. (English Education only)

SLO5a.Students can demonstrate ways of adapting teaching strategies from courses they take to courses they will teach.

SLO5b. Students show how to use the current California Content Standards for English when developing classroom curriculum.

Curriculum Matrix(opens in new window)

Assessment Plan (PDF)

Closing the Loop:
Assessment Summary Update (PDF)

Program Highlights(opens in new window)