Our program provides powerful preparation

On the ETS Literature and English Achievement Test our graduates score in the 99th percentile of all university classes nationwide. Goshen College English majors go on to:

• graduate school,
• law school,
• seminary,
• international service work and publishing companies,
• write poetry,
• publish e-books, newspaper and magazine articles, legal briefs or screenplays for TV and films.

They teach others to think purposefully, to organize logically and to express themselves clearly through writing.

S.A. Yoder Memorial Lecture Series                     Each year, this lectureship brings to campus distinguished guests in language or literature who speak to classes, present their work and address the campus community. Marilyn Nelson, Award-winning Poet and Translator to lecture April 1, 2008. Horswell Publishing Award The winner of this award becomes the Horswell Fellow and serves as executive secretary of the editorial boards of Broadside and Pinchpenny Press supervising layout, publication and distribution of the Broadside series and working with student authors and editors in publishing their Pinchpenny Press book. Off-campus study & travel You may have the opportunity to participate in a May course in Ireland, an extended weekend trip, or you might travel to Stratford, Ontario, as part of the Shakespeare course, and attend professional productions.

Pinchpenny Press Pinchpenny Press publishes books of poetry, fiction or nonfiction by juniors and seniors each year. Broadside Founded by poet Nick Lindsay in 1969 and managed by the English department, the Broadside student faculty editorial board publishes new short pieces of creative writing by students or faculty in editions signed by the author. Arthur DeLong Writing Award Arthur DeLong Writing Award gives cash prizes to the three best student essayists annually. Senior seminar For the English major, the senior seminar and field experience will help you explore both the values and the practical opportunities of English. You will discuss theory and applicability of English studies; prepare a résumé on a capstone portfolio; or possibly write for local businesses or newspapers; or practice teaching.

English major: Beyond Shakespeare

At Goshen College, English majors combine studies in American and English literature with international literature, folklore and film. During your first and second years, you will develop basic writing skills in “Literature and Writing” and develop a repertoire of writing strategies in “Expository Writing.” You may elect courses in creative writing. You will study the history and nature of the English language. You can explore interests in linguistics or teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) at GC. Course details.

Mind-opening possibilities prepare you for today's careers

The liberal arts curriculum at GC is full of mind-opening possibilities. English majors also take complementary courses in philosophy, history, theater, communication, anthropology, women’s studies, literature in a foreign language and art and music history. With a liberal arts education, you will learn many important tools for today’s careers.

English minor: Enriching other majors

This minor offers enrichment and skills to supplement other majors. The courses are selected from the basic courses of writing, literature and language in the English major. If you are studying art, business, communication, foreign language, history or music, this minor may attractively round out your major interest. Course details.

Writing minor: Putting the words together

Students who want to focus on the writing aspects of the English language may choose the writing minor. The selection of courses enables the student to focus on journalism, production, creative writing, or a combination of all three. Field experience and/or an internship make this minor an excellent way to prepare for later work in publishing. Course details.

English education major: Teaching words

A number of our English majors want to teach English in high schools. For prospective teachers of English, this major includes professional courses in education. English department faculty at GC provide resources, guidance and supervision to aspiring English teachers. GC student teachers are in demand, especially in bilingual schools. Since most GCers have lived and worked abroad, they bring an added dimension into the classroom. Course details.

TESOL major, minor and one-year certificate: Encountering other cultures

Goshen College is proud to be one of the few colleges in the U.S. to now offer a major as well as a minor and a one-year certificate in TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages). The major, minor and certificate in TESOL reinforce GC's international education emphasis and our 'Culture for Service' motto. If you are interested in international service, travel or work with internationals in the United States, one of our TESOL programs might be right for you. All three programs of study offer invaluable intercultural and practical training. Learn more.