Course Listings
English
A major and minor in English are available, as well as teacher certification in English/language arts for grades 5-12. See also majors and minors in Writing and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
Major in English
40 credit hours
- ENGL 201 World Literature in English3
- ENGL 204 Expository Writing3
- ENGL 300 Philosophy, Interpret, and Culture3
- ENGL 315 Global English3
- ENGL 326 History of Lit in English I3
- ENGL 327 History of Lit in English II3
- ENGL 409 English Practicum1-2
- ENGL 410 Senior Seminar3
- Elective courses in the English department18
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates in English will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of North American, English, and world literature in an aesthetic, cultural, and historical context.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the history and use of the English language.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the history and practice of literary and cultural criticism.
- Demonstrate mastery of the above knowledge base at a level suitable for graduate school preparation.
- Analyze literature using appropriate formal and critical tools.
- Conduct traditional and digital literary research and present it through oral, written, and/or electronic formats.
- Develop proficiency in expository, professional, analytical, and/or creative writing, culminating in the design and development of a professional quality senior portfolio.
- Use reading, writing, and critical thinking to integrate faith and ethics with personal identity.
- Contribute to the world on a local or global level as a culturally proficient reader, writer, and thinker.
Planning Guide:
| First Year | Goshen Core Academic Voice Research & Writing World Literature Introduction to Creative Writing (recommended) Artistic World Perspective (recommended) |
| Second Year | Goshen Core Expository Writing Philosophy, Interpretation, and Culture History of Literature in English I & II SST |
| Third Year | Goshen Core Diverse Voices in American Literature (recommended) Global English English electives |
| Fourth Year | Balance of Goshen Core Balance of major and related courses Senior Practicum Senior Seminar |
Planning and Advising Notes
Students earning Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or CLEP credit in English are strongly encouraged to take Engl 204 during the first year.
Nine credit hours of the English elective courses in the major must be upper level (300-499). Most AP and IB literature and language courses will count as credits toward graduation, but not toward the English major. Exception: An IB-HL score of 5 or higher in English may replace World Literature in the major.
English courses designated as SST courses may count toward either SST or the major, but not both.
Students doing student teaching for English/Language Arts Secondary Education do not need to take Engl 409, English Practicum, but they do need Engl 410, English Senior Seminar.
English majors are encouraged to get involved with communication or English co-curricular activities such as The Record, Pinchpenny Press, Broadside, or Red Cents. Comm 200, Communication Practice, or Engl 290, English Publication, are recommended in the third year.
Teacher education certification is available for grades 5-12 in English/Language Arts education. In addition to or as part of the English major, students complete Engl 235, Engl 319, Comm 202, Educ 303, Educ 307, and one credit of either Comm 200 or Engl 290. Students also complete 36 credit hours of education courses and do not complete Engl 409, senior practicum.
The first education class, Educ 201, should be taken in May term of the first year or fall of the sophomore year. See the Education department for more details about secondary education requirements.
Minor in English
18 credit hours
- ENGL 204 Expository Writing3
- Any courses in the English department15
Note: At least 8 credits must be 300 level or above. AP, IB or CLEP credit may not count toward this minor.
ENGL 201 World Literature in English
Study of literature written in English outside of the United Kingdom and the United States that deals in a significant way with the intersection of cultures, particularly postcolonial literature from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America. Prerequisites: CORE 110.
ENGL 204 Expository Writing
Theory and practice of written communication. Assignments in a variety of prose forms aim at developing the student’s control of logic, organization, rhetoric, usage, and audience accommodation. Prerequisite: CORE 110 or equivalent.
ENGL 300 Philosophy, Interpret, and Culture
This course examines critical interpretive strategies and theories as applied to several literary and cultural genres. In addition, the course introduces students to important research skills involved in the production of literary and cultural criticism. Prerequisite: CORE 110 and any...
ENGL 315 Global English
The study of the sound system, history, and varieties of the English language, followed by exploration of current developments in sociolinguistics, dictionaries, and word formation. The course cultivates an informed attitude toward English usage. Prerequisite: Core 110 or equivalent.
ENGL 326 History of Lit in English I
Development of English-language literature from Beowulf through the medieval period, English Renaissance, American colonial period, and 18th century, with special attention to questions of canon, language, and genre. Prerequisite: CORE 110
ENGL 327 History of Lit in English II
Development of English-language literature from the Romantic era through the Victorian, modern, and post-modern periods, with special attention to issues of identity, modernity, and globalization. Prerequisite: CORE 110
ENGL 409 English Practicum
English majors propose independent projects in research, off-campus field experience, or internship. Prerequisite: Engl 204, 300, three upper-level literature courses, and permission of instructor. Course grade will be Credit/No Credit.
ENGL 410 Senior Seminar
Students will discuss practical, professional, and ethical dimensions of their Goshen College education. They will engage in a common reading experience, conduct a final project, interview professionals in their aspirational fields, and prepare a capstone portfolio that reflects designated learning...