English Handbook

Goals for English Majors

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Reading for understanding, in literary genres and literary criticism:

• Analytically, to understand the parts and how they create a whole;
• Critically, to determine the worth of a selection and to build reasons for that determination;
• Cross culturally, to become acquainted with the range of human experience.
• Acquiring a broad knowledge of and appreciation for enduring forms of literature.
• Building intellectual stamina through rigorous reading assignments.
• Gaining ethical and moral insights from literature, writing, and discussions.

The requirements for the major in English insure that majors are competent in both skills and knowledge relating to the field. Three basic skills are developed in the major: reading, writing and conducting research. In addition to these skills, the major assures a broad knowledge of genres, the traditional canon, and the theory and language of literary study. Competence in these skills and areas of knowledge promotes the achievement of goals in the mission statement of the college and its core curriculum.

Photo by Jen Seavey

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Document created  by T. Jones.  Revised  and maintained by the English Department
Updated May 2005.

Augustana College, 2001 S. Summit Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57197
Ph: 1-800-727-2844 / 605-274-5430