English at Mount St. Mary's University
Words and stories make us human. In the English program, we are committed to exploring these dimensions of our common humanity by studying great literary works and producing new works in dialogue with the literary tradition. Studying English forms our imagination (personal, social, and moral) and your linguistic expression (written and spoken), developing these key human capacities for life-long engagement with one’s community, profession, and the world.
Programs
The Major in English (36 credits in required and elective courses)
The GOALS of the English major
Students who major in English will learn:
- To enjoy the beauty of literary expression.
- To analyze critically traditional and non-traditional texts, including diverse voices within them.
- To study genres, modes, and literary periods of British, American, and world literatures.
- To produce analytical and argumentative writing with an awareness of audience and a mastery of standard written English.
- To engage in literary research using databases and secondary sources.
- To explore the relationship between language and culture in order to become responsible citizens within American society and the larger world.
Requirements
- Introductory sequence:
- Introduction to Literature
- Survey of British Literature
- Survey of American Literature
- One 300-level course in British Literature
- One 300-level course in American Literature
- Modernity in Literature (ENMO 300)
- One Global Encounters in English (ENGE 3XX)
- Senior Seminar
The Major with Optional Emphasis (12 additional credits):
- Emphasis in Writing
- Emphasis in Editing and Publishing
- Emphasis in Cultural Studies
The Minor in English: (18 credits, including 3 courses at the 300 level)
The Minor in Creative Writing
Four-Year Course Sequence
| Fall | Spring |
|---|---|
| ENGL 1XX Elective | ENGL 160 Introduction to Literature |
| ENGL 261 Survey of British Literature | ENGL 262 Survey of American Literature |
| ENMO 300 and ENGL 3XX | ENGE 3XX and ENGL 3XX |
| ENGL 498 and ENGL 3XX | ENGL 3XX and ENGL 3XX |
Chaucer: Journey Through the Author Bank with Mount St. Mary's University
Watch Sean Lewis, Ph.D., as he introduces Geoffrey Chaucer.
Dudley Delivers Dynamic Ducharme Lecture
The Spring Ducharme Lecture, "Are We Living in a Horror Movie," was presented by Associate Professor of English Dr. Jack Dudley. With such an evocative title, it was sure to bring crowds, and certainly did with nearly 200 seats filled as the talk began. Read more about Dr. Dudley's lecture.
Seniors View English Major as a Great Launching Pad
Seniors Rita Marcotte and Eleanor Fisher are tired of people asking them: “What are you going to do with an English degree?” Their response, “We are just getting started.” They take their talents all over campus from the radio station to the famous open mic nights in the Mount Café. Read the thoughts of Rita and Eleanor here.
Claire Doll Uses “Words to Paint” How She Sees the World
Just before Thanksgiving, Claire Doll, C’24, woke to the news that one of her short stories, “The Stillness and the Change,” had been accepted for publication in Capsule Stories. Doll has received at least 12 such notifications in the past two years, but she is always excited to get this news regarding her submission of poems, short stories or works of creative nonfiction. She’s always had a creative drive and a talent for expressing herself in writing, and the relationships she’s made with professors at the Mount have helped her to hone her craft.
Senior Rachel Wheeler Is Making the Most of Every Opportunity
Rachel Wheeler, C’22, is following many of her passions this summer—and gaining communication, research and service skills in the pursuit. She is a Maguire Scholar, an Honors student and a Mount Fellow. Thanks to an award from the Office of Competitive Fellowships, made possible by generous support from the Delaplaine Foundation, she is spending her time wisely. Read more about Rachel.