English and Foreign Languages

The English B.A. program at Centenary College is committed, through student-centered learning and an individually-focused education, to developing well-rounded, competent, and knowledgeable lovers and users of language in general, and the English language in particular.

Students are prepared, through an in-depth English curriculum combining advanced writing, research, critical thinking, and textual analysis, to pursue graduate study or a variety of careers upon graduation.

Bachelor of Arts

The English major of the English and Foreign Languages Department at Centenary College combines the best elements of the traditional English major with non-traditional options.

Traditional features include intensive exploration of American and British literature, analysis of milestones in literary periods, and in-depth study of influential writers.

Non-traditional options include specialization in career-oriented and professional writing, courses for future teachers, and offerings in cross-cultural and multi-ethnic literature, literature by women writers, and literature influenced by technology.

Students completing their studies in this unique learning environment are equipped for careers in education, business and marketing, corporate communications, free-lance and staff positions in creative and professional writing, law, writing for electronic media, and publishing.

English Major Learning Outcomes:

1. [Reading: Content] Students read a wide range of literature that allows them to demonstrate an understanding of the human condition. [NCTE 1,2; NJCCCS 3.1]
2. [Reading: Skill] Students apply a wide range of reading strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. [NCTE 3; NJCCCS 3.1]
3. [Speaking] Students use articulate oral language to inform, persuade, and/or delight a variety of audiences. [NCTE 4; NJCCCS 3.3]
4. [Writing] Students use articulate written language to inform, persuade, and/or delight a variety of audiences. [NCTE 4,5,6; NJCCCS 3.2]
5. [Research] Students conduct literary research using print and electronic resources on issues of their interest by generating ideas and questions, posing problems, and communicating their discoveries in ways that suit their purposes and their audiences. [NCTE 7,8; NJCCCS 3.5]

Minor in English

Students interested in earning a minor in English to enhance their professional communication skills in any major and expand their opportunities for career positions or post-graduate and professional studies after graduation complete fifteen credits above ENG 105 & ENG 106 Composition and Literature I & II.

English minors must complete:

• Nine credits in the “Literary Surveys” category (Category I under the English Major Core Requirements), and;
• Six credits from the remaining categories (III-VI) under the “English Major Core Requirements” (with the exception of “Word Power” or the writing courses in Category II).

Special Program in Career Writing

Students interested in careers in creative and professional writing may select any four of the following courses:

• ENG 315 Writing for Publication: Poetry and Fiction;
• ENG317 Advanced Composition;
• COM211 Introduction to Journalism;
• COM 212 Nonfiction Free-lance Writing;
• COM318 Writing for Public Relations;
• COM 319 Technical Writing.

Professionals active in these fields in the New Jersey- New York area contribute to the course of study for this program. Assistance is provided to students seeking internships in publishing and communications in New Jersey and New York City. Student writing for these courses is considered for the College’s Strickhausen Award for Excellence in Writing and its accompanying cash honorarium.

International Student Certification in English

International Students who wish to improve their English language proficiency may receive a certificate in English by passing a minimum of 30 credit hours of course work.

Summer Culture and Language Program

This program is designed for non-native speakers of English preparing to attend American colleges and universities. More information about the Summer Culture and Language Program.

Clubs, Programs and Organizations

The English Club, the English honorary society (Sigma Tau Delta), Summer Culture and Language Programs and PRISM, the undergraduate literary magazine.

The English and Foreign Languages Department also supervises English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, foreign language instruction (French, Spanish, and Japanese), and the Liberal Arts Studies courses (LAS 301, 302, 303).

Additionally, the department sponsors the Writing Center where peer tutors are available to work with students on their writing skills. More information about the Writing Center.