English, BA

The BA in English at PennWest is taught by a diverse group of faculty with a range of expertise who are committed to providing English majors with challenging coursework that enhances their communication, critical thinking, and research skills. The training and expertise of the English faculty covers a more extensive vision of the traditions and future of English Studies than is commonly available, and our faculty have an average of 10-20 years of classroom teaching experience. English majors at PennWest can choose from three programs of study: Writing, Literary and Cultural Studies, and a General English option that invites a student to combine the study of writing, creative writing and literature. All of these programs are available at any of our three campuses in Clarion, Edinboro, or California, PA. English majors have the opportunity to build flexible schedules, combining on-campus courses with online courses, so that they can participate in campus productions, athletics, or other co-curricular activities. Graduates of PennWest’s English program are prepared for a wide range of professions to compete in the constantly changing 21st century workforce.

Student Learning Outcomes

Breadth: English majors will demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of texts and contexts, encompassing conventions and innovations in the history and different areas of the field, as well as a variety of historical periods, authors, genres, cultures, and media.
Concepts: English majors will demonstrate knowledge of grammatical, rhetorical, literary, and critical terms and apply them appropriately to analyze the conventions and features of a variety of texts, including literary, informational, print, digital, and multi-modal.
Written Communication: English majors will apply appropriate rhetorical strategies (audience, purpose, context, style, tone, etc.) to the composition of a variety of forms and genres, including print, digital, and multi-modal texts, to generate written work that is clear and engaging.
Critical Reading: English majors will recognize, understand, and interpret elements of a text and its context, drawing logical conclusions on the basis of analysis and evaluation.
Research: English majors will gather, critically evaluate, and appropriately synthesize research from both academic and non-academic sources to develop thoughtful arguments and analyses.

Curriculum Requirements

English (no concentration)

English, Literary & Cultural Studies Concentration

English, Writing Concentration