General Catalog 2007-2009
Department of English and Humanities
The Department of English and Humanities offers
baccalaureate degree programs in English Literary Studies, Professional
Writing, Theatre, Philosophy, and Spanish, and in conjunction with the
Department of Education, it offers programs which qualify Secondary
Education majors for Pennsylvania certification to teach either English or
Communication courses in secondary schools. Additionally, the department
offers minors in each of its baccalaureate degree programs as well as in
Creative Writing, Film Studies, Religious Studies, French, and German.
In an increasingly global environment where the ebb and flow of information courses instantaneously around the world, the disciplines devoted to the human word, to human communication, to the world’s languages and literatures, its philosophies and religions and cultures remain vital. It is the mission of the Department of English and Humanities to prepare its students to interface with this global information society by providing them with the critical, questioning, imaginative, and interpretive abilities they will need to succeed as students and in their chosen career paths.
Pursuing a major in the Department of English and Humanities provides students with an opportunity to develop an awareness of foreign language and culture, the rhetorical dimension of language and the media, text performance and presentation, philosophical and religious analysis. The department’s goal is to provide the active learning experiences which promote the development of higher level reading and analytical abilities and the refinement of oral and written skills. Majors in the department learn to ask questions, think critically, analyze data, synthesize information, and communicate ideas effectively. Disciplines represented here encourage versatility, flexibility, and the ability to learn new concepts. These programs are designed to prepare students for careers requiring analytical, presentational, and communication skills, and pre-professional preparation for a variety of positions in publishing, law, state and federal service, commerce, and graduate education.
Majors in the Department of English and Humanities accept the invitation to intellectual adventure and self-exploration, thus developing the skills and acquiring the knowledge essential for understanding tomorrow’s challenges.
Baccalaureate Degree Programs
Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literary Studies
The study of English is one of the most wholly useful and enjoyable programs you can pursue in higher education. When you earn a bachelor’s degree in English Literary Studies, you will have armed yourself with the skills and knowledge to analyze and appreciate recent and historical literature from all over the world, to become a more involved, active, and intelligent reader and writer. You will begin to harbor a deeper, more conscious understanding of culture as it is represented and magnified by works of literature, to hone your arguments and communication skills, and to think critically and logically. Also, you will learn to express yourself clearly and coherently in both writing and discussion. The English Literary Studies major focuses on developing a core set of competencies while choosing elective literature courses in four key literary modes.
Apart from the inherent rewards of studying literature and language, a degree in English Literary Studies offers intensive training in skills essential in the modern job market, training that is rarely offered by other fields of study. Students of literature develop an ability to think clearly, to analyze complex problems, to sift the essential from the non-important, to focus on details without losing sight of the whole picture, to perform research, to evaluate evidence, to find new and creative ways to address old problems, and to express the results of your analysis in effective language—these are skills vital to genuine achievement in nearly every profession. People who graduate with an English degree usually go on to careers in law, public relations, advertising, publishing, and business management. A degree in English Literary Studies also prepares students for graduate study in literature and the humanities.
The English Literary Studies major is organized according to four disciplinary modes:
History and Culture (9 credits):
Courses in the “history/culture” mode begin from the concept that all texts are situated in social, historical, philosophical, and political contexts. As such, these courses will treat the literary text not only as an aesthetic object, but also as an artifact of the culture from which it was created. You will be asked to consider, and to write about, the ways that art and its surrounding historical and cultural elements interact with one another.
Figure Author (6 credits):
Courses in the “figure author” mode provide in-depth study of a single author or multiple authors. The course may examine the influence of biography on the author’s work, the author as an emblem or anomaly of a particular historical period, or the author’s relationship to some aspect of the literary tradition.
Thematics/Theory (6 credits):
Courses in the “thematics/theory” mode have two configurations. A “thematics” course approaches literature through a unifying theme, issue, description, or problem relevant to the current study of literature. Examples could include: (1) the ideological function of intentionality, stylistics, audience, or any convention of reading, critical study, or production of literary texts; (2) the reception of text(s) within a variety of critical contexts (psychoanalysis, feminism, social theory, etc.) offering a propositional claim to the discernment of meaning. A “theory” course also may include the above and offer a sustained approach to literary texts from a critical perspective or perspectives (new historicist, structuralist, feminist, psychoanalytic, poststructuralist, etc.) or take “theory” or a selection of theories as its object of study, as in the case of LIT381: Literary Theory.
Genre (6 credits):
Courses in the “genre” mode identify texts as a “kind” or “type” of writing-epics, lyric poetry, novels, autobiography, letters, and drama. But more than just aesthetic categories chosen by authors, genre also determines the types of reading strategies that we need as readers to interpret those works. Courses in this category will focus your studies on achieving a deeper understanding of either a single genre or a group of genres, and then will ask you to use that knowledge as a tool for interpreting texts. They may also ask you to consider the uses of particular genres as markers of particular moments in literary and socio-cultural history.
Requirements For Graduation:
To be eligible for graduation, students majoring in English Literary Studies must complete a minimum of 124 credits, achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, satisfy the College’s residency requirement and complete the General Education Requirements of the College. Courses used to complete General Education requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail basis, and credits earned in WRT100 may not be applied to degree requirements.
In addition, English Literary Studies majors must complete two semesters of one foreign language.
The requirements of the English Literary Studies major are:*
Each of the following (15 credits):
LIT228 Foundations of English and Humanities
LIT210 Studies in Criticism and Theory
LIT310 Language and Linguistics
WRT315 Advanced Composition
LIT401 English Seminar
Literature Modes (27 credits)**
History/Culture (9 credits from the following):
LIT203 African-American Literature
LIT281 American Literature to 1885
LIT282 American Literature after 1885
LIT283 British Literature to 1750
LIT284 British Literature after 1750
LIT285 European Literature to 1600
LIT286 European Literature since 1600
LIT322 Nineteenth-Century Novel
LIT326 Twentieth-Century British Literature
LIT384 Harlem Renaissance
LIT399 Chinese Literature
Genre (6 credits from the following):
LIT291 The Short Story
LIT313 The American Novel
LIT327 Twentieth Century Novel
LIT343 The Experience of Poetry
LIT378 Gay/Lesbian Literature
LIT383 Literature of Adolescents
LIT390 The Bible as Literature
LIT391 Literature of Terror
LIT393 Literature and Film
LIT395 Fantasy Literature
LIT398 Early Modern Religious Genre
LIT416 Modern Drama
Figure/Author (6 credits from the following):
LIT323 Shakespeare I
LIT324 Shakespeare II
LIT380 Major Authors and Literary Traditions
LIT383 Literature of Adolescents
LIT388 Mallory
LIT394 Samuel Bichett
LIT396 Jone Austen
LIT397 Kafka
Thematics/Theory (6 credits from the following):
LIT341 The Comic Tradition
LIT342 Popular Literature
LIT344/WGS344 Love and Sex in Literature
LIT346 Literature and Society
LIT347 Literature and Psychology
LIT381 Literary Theory
LIT382/WGS382 Women in Literature
LIT385 British Modernism
LIT386 Literature of Philosophers
LIT388 Mallory
LIT389 Postcolonial Theory
LIT391 Literature of Terror
Required Supporting Courses (9 Credits)
Choose from PHL, REL, FLM, and THE courses at the 300 level or higher.
Free Electives (25-27 credits)
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Professional Writing
A major in Professional Writing combines the broad-based liberal arts education offered by all programs in the English and Humanities Department with the practical skills and career opportunities that can lead to a fulfilling and successful future. With advances in technology and new management structures, the need for skilled writers within various organizations continues to grow, both nationally and locally. As a result, professional writing has become one of the fastest-growing areas of English studies.
The major in Professional Writing is excellent preparation for students interested in work as writers, editors, and web designers, and in fields such as publishing, government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), corporate communications, non-profit and social-service organizations, health care, finance, the arts, etc. It is also among the most valued courses of study for those interested in post-graduate education in English or rhetoric, law, technical writing, or towards the Masters of Fine Arts in a variety of writing fields. When combined with our creative writing minor, the major can also be useful for those who are interested in writing fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or drama.
The major provides students with:
• Marketable communication skills such as editing, electronic communication (including webpage design), and collaborative writing
• Real-world learning through internship experiences in professional writing
• A wide range of critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• An electronic portfolio of written work that can be used in your search for work as a professional writer, as a writing specialist within an organization, or as a way of publishing creative writing or obtaining a literary agent
• Background in the history and theory of language usage
• Guided experience with a wide range of writing situations and stylistic options
The courses for the major in Professional Writing are designed to give students a broad base of writing skills. Courses are organized into five general categories:
• courses in language and rhetorical theory
• courses in practical application of writing skills, including special topics courses that focus upon topics such as medical writing, nature writing, document design, the personal essay, and so forth
• courses giving students hands-on career experience while also asking them to reflect upon that experience
• courses in a minor field of study related to their career aspirations, and
• foundation courses in the liberal arts
Requirements For Graduation:
To be eligible for graduation, Professional Writing majors must complete 124 credits, distributed as follows:
1. Common Core: 16 credits of coursework, required of all York College students and designed to help you to hone the skills necessary for success in college*;
2. Area Distribution Requirements: 30-32 credits of courses that are required of all York College students in order to provide a broad-based liberal education**;
3. Elective Courses: 13-18 credits of free electives, to be chosen in consultation with an advisor, and which allow students to learn about other areas of special interest;
4. Required Major courses: 33 credits of writing and other humanities courses, designed to provide students with a solid background in various writing techniques, styles, and applications, including:***
WRT210 Writing in Professional Cultures
WRT225 Interdisciplinary Writing
WRT305 Rhetorical Theory
LIT310 Language and Literature
WRT315 Advanced Composition
WRT320 Writing for the Web
WRT410 Professional Editing
WRT450 Experiential Learning (on-site work experience as a professional communicator)****
WRT480 Senior Seminar in Professional Writing
PLUS 6 credits of Writing Electives, chosen from the following*****:
WRT275 Playwriting
WRT290 The Teaching and Tutoring of Writing
WRT310 Creative Writing
WRT371 Advanced Creative Writing
WRT373 Advanced Non-Fiction
WRT374 Writing Children’s Literature
WRT377 Screenwriting
WRT380 Freelance Writing for the Marketplace
WRT451 Experiential Learning (optional addition to required internship, WRT450)
WRT360-WRT369 A variety of intermediate level Special Topics courses in Professional Writing
WRT460-WRT469 A variety of advanced Special Topics courses in Professional Writing
5. English and Humanities Electives: 12 credits beyond the required courses above, chosen from the various offerings of the English and Humanities Department in Literature, Professional Writing, Creative Writing, Philosophy, Humanities, Theater, Film Studies, Women and Gender Studies Religious Studies, or Foreign Language. All courses must be at the 200 level or above, at least 3 credits must be at the 300 level or above, and at least six credits of the 12 must be in LIT.
6. Minor: All Professional Writing majors are required to complete a minor in a field related to their career interests, to be chosen in consultation with an advisor. This requirement allows students to devote focused study to an area within which they may pursue work as a writer. For example, a student interested in writing for industry might minor in Business, a student interested in journalism might minor in a communications field, a student interested in working in web or publication design might minor in Visual Communications, a student interested in writing for a social service organization might minor in Human Services, and a student interested in law school might minor in political science or philosophy.
Though every student will customize his or her educational program with the help of a Professional Writing advisor, the sequence of courses suggested below can help students to plan class scheduling with an eye to future semesters. It can also help students to schedule classes that form prerequisites for more advanced courses early in your program of studies. It is especially important that students enroll in, WRT210, WRT225, and WRT315 within the first two years, or as early as possible, since they are foundation courses for many upper division courses.
Professional Writing (suggested course sequence)
| Freshman Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Reading and Writing | 3 | |
| Academic Writing | 3 | |
| Information Literacy | 2 | |
| Area V Distribution Requirement (Foreign Language) | 3 | |
| Area IV Distribution Requirements | 3 | |
| Area I Distribution Requirement | 3 | |
| Critical Thinking and Problem Solving | 3 | |
| English/Humanities Electives | 6 | |
| Free Elective Courses | 6 |
|
| 32 |
| Sophomore Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Writing in Professional Cultures | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Writing | 3 | |
| Human Communication | 3 | |
| Area I Distribution Requirement | 3 | |
| Area II Distribution Requirement | 3 | |
| Area III Distribution Requirement | 3-4 | |
| Area IV Distribution Requirement | 3 | |
| Area V Distribution Requirement (Foreign Language) | 3 | |
| Begin courses for Minor Field | 6 | |
| Physical Education | 1 |
|
| 31-32 |
| Junior Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Composition | 3 | |
| Writing for the Web | 3 | |
| Language and Linguistics | 3 | |
| Rhetorical Theory | 3 | |
| Experiential Learning (2nd semester junior or | ||
| first semester senior year) | 3 | |
| Area III Distribution Requirement | 3-4 | |
| Area II Distribution Requirement | 3 | |
| Physical Education | 1 | |
| English/Humanities elective | 3 | |
| Continue courses for Minor Field | 6 |
|
| 31-32 |
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre
With a major in theatre, students will learn how to write and analyze texts and documents, solve problems quickly and effectively, speak energetically and dramatically to audiences of all kinds and sizes, and contribute significantly to any group or team. A background in theatre prepares students for careers in sales, management, marketing, advertising, education, law, and public policy-to name a few possibilities. Theatre majors offer to prospective employers the valuable skills of creativity, imagination, independence of thought and action, patience, self-discipline, flexibility, initiative, teamwork, and dedication. Theatre majors’ energy, enthusiasm, strong work ethic, self-confidence, versatility, responsibility, and commitment identify them as well-rounded liberal arts graduates who can speak articulately, give confident presentations, and thrive under pressure. Careers in professional theatre are always possible, of course, but even if those dreams do not materialize, the theatre major prepares students to compete happily for a wide variety of opportunities and provides them with a college experience full of fun, great friends, excitements, challenges, and satisfactions.
Requirements for Graduation:
To be eligible for graduation, students majoring in Theatre must complete a minimum of 124 credits, achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, satisfy the College’s residency requirements, and complete the General Education requirements of the College. Courses used to complete General Education requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail basis, and credits earned in WRT100 may not be applied to degree requirements.
In addition, Theatre major must complete two semesters of one foreign language.
Theatre Major Requirements (52 credits):
Theatre Performance and Production (22 credits)
THE205 Text Performance
THE254 Introduction to Theatre
THE258 Stagecraft
THE262 Acting
THE355 Advanced Acting
THE350-353 Theatre Practicum
THE499 Independent Study: Directing
Dramatic Literature (15 credits)
LIT210 Studies in Criticism and Theory
THE360 History of Theatre I
THE361 History of Theatre II
LIT323 Shakespeare I OR LIT324 Shakespeare II OR
THE380 Special Topics in Theatre
LIT416 Modern Drama
Major Area Electives (15 credits)
Five courses above the 100 level from department offerings in FLM, LIT, THE, or WRT275. At least six credits must be at the 300 level or above.
Free Electives (24-26 credits)
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy
Students pursuing a major in philosophy critically study the abiding questions facing humankind: What is the nature of God? Why be moral? Is there an afterlife? What is beauty? What is truth? What is justice? What does it mean to know? The study of philosophy develops analytical, critical, and interpretive abilities, cultivating a student’s capacities for reflection and self-expression. Students majoring in philosophy develop a comprehensive knowledge of the history of philosophy and the representative philosophical problems and issues of the discipline. The study of philosophy further enhances the student’s capacity to apply philosophical methods to intellectual problems across academic fields of study.
The study of philosophy is excellent preparation for careers that demand careful reading, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities. A major in philosophy provides a solid foundation for students planning careers in medicine, law, education, and business. Philosophy majors are among the top performers on the Law School Aptitude Test and the Medical College Aptitude Test. Philosophy majors also succeed in executive and management sectors of business that require the ability to assimilate information, analyze situations, and produce effective solutions to complex problems.
Requirements For Graduation:
To be eligible for graduation, students majoring in Philosophy must complete a minimum of 124 credits, achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, satisfy the College’s residency requirements, and complete the General Education requirements of the College. Courses used to complete General Education requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail basis, and credits earned in WRT100 may not be applied to degree requirements.
In addition, Philosophy majors must complete two semesters of one foreign language.
The requirements of the Philosophy major are:*
Required courses (27 credits):
PHL221 Introduction to Philosophy
PHL231 Logic
PHL235 Ancient to Modern Philosophy
PHL236 The Enlightenment to Postmodern Philosophy
PHL321 Epistemology
PHL331 Metaphysics
PHL341 Ethics
PHL401 Philosophy Seminar
REL265 World Religions
Required Electives (18 credits):
Students must complete 18 elective credits in Philosophy. At least nine credits must be at the 300 level or above. Up to nine credits may be REL courses.
Free Electives (31-33 credits)
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