2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

English (EH)

The English programs at Athens State University are designed to convey to students a broad historical knowledge of English, American, and world literature in translation; to provide students with various tools to read critically works of diverse authors, periods, and genres; to cultivate a sophisticated habit of comprehending major problems, trends, and methods of literary, cultural, ethical, critical, and theoretical analysis; to develop the ability to pose questions, organize knowledge, and construct written arguments while systematically reviewing both technological and technical matters such as grammar, punctuation, and usage; and to be articulate in all of the above. Thus, the English programs are multifaceted. Students will find that the reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills developed in these courses of study will help them pursue diverse careers. In addition to pursuing advanced degrees from graduate and professional schools, English majors are desirable employee candidates for teaching elementary through higher education, teaching English abroad, technical writing, editing, book and print publishing, web publishing, law, library science, and management. While offering students clear direction on how to profit most from their study within the disciplinary knowledge of the English department, the programs also seek to encourage students to assume the enduring habits of questioning, reading, and intellectual self-articulation consistent with Athens State University’s learning goals of global understanding, effective communication, intellectual and practical skills, ethical responsibility, human diversity, digital citizenship and information literacy, and lifelong learning.