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English BA - Bachelor of Arts

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EnglishUndergraduateBA - Bachelor of Arts
GeneralRequirementsDegree Maps

Plan Code

ENG-BA

HEGIS Code

1501.00

CIP Code

23.0101

NYSED Program Code

34909 - ENG-BA

Program Description
The Department offers four concentrations in the English Bachelor of Arts degree program. They are: Literature, Writing, Linguistics, and Dramatic Literature.

Program Goals
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

Writing concentration:

  • Identify the literary techniques and stylistic choices that distinguish the four major literary genres in creative writing: creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and playwriting.

  • Employ the appropriate technical terminology when discussing literary techniques.

  • Produce and extensively revise their own creative work with the assistance of peer-feedback, exposure to literary models, and instruction from professors in the specific genres.

  • Explore other areas in English, such as linguistics and literature, to complement the above areas.

Linguistics concentration:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of major concepts, theories, and research related to child language acquisition and second language acquisition.

  • Shows extensive knowledge of how and why language varies and changes in different regions and across social groups.

  • Shows extensive knowledge in the formal areas of linguistics (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics).

  • Explore other areas in English, such as creative writing and literature, to complement the above areas.

Literature and Dramatic Literature concentrations:

  • Obtain an understanding and appreciation of a variety of a literary genres.

  • Obtain an understanding of literature's relationship to its historical, intellectual, and cultural contexts.

  • Obtain the skills to perform close readings of literary texts.

  • Obtain the skills to write competent analytical essays on literary topics.

English Department Policy on Independent Study
In order to take an Independent Study, students must have completed a minimum of 24 credits in the major with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students may take no more than 8 credits of Independent Studies in the major. Applications for Independent Studies must be completed and submitted to the department chair by 5:00 pm on Friday at the end of the first full week of the semester in which the student is to complete the study. No Independent Studies may be offered during the winter and summer sessions.

Career Professional Development Activities
Students are encouraged to complete the following milestones as part of their preparation for future careers or advanced education. A member of your Success Team can help you schedule these activities at the appropriate times to keep you on track for both academic and professional success.