English

Introduction & Overview 

The English program includes courses in all periods of American, British, and international literature in English, as well as courses in Creative and Professional Writing and in Film Studies.

English courses explore literary themes and genres from a variety of viewpoints, equipping students with an understanding of historical and cultural trends, developing students’ proficiency in the analytical reading of and critical writing about literature, and fostering students’ expertise in verbal expression, logical argumentation, and close analysis of language. Training in clear, effective writing is fundamental to all the Concentrations within the program.

In the Literature Concentration, a progressive sequence of courses develops students’ fundamental skills in writing and critical analysis, including approaching literary texts in social and historical contexts and in light of theory and criticism; a senior thesis caps the literature concentration.

Creative writers hone their craft in a sequence of workshop courses, complemented by literature courses; a senior writing portfolio caps this Concentration. 

An accelerated BA/MFA with Concentration in Creative and Professional Writing is also offered; see the Dual Degrees section of the catalog for details.

In small, participatory classes, English majors develop the ability to analyze and interpret literary works and film in context. Creative writers hone their craft in workshop courses and contribute to the campus literary magazine, Graffiti; the newspaper, Touchstone; and the program's annual Writing Awards.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts with concentration in Literature or Creative and Professional Writing

Students may also apply in their junior year for the 5-year BA/MFA Program in Creative Writing.


Minors
Students may minor in English with a Concentration in Literature, Creative and Professional Writing, or Film Studies.

 

Career Ideas

Advertising Executive, Attorney, Book Editor, Broadcast News Analyst, Copy Writer, Digital Media Specialist, Professor, Film Producer, Fund Raiser, Legal Assistant, Librarian, Lobbyist, Newspaper Editor, Novelist, Poet, Public Relations Specialist, Journalist, Screenwriter, Speech Writer, Teacher, Television Producer

 

Division Chair

Gregory Swedberg, 914.323.5216, gregory.swedberg@mville.edu

Faculty and Staff

Full-Time Faculty

Jeff Bens

Mark Nowak

Patrick Redding