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2022-2023 Catalog
Hope College
   
    Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

English


The program of the Department of English is designed to meet the needs of students who want to pursue the study of English literature and students who want to develop their skills in creative or expository writing. The two strands are closely related and complement each other fully.

About The Program

Literature enables readers imaginatively to enter and share the stories, feelings and experiences of other persons. It presents, with beauty and power, perennial human situations and issues -problems of identity, purpose, relationship and meaning. The study of literature helps students expand their appreciation and understanding of literary works and their knowledge of the literary world. The English major with a literature emphasis is designed for students interested in secondary teaching, graduate school in literature or careers in such fields as editing and publishing, government service, librarianship, business, law and ministry, as well as students who just love books and want to improve their skills in reading and interpretation.

The study of creative writing enables students to view writing as a process of seeing and re-seeing the world. It helps them learn to value and express their own stories, to reflect on their lives and to believe they have something of use to put into words. The English major with a creative writing emphasis is designed for students interested in graduate school in creative writing or careers in such fields as editing and publishing, government service, librarianship, business, law and ministry, as well as for students who simply enjoy writing creatively and want to develop their skills further.

While the curriculum provides majors who wish to teach or attend graduate school the specialized courses they need, it also seeks to meet the needs of all students pursuing the broad aims of a liberal education. Courses in literature and writing help develop students’ abilities to read, to think and to express themselves logically, coherently and imaginatively.

Students considering a major or minor in English should take ENGL 248  as early in their college careers as possible. ENGL 113  or the equivalent is a prerequisite to all other writing courses.

Majors

Students considering an English major should consult with the department chairperson or another faculty member in the department before beginning to take English classes for help in deciding about the most appropriate course selections. Students preparing for careers in elementary and secondary school teaching should see the section below and consult the Department of Education website for detailed interpretation of major requirements for teacher certification.

Honors Program

The departmental Honors Program is intended to challenge majors to go beyond the minimum requirements by taking extra courses, developing an individual reading program, attending department colloquiums, and thinking about literature. In addition, the Honors Program is intended to foster intellectual exchange among students and faculty. Detailed information and application forms are available from the department interim chairperson, Professor Cole. Early application, even in the freshman year, is encouraged.

Programs

    MajorsMinors

    Courses

      English: WritingEnglish: LiteratureEnglish: TeachingEnglish: Readings and Research