English

Website: www.iup.edu/english
Gian S. Pagnucci, Chair

The program of studies in the English Department at IUP focuses on critical thinking and effective reading and writing at all levels. English majors study a wide variety of subjects ranging from literary theory to practical pedagogy in an atmosphere that encourages and fosters a high degree of professional commitment.

The English Department’s bachelor of arts degree program in English reflects the diversity of subject matter, methods, and purposes of this vital, constantly evolving field. BA majors will have the opportunity to pursue the traditional concern of literary study—the careful analysis of canonized works—as well as encounter and analyze texts by members of traditionally marginalized groups and texts that are nontraditional or innovative in form and content. The department encourages students to design their course of study so that they can be active and capable members of the global community and effective contributors to the multicultural workplace. To these ends, the department is committed to promoting and supporting an intellectual environment in which minority writers, nontraditional texts, and a variety of critical perspectives are an integral part of the curriculum.

After completing the introductory course in English (ENGL 122 ), all BA majors will take a core of 15 credits: 6 credits of historical/regional literary survey courses; 3 credits of a writing course; 3 credits of a rhetoric, speech, or linguistics course; and 3 credits of an upper-level capstone course. In addition to these core courses, all BA majors will take 6 credits of English elective courses and declare a track of 15 credits, chosen from the following: Writing Studies or Pre-law.

Since the BA program can be completed with 36 credits of course work, students will have 25-31 credits outside of the Liberal Studies requirements to develop other interests, including a second major or a minor. In addition to creating these sorts of academic connections, the department encourages its students to explore and enhance links between their scholarship and their professional goals by seeking an internship in their junior or senior year. Students should explore their options carefully with their advisors.

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