English, B.A.
Our English major will empower you to explore the world and your place within it by teaching you to read, think and write critically, flexibly and creatively. Through engaging deeply with a wide range of texts—including those from voices historically marginalized or underrepresented—you will develop close reading skills, conduct meaningful research and connect diverse cultural perspectives.
You will learn to communicate your ideas effectively in various contexts and to a wide range of audiences, even those with whom you tend to disagree. Additionally, our program fosters intercultural awareness, encouraging you to reflect on your experiences and those of fellow students, challenge your assumptions and deepen your understanding of cultural diversity and commonality.
In short, we want our majors to develop the powers of empathy and intellectual integrity, allowing you to contribute to the public good in whatever way you choose beyond your college years.
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Take the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Arts in English degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
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Learning Outside the Classroom
Educational opportunities provided through the English major extend beyond the classroom. You can attend events of the Lenoir-Rhyne Visiting Writers Series, which brings internationally recognized novelists, poets and dramatists to the campus each year.
There are also opportunities for you to submit your creative work for publication in the campus literary magazine, "Cantos," or to be involved in the editorial board.
Internships on campus or in the community give you the chance to put your skills into action, and the innovative Creative Futures class allows you to explore how you can turn your love of literature into a meaningful career.
I love writing because it takes me out of reality, but it also gives me a voice to challenge and change it.
Career Opportunities & Post-Graduate Education
Through the English major, you learn the critical and analytical skills that will help prepare you for a range of graduate programs and rewarding career choices. Professional fields that rely on communication and writing are especially good opportunities: journalism and public relations, business and marketing, the fine arts and education/teaching.
You may consider taking advantage of Lenoir-Rhyne's Accelerated Master's Degrees program, an innovative curriculum that enables students to complete both the bachelor's degree and master's degree in just five years. You can select a multitude of graduate-level programs offered through Lenoir-Rhyne such as the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing or Master of Business Administration.
The Lenoir-Rhyne Alumni Advantage program allows you to complete your graduate degree at a discount cost.
Major Requirements
The English major offers undergraduate students the chance to develop writing and reading skills while studying a wide range of texts from the British, American, and world traditions. Students work closely with faculty in small classes, reading and engaging in thought-provoking discussions about all aspects of literature. The curriculum of the English major not only teaches students about literature; it also develops skills like critical thinking, research, collaborative work, and editing. The English major earns a B.A. degree.
Honors
Students majoring in English who are judged qualified by the faculty may, upon invitation, elect to pursue honors work in English. To graduate ''With Honors in English,'' students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, a minimum major GPA of 3.25, and complete, with a minimum grade of ''B,'' ENG 498 and ENG 499. In addition, they must pass an oral defense of the thesis. ENG 498, with approval, may count as three elective credits towards the English degree; ENG 499 counts as three credits of electives beyond the major.
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General Education Requirements (37 hours)
Graduation Requirements (4 hours)
General Education Requirements
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Major Requirements (39 Hours)
- ENG 230 - Exploring Literature
- ENG 233G - Reading World Literature
- ENG 247 - Literary Time Travel
- ENG 308 - Literary Studies: Topical TitlesMust be taken twice with different subtitles
- ENG 329 - LIterature in Society: Topical SubtitleMust take twice with different subtitles
- ENG 482 - English Major Capstone
- COM 317 - Multimedia Storytelling
- FAC 410 - Creative Futures
- Choose one of the following courses:
- ENG 235 - Writing Arguments
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- COM 110 - Media Writing
Major ElectivesChoose two courses from the following:
- ENG 236 - Reading Like a Writer
- ENG 308 - Literary Studies: Topical TitlesMay take additional different subtitles.
- ENG 329 - LIterature in Society: Topical SubtitleMay take additional different subtitles.
- ENG 498 - Senior Honors Research by Invitation of the English Faculty Only
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General Elective Credits
General Electives (40 hours) as needed to reach 120 hours overall.
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Total Credit Hours - Minimum 120 hours
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific General Education requirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All bachelor's degree programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 120 credit hours. If, in combination, General Education, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 120 hours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 120 hours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.