English

Interim Co-Chairs: Alex Blazer and John Sirmans
Professors: Beauty Bragg, Bruce Gentry, Martin Lammon, Mary Magoulick, and Eustace Palmer
Associate Professors: Alex Blazer, Craig Callender, Jennifer Flaherty, Laura Newbern, Peter Selgin, Katie Simon, and John Sirmans
Assistant Professors: Nancy Beasley, Julian Knox, and Kerry Neville
Lecturers: Jeffrey MacLachlan, Lauren Pilcher, Debora Stefani, and Cecilia Woloch
Limited Term Lecturers: Hali-Sofala Jones, Cecilia Woloch

Department Contact Information:

Georgia College
Department of English
Campus Box 44
Milledgeville, GA 31061
478-445-4581
Interim Co-Chairs, Alex Blazer, alex.blazer@gcsu.edu; John Sirmans, john.sirmans@gcsu.edu
Administrative Assistant, Melinda Martin, melinda.martin@gcsu.edu
MFA Administrative Assistant, Laura Caron, laura.caron@gcsu.edu

Mission

All degree and minor programs in the Department of English share a central, essential devotion to the core values of a liberal arts education: to help students cultivate their critical intelligence; develop their expressive skills in speaking, writing, and other forms of meaning-making; and advance their understanding of the ways language, writing, and argument function in historical and contemporary contexts. Though each program's emphasis is of course different, all are linked in crucial ways, sharing a belief in the fundamental value of various forms of literacy and the skillful, ethical use of language and persuasion to the good functioning of society. Moreover, each enacts a commitment to the fulfillment of the University's mission to help students develop inquisitive, analytical minds, a respect for human diversity and individuality, a sense of civic and global responsibility, and sound ethical principles.

The primary purpose of the major in English is to introduce students to their own literary and linguistic heritage, to acquaint them with representative works of major world writers, and, in the case of the Creative Writing concentration, to foster students' creative skills to enable them to participate as practitioners in that heritage. Such an introduction is made possible by offering them a wide range of courses in English and American literature, including survey, genre, and major-figure courses, as well as survey courses in world literature. Courses in creative and expository writing, the history and structure of the language, critical theory, and composition theory help students sharpen their critical awareness, encourage clarity of thought and expression, and stimulate and develop the creative imagination. In short, the degree in English develops critical thinkers and effective communicators, people whose skills are applicable in a wide range of careers.

Student Success

Earning a college degree is a significant milestone in one's life and requires dedication to one's studies and tremendous effort to succeed. In order to enable you to achieve this goal, we have programs such as The Writing Center that help ensure student success. Student success is also addressed in the First-Year Academic Seminar (ENGL 0001), in which you are introduced to the faculty and students who make up the departmental community. You will join with other first-year students to get an overview of the subject matter covered in the major, explore career possibilities, and develop techniques for getting the most out of your college courses and activities. You will also learn about departmental and university expectations, policies, and resources. Because the college experience at GC is more intense than at many other schools, we have designed the curriculum to help you each step of the way. In addition, we are committed to offering the courses necessary to ensure that students who follow the program of study will graduate in four years. Toward that end, a typical four-year program of study has been developed, which serves as a guide each term for scheduling courses. Required courses are specified, then sequencing of courses is recommended. Students are advised to enroll in an average of 30 semester hours each year.

Career Information

English majors are becoming increasingly popular as students more clearly understand not only their intrinsic value as effective means of acquiring a liberal education but also their value as stepping stones to a number of professions. Effective use of the English language enhances the possibilities for success in whatever occupation one pursues. English majors frequently become high-school and college teachers, but many other fields of employment are open to them. Many become librarians; personnel officers; public relations officers; newspaper, radio, and television writers or on-air personalities; employees of any number of governmental agencies; and managers of business firms. Broadly educated, these majors have the potential to succeed in numerous employment fields. An English background is regarded as especially effective training for careers in law, business, and medicine; all of these professions require an understanding of humanity, which the study of literature provides, and an ability to communicate clearly, which the study of rhetoric provides. Furthermore, the English major prepares the student for careers in literary editing and publishing.

Teacher Certification

Students who wish to pursue teacher certification with a field in English through GC's Four-Plus-One program, which allows the student to receive both certification and the M.A.T. degree, should pursue a B.A. in English first. These students are encouraged to take ENGL 4112 Theories of Composition and Literature, ENGL 4115 History of the English Language, and ENGL 4116 Structure of Present-Day English. For more information, contact the College of Education.

Activities Typical of Undergraduates in English

The Corinthian, The Literary Guild, The Peacock's Feet, Shakespearean Circle, and Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society.