English, BA, Credential Emphasis
Department Chair: Emerson Case
Office: Humanities Office Building (HOB), 148
Phone: (661) 654-2144
Email: arodriguez5@csub.edu
Program Description
Study in the Department of English leads to an understanding and appreciation of British, American and other literatures in English, and of the English language, its aesthetic and functional properties, its uses, and the methods by which impressions and ideas are articulated and communicated.
The BA in English emphasizes in-depth study of the nature of the English language, the British, American and other literary traditions, creative writing, and critical approaches to literature. The Department of English offers a BA in English with two emphases: The English Major in Language and Literature (EMLL) and the English Major with Credential Emphasis (EMCE). The EMLL program offers both breadth and flexibility in preparation for diverse career opportunities, while the EMCE provides subject matter preparation for prospective English Language Arts teachers.
The department also offers a minor in English Literature, a minor in Linguistics, and a minor in Children’s Literature. In addition, the department has two post-baccalaureate certificates, in Writing and in Children’s Literature.
Program Goals and Objectives
Linguistics (EMLL and EMCE)
Linguistic Description: Students will be able to describe the grammar of English.
Composition (EMLL and EMCE)
Writing Conventions: Students will be able to compose texts that conform to the conventions of a particular genre as well as the rules of standard written English.
Expository Writing: Students will be able to compose expository essays that demonstrate cohesion and clarity.
Literature (EMLL and EMCE)
Literary Analysis: Students will be able to analyze literary texts using evidence from the primary texts themselves.
Applying Critical Theory: Students will be able to apply specific critical approaches to literary works.
Researching Criticism: Students will be able to survey the existing criticism on any literary text.
Creative Writing: Students will be able to compose poetry, fiction, or drama.
Pedagogy (EMCE only)
Theoretical Foundations: Students will be able to describe theoretical foundations essential to teaching and learning in the high school English Language Arts classroom.
Pedagogical Skills: Students will be able to assess pedagogical skills essential to teaching and learning in the high school English Language Arts classroom.
Sigma Tau Delta
The English department is home to the Xi Tau Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, an international honor society for English majors and minors. Juniors, seniors, and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Faculty advisors are Dr. Emerson Case and Dr. Andy Troup.
California Writers Series
Each year the English department sponsors two or more readings by poets and fiction writers living and working in California. Previous presenters have included Wanda Coleman (Guggenheim and NEA Fellow) and Kay Ryan (Pulitzer Prize winner and former United States Poet Laureate). Faculty contact is Dr. Marit MacArthur.
Lectures in Language and Linguistics
Linguists from universities throughout the state and region come to campus two or more times per year to present lectures on phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Faculty contact is Dr. Sophia Adjaye.
English Club
Students majoring or minoring in English are welcome to meet in an informal setting to discuss literature, language, classes, and all other aspects of campus life. Meetings are generally held every Friday afternoon. Faculty advisors are Dr. Emerson Case and Dr. Andy Troup.