Within the context of the college’s mission, the English Department seeks to provide an opportunity for students to understand that learning is a lifelong process which involves an individual’s life experiences, motivation, and readiness to learn. The department hopes that studying English, Reading, and Literature will enable people to become more independent, think clearly, make sounder decisions, develop self-esteem, and have greater control of their lives.

Our philosophy is that responsibility for education is a function of the college, the individual, and the community. The English Department believes that education should stimulate creative, productive participation; foster an awareness of diverse cultures; instill the abilities to read analytically, think critically, and write effectively; lead to change in attitude and behavior; encourage exploration and instill desire to seek further knowledge; and foster a commitment to improving the quality of life in the community. Furthermore, the department believes that all students should have the opportunity to attain the necessary academic and professional competence for productive citizenship and employment, and the knowledge of cultural histories and values represented in literature.

Awaiting departmental submission

Below are the learning outcomes that students in Reading, Composition, and Literature courses must master in keeping with the department’s mission and goals. They form the basis for measuring what the student has accomplished upon completing courses in the English Department. Also, these Student Learning Outcomes provide the foundation for specific course objectives as detailed in the syllabi of courses in the English Department.

1. Students will have knowledge of basic English grammar, including an understanding of the basic structures and functions of language, as well as its social and cultural aspects.
   
   
2. Students will be able to read critically in a broad range of texts, both those which they have encountered before and those which are new to them. They will analyze these texts in light of their historical and cultural contexts.
   
   
3. Students will be able to write effectively in a variety of genres. They will be able to formulate topics, think critically about topics, analyze their audience, conduct necessary research, and produce finished work that meets good editorial standards.
   
   
4. Students will read and analyze with enjoyment and appreciation the various genres of literature. Their general knowledge of critical approaches to literature and understanding of the diversity of cultural contexts will enrich the quality of their lives.
   
   
5. Students will be able to bring together the knowledge and abilities learned in their courses to attain productive employment, citizenship, and an enriched quality of life. Some students will master the subjects sufficiently to go on to advanced study in English or other disciplines that require mastery of the skills and abilities described above.