English, Philosophy, and Film Studies - Lyndon

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Bachelor of Arts in English

• Literature and Film Studies

• Writing

Minors: Film Studies, Philosophy, Literature, Writing

Mission Statement

The Northern Vermont University-Lyndon Department of English, Philosophy and Film Studies delivers a first-rate liberal arts education matching the range and depth available at much larger colleges and universities but with the focused, individual attention that defines NVU.

Program Goals

The NVU-Lyndon Department of English, Philosophy and Film Studies seeks to:

• provide students with a vital and substantive understanding of the study and analysis of culture through literature, writing, philosophy, film, and a variety of other cultural media
• provide students with critical reading and research skills
• train students in the kind of analytical, interpretive, and communicative skills that are valuable not only in graduate study, but also in any area of management and communications, from personnel to public relations
• develop and enhance students’ writing skills
• teach students how to learn by developing their interpretive, evaluative, analytical, and critical-thinking skills

Program Description

The NVU-Lyndon Department of English, Philosophy, and Film Studies provides an ideal balance between the broad preparation of an interdisciplinary liberal arts education and the specific focus of specialized study in a chosen professional or academic field. At the core of the program for all majors is a thorough grounding in creative and critical thinking, analytical reading, research, and writing; and the study of culture, providing the foundation for advanced study in the area of each student’s particular interest.

Students may pursue interests in a variety of specialties: professional writing, creative writing, literature, philosophy, film, and cultural studies. With two concentrations in the major and a variety of minors, the department provides flexible alternatives for students to pursue their particular interests and to develop their skills and understanding.

The B.A. in English, Writing concentration provides opportunities for students interested in the broad fields of creative and professional writing, including a more specialized focus in strategic communication in a variety of visual and textual media, both print and electronic. For students interested in the interpretation, analysis, and understanding of culture and cultural media, the department offers flexible program opportunities through a B.A. in English with a concentration in Literature and Film Studies.

Minors and Liberal Studies programs in English, Film Studies, and Philosophy provide additional opportunities for students to create individual programs in philosophy, literature, writing, film or cultural studies.

Our effort is to prepare all of our students-majors and non-majors-for the richness of a lifetime of reading, thinking, and writing, as well as to supply a firm and comprehensive liberal arts foundation for each student as he or she pursues either graduate study or a chosen career.

Many of our graduates have pursued careers in such fields as teaching, journalism, advertising, public relations, editing and publishing, online writing and publishing, non-profit fund raising, non-profit organization management, technical writing, creative writing, law, government, business management, library work, sales, marketing, banking, international service, and social service. Others have pursued graduate study in literature, philosophy, writing, business, and law.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the B.A. in English will demonstrate:

• an understanding of the ways in which cultural, historical, and aesthetic contexts inform all kinds of text
• an ability to use and cite sources responsible in scholarly research
• analytical and creative skills in reading, writing, speaking, viewing, and listening
• initiative and perseverance in analytical and creative endeavors

Assessing Student Learning Outcomes

The Department’s comprehensive assessment procedures are available on request. Outcomes for advanced juniors and seniors are assessed through a variety of defined vehicles, according to an established rubric, in advanced seminars and capstone courses (e.g.: ENG 4910, Thesis/Portfolio). Substantial written and oral work is assessed according to the defined outcomes and the evaluative rubric by individual faculty teaching the relevant courses.

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