English and Philosophy

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David B. Beliles, Professor
Alan Boye, Professor
Chandler R. Gilman, Associate Professor
David M. Johnston, Assistant Professor
Andrea Luna, Associate Professor
Richard H. Moye, Professor
Elaine Razzano, Associate Professor
Dan Williams, Assistant Professor

Bachelor of Arts in English 
Literature and Cultural Studies 
Journalism and Writing
Licensure in Secondary Education (see also Secondary Education)
Liberal Studies Concentrations (see also Liberal Studies)
Minors: English, Philosophy

Program Mission Statement

The Department of English and Philosophy 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 writing, literature, and cultural studies, providing the foundation for advanced study in the area of each student’s particular interest.

Students may pursue interests in a variety of “specialties”: journalism and professional writing, creative writing, literature, philosophy, and cultural studies. The program provides flexible alternatives for majors to pursue their particular interests within one of two concentrations: Journalism & Creative Writing or Literature & Cultural Studies.

The department also offers a licensure program for literature students interested in teaching English in grades 7-12. Minors and Liberal Studies programs in English and in Philosophy provide additional opportunities for students to create individual programs in philosophy, literature, writing, or cultural studies.

In addition to the two concentrations, the licensure program, and the minor and liberal studies programs, one of the department’s central roles is in designing and implementing the college’s First-Year Writing Program.

Our effort is to prepare all of our students—majors and nonmajors —for the richness of a lifetime of reading and writing, as well as to supply a firm and comprehensive 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, “web” 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.

Common Program Goals

In providing students with the essential foundation of a liberal arts education in all its various programs, the Department of English and Philosophy seeks:

• to provide students with a vital and substantive understanding of literature, writing, and cultural studies
• to provide students with critical reading and research skills
• to train students in the kind of analytical, interpretive, and communicative skills that are valuable not only in graduate study, but in any area of management and communications, from personnel to public relations
• to develop and enhance students’ writing skills
• as with any liberal arts discipline, to teach students how to learn by developing their critical thinking skills

Program Assessment

The department’s comprehensive assessment procedures are available on request and on the department’s web page at: www.lyndonstate.edu/intranet/academics/acaddept/eng/dept/assessment.htm .

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