Majors: | Minors: |
|---|---|
B.A. in American Studies (Curriculum Map) | American Studies English Film Studies Medieval Studies Women's and Gender Studies |
Learning Outcomes as of Spring 2014
Learning Outcomes in English (Literature)
Students will demonstrate:
- the ability to read texts closely
- the ability to write clear and effective English prose in accordance with conventions of standard English
- the ability to write analytically about texts in accordance with the conventions of textual criticism
- an understanding of how criticism as a practice gives rise to questions about how to conduct that practice, questions that are constitutive of the discipline: e.g., questions concerning what we should read, why we should read, and how we should read
- the ability to read texts in relation to history
- an understanding of how texts are related to social and cultural categories (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, ability), enterprises (e.g. philosophy, science, politics), and institutions (e.g., of religion, of education)
- an understanding of how language as a system and linguistic change over time inform literature as aesthetic object, expressive medium, and social document
- the ability to "join the conversation" that is always ongoing among critics and scholars regarding texts, authors, and topics by engaging with secondary sources
- an in-depth understanding of a single author, a small group of authors, or a narrowly-defined topic, theme, or issue
Outcomes 1-3 are a focus of courses at all levels and receive particular emphasis at the 100 ("General Interest") and 200 ("Reader and Text") levels. Outcome 4 is a focus of courses at the 200-400 levels and receives particular emphasis at the 200 ("Reader and Text") level. Outcomes 5-7 are a focus of all courses at the 300-400 levels and receive particular emphasis at the 300 ("Connections") level. Outcomes 8-9 are a focus of courses at the 400 level.
Learning Outcomes in English (Creative Writing)
Students will demonstrate:
- the ability to read texts closely
- the ability to write clear and effective English prose in accordance with conventions of standard English
- an understanding of differences between and requirements of genre
- knowledge of craft and technique in genres under study
- proficiency at critiquing peer and published work
- knowledge of elements, modes and forms of chosen genre
- proficiency at critiquing peer and published work
- the ability to incorporate criticism into revision of creative work
- proficiency at presenting work to readers in public readings, publication or exhibits
- an understanding of the processes of revision, submission, publication
- knowledge of contemporary writers and literary journals
Outcomes 1-5 are a focus of courses at all levels and receive particular emphasis at the 200 ("Foundations") level. Outcomes 6-8 are a focus of courses at the 300-400 levels and receive particular emphasis at the 300 ("Studio") level. Outcomes 9-11 are a particular focus of courses at the 400 ("Writing in the World") level.