Department of English

Learning Outcomes as of Spring 2014

Learning Outcomes in English (Literature)

Students will demonstrate:

1. the ability to read texts closely
2. the ability to write clear and effective English prose in accordance with conventions of standard English
3. the ability to write analytically about texts in accordance with the conventions of textual criticism
4. 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
5. the ability to read texts in relation to history
6. 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)
7. an understanding of how language as a system and linguistic change over time inform literature as aesthetic object, expressive medium, and social document
8. the ability to "join the conversation" that is always ongoing among critics and scholars regarding texts, authors, and topics by engaging with secondary sources
9. 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:

1. the ability to read texts closely
2. the ability to write clear and effective English prose in accordance with conventions of standard English
3. an understanding of differences between and requirements of genre
4. knowledge of craft and technique in genres under study
5. proficiency at critiquing peer and published work
6. knowledge of elements, modes and forms of chosen genre
7. proficiency at critiquing peer and published work
8. the ability to incorporate criticism into revision of creative work
9. proficiency at presenting work to readers in public readings, publication or exhibits
10. an understanding of the processes of revision, submission, publication
11. 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.