Department of English Language & Literature

Mission

The mission of the Department of English Language and Literature is to:

1. Develop the rhetorical and critical thinking skills necessary for proficiency in reading and writing;
2. Develop effective written expression;
3. Build an appreciation for literature as both aesthetic expression and a reflection of the human culture, thought and ideals;
4. Prepare students for careers in teaching, writing or other fields in which English language skills are valued; and
5. Demonstrate the importance of reading literature within a spiritual context and of applying Christian values to written communication.

Interdepartmental Programs are offered with a major in Film  and minors in Film Production  and Film Studies  in partnership with the Department of Communication. Minors in Medieval and Renaissance Studies  and Women’s Studies  are offered in partnership with the Department of History & Political Science.

The Department of English Language & Literature offers a Writer of Distinction Transcript Notation  for undergraduate students.

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) courses  are offered at the undergraduate and graduate level through the Cannon-Clary College of Education . Students who hold an Arkansas Teaching License may add this state-issued endorsement by satisfactorily completing the 12 hours of Teaching English as a Second Language and passing the Praxis ESOL Exam approved by the Arkansas Department of Education.

Faculty

Chair: Jon Singleton, Ph.D.

Professors:

Nick Boone, Ph.D.
     Director of the Writing Center
Michael Claxton, Ph.D.
Kathy Dillion, Ph.D.
     Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning
Terry Engel, Ph.D.
Larry Hunt, Ph.D.

Associate Professors:

Heath Carpenter, Ph.D.
     Director of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program
Russell Keck, Ph.D.
Greg Laing, Ph.D.
Jon Singleton, Ph.D.

Assistant Professors:

Paulette Bane, M.F.A.

Instructors:

Darlene Stewart, M.Ed.

Programs

• English and Business Communication Major (EBCO), BA
• English and Creative Writing Major (ECW), BA
• English Major (ENED) (Teacher licensure), BA
• English Major (ENG1), BA

• Creative Writing Minor
• Editing and Publishing Minor
• English as a Second Teaching Field
• English Minor
• Linguistics Minor
• Writing Minor for English Majors
• Writing Minor for Non-English Majors