Through the study of seminal literature and the practice of both academic and pre-professional writing, the minor in English hones the skills that people in every discipline use daily when they read, write, converse, and assert their independent ideas and opinions through these self-actualizing activities. Literature illustrates the rich interrelatedness of cultural, historical, economic, political, scientific, philosophical, and religious concerns, while encouraging individual creativity and serving as a role model for cogent, graceful writing. The minor in English thus complements academic work in almost every other field, positioning the student for success in either civilian or military life.
Competencies, Knowledge, and Skills to be Achieved:
The English minor trains students to read analytically, synthesize information quickly, think critically, and write persuasively. These crucial transferable skills equip students to navigate an ever-changing and frequently uncertain job market. They also provide a foundation for graduate work in the humanities and for a range of pre-professional advanced degrees in fields such as business, divinity, education, law, library science, museum work, public policy, and social work. It also exposes students to a range of important literary texts, the canon of imaginative writing often called “the best that has been thought and said in the world.”
Through the close analysis of literature, the minor also enables students to generate original arguments and ideas, to appreciate the nuanced range of perspectives on cultural and socioeconomic issues, to evaluate competing viewpoints, and to value diversity in an increasingly global society.
Structure of the Minor:
1. Required Courses
One of the following foundational courses (3 credit hours):
ENGL 201 Major British Writers I
ENGL 202 Major British Writers II
ENGL 203 Masterpieces of British Literature
ENGL 215 Masterpieces of American Literature
One of the following pre-professional writing course:
COMM 207 Introduction to Journalism
COMM 216 Communications in Business
COMM 260 Technical Writing & Communication
COMM 413 Advanced Composition
ENGL 411 Legal Writing
2. Electives
Any three classes chosen from the following range of courses (if not already taken as a Required Course)
ENGL 301 – 498
COMM 301 – 498
Total Credit Hours Required: 15, at least 9 of which must be completed at The Citadel.