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English

William Penn University’s faculty understands the importance of effective writing. With this in mind, professors work with their students to enhance every students’ writing capabilities. Writing is essential for modern business; employers stress the importance of excellent writing skills. Without proper fundamentals, the ability to communicate in writing effectively is weakened. If employees cannot communicate in an effective manner, progress within a competitive business market becomes impaired.

The English Program

The English major offers a curriculum that provides students a liberal arts focus through close study literature as an expression of the human condition. Students will gain experience interpreting literary and other text and in writing to communicate, to inform, and to argue and express.

Careers

After graduation, students will be better prepared for professional expectations and proper communication within the workforce. Graduates of the William Penn University English program have been hired at the following organizations/companies:

  • Oskaloosa Public Library
  • KBOE Radio
  • Knoxville High School
  • North Lake College
  • Communication Research Institute (CRI) of William Penn University
  • Wells Fargo
Internships

Having an internship is a great way to generate a firsthand perspective in understanding professionalism at its best. Communications/English degree students can apply their critical thinking and multitasking capabilities to a fast paced professional environment. Through these experiences, students will have a better understanding toward future employment. Listed below are some local businesses or organizations for internship positions:

  • Oskaloosa Herald
  • Teachers Assistant
  • Script Writer for CRI
  • Musco Sports Lighting, LLC.
  • Editor
  • Penn&Ink
  • William Penn Radio (KIGC)

Faculty

Jared Pearce, Ph.D.

Professor of English 641-673-2107 Email

Samantha Allen Wright, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of English | Humanities Division Chair 641-673-1080 Email

Chad Seader, Ph.D. (ABD)

Assistant Professor of English 641-673-1105 Email

Critical and Creative thinking are the hallmarks of the English Program. The skills our students gain by studying literature will prepare them for successful work in graduate school (studying English, Law, and Medicine), Teaching, and Business.

Dr. Jared Pearce, Associate Professor of English

Courses

As a Communications student with an emphasis in English, you will be taking the following courses:

English Major Courses

  • ENGL 200 Theory of Language
  • ENGL 215 Business and Technical Communication
  • ENGL 220 Introduction to Literature
  • ENGL 226 British Literature to 1784
  • ENGL 227 British Literature since 1784
  • ENGL 231 Creative Writing
  • ENGL 238 American Literature to 1865
  • ENGL 239 American Literature since 1865
  • ENGL 307 Shakespeare
  • ENGL 309 Literary Theory
  • ENGL 310 Advanced Writing
  • ENGL 350 Early World Literature
  • ENGL 351 Modern World Literature
  • COMM 357 Internship

3 credits from the following:

  • ART 215 History of Art
  • COMM 102 Media Writing
  • THEA 212 Oral Interpretation or
  • any other ENGL course

3 credits from the following:

  • COMM 203 Media Writing Toward Video
  • COMM 220 Principles of Journalism
  • COMM 225 Writing for Public Relations
  • COMM 235 Media Practicum
  • COMM 238 Communication Theory and Ethics or
  • any other ENGL course

English Literature Minor courses

  • ENGL 200 Theory of Language
  • ENGL 220 Introduction to Literature
  • ENGL 307 Shakespeare

Select one of the following sequences:

  • ENGL 226 & 227 British Literature to/since 1784
  • ENGL 238 & 239 American Literature to/since 1865
  • PLUS One course from the alternate sequence

Select one of the following:

  • ENGL 350 Early World Literature
  • ENGL 351 Modern World Literature

English Writing Minor courses

  • ENGL 200 Theory of Language
  • ENGL 215 Business and Technical Communication
  • ENGL 220 Introduction to Literature
  • ENGL 231 Creative Writing
  • ENGL 310 Advanced Writing
  • ENGL Elective Any other ENGL course
  • COMM 357 Internship

Technical Communications Minor