English

Program Overview

Doane University's English major fosters students' passion for reading and writing, developing their communication, research, and critical thinking skills. With flexible course options and small class sizes, students receive personalized guidance from faculty, preparing them for careers in diverse fields such as teaching, social work, and writing. The program also offers an emphasis in English Teaching, providing certification for aspiring secondary English educators.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The English major at Doane University is designed to assist students in honing their passion for reading and writing through academic pursuits. The program develops students' communication and writing abilities, instills proficiency in original research, and augments their critical thinking capacities - valuable skills sought by employers and graduate programs. The English program is structured to provide students with flexibility in selecting the courses they want to take within specified areas of study. The major has a lower credit requirement compared to numerous other majors, enabling students to explore elective options and supplement their English major with other majors or minors of interest. Class sizes are typically small, ranging from five to twenty (5-20) students, and led by full-time faculty. Due to its modest size, the department provides ample opportunities for students to interact with faculty closely. Oftentimes, faculty will guide students through multiple courses over their four years at Doane. By gaining familiarity with students' writing and thought processes, faculty can provide tailored feedback on students' coursework and advice regarding their professional aspirations. Furthermore, capitalizing on Doane's proximity to Lincoln and Omaha, the department organizes events that build upon the work done in the classroom. Upon graduating with a degree in English, students possess unique qualifications for professional positions because of the skills acquired through analyzing texts, conducting original research, and writing. Recent alumni from the English major have excelled in roles such as teachers, social workers, and lab research technicians. Others have pursued further education at law schools, graduate programs in writing and literature, or library science.

Outline:

English Major Requirements:

• Option 1: Complete one of the following emphases:
• Literature Emphasis:
• Foundational Courses: ENG 200 (Introduction to Literary Studies), ENG 200 (Introduction to Literary Studies), ENG 304 (The Evolution of Narrative), ENG 304 (The Evolution of Narrative)
• Capstone Experience: ENG 495 (English Seminar)
• Historical Periods and Literary Movements: ENG 308 (American Literature and Identity), ENG 342 (The Romantic Era), ENG 362 (Shakespeare in the Renaissance)
• Critical Lenses (Choose 1): ENG 301 (Women Writers), ENG 318 (Environmental Literature), ENG 340 (Narrative Medicine)
• Global Perspectives (Choose 1): ENG 330 (Global Anglophone Literature)
• Written Expressions (Choose 1): ENG 102 (English Composition II: Writing in Context), ENG 285 (Introduction to Creative Writing)
• Electives: At least 6 additional credits in English, excluding ENG 100, ENG 101, ENG 326
• Writing Emphasis:
• Foundational Courses: ENG 200 (Introduction to Literary Studies), ENG 200 (Introduction to Literary Studies), ENG 304 (The Evolution of Narrative), ENG 304 (The Evolution of Narrative)
• Capstone Experience: ENG 495 (English Seminar)
• Narrative Craft: ENG 285 (Introduction to Creative Writing), ENG 356 (Creative Writing Workshop), ENG 485 (Creative Writing Seminar)
• Public and Professional Writing (Choose 1): ENG 102 (English Composition II: Writing in Context), ENG 113 (Basic News Writing and Reporting), ENG 311 (Writing Center Theory and Practice)
• Critical Lenses (Choose 1): ENG 301 (Women Writers), ENG 318 (Environmental Literature), ENG 330 (Global Anglophone Literature), ENG 340 (Narrative Medicine)
• Historical Periods and Literary Movements (Choose 1): ENG 308 (American Literature and Identity), ENG 342 (The Romantic Era), ENG 362 (Shakespeare in the Renaissance)
• Electives: At least 6 additional credits in English excluding ENG 100, ENG 101, ENG 326
• Option 2: English Teaching
• Students seeking certification in English teaching must complete the following:
• ENG 101 (English Composition I: The Writing Seminar)
• ENG 102 (English Composition II: Writing in Context)
• ENG 200 (Introduction to Literary Studies)
• ENG 231 (Linguistics)
• ENG 285 (Introduction to Creative Writing)
• ENG 304 (The Evolution of Narrative)
• ENG 308 (American Literature and Identity)
• ENG 330 (Global Anglophone Literature)
• ENG 342 (The Romantic Era)
• ENG 343 (Instructional Methods for Teaching Secondary English I)
• ENG 344 (Instructional Methods for Teaching Secondary English II)
• ENG 362 (Shakespeare in the Renaissance)
• ENG 495 (English Seminar)
• Six hours of English at the 200-level or above
• One additional teaching major

Teaching:

Class sizes are typically small, ranging from five to twenty (5-20) students, and led by full-time faculty. Due to its modest size, the department provides ample opportunities for students to interact with faculty closely. Oftentimes, faculty will guide students through multiple courses over their four years at Doane. By gaining familiarity with students' writing and thought processes, faculty can provide tailored feedback on students' coursework and advice regarding their professional aspirations.

Careers:

Graduates with a degree in English have pursued opportunities in a variety of fields, including:

• Film and Media
• Business
• Government and Politics
• Communication
• Public Relations
• Health Sciences
• Education
• Information Technology