BA English

Program Overview

The University at Albany's Bachelor of Arts in English fosters critical thinking, enhances writing abilities, and allows students to specialize in areas such as American Literature, Film, and Social Justice. With a combination of required courses, literature surveys, and electives, the program prepares graduates for careers in writing, editing, teaching, and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objective:
• Develops students' abilities in critical thought and interpretation
• Enhances thoughtful expression
• Allows students to pursue areas of study that align with their interests and goals
• Description:
• Students choose their areas of study from eight different options:
• American Literature and Culture
• British Literature and Culture
• Environmental Humanities
• Film, Screen Media, and Visual Cultures
• Postcolonial Literature and Culture
• Social Justice
• Writing
• Teacher Preparation
• Students can also choose to complete an English Writing Concentration.

Outline:

• Program structure:
• Combination of required courses, literature surveys, and elective courses
• Required courses:
• Introduction to Writing in English Studies
• Reading and Interpretation in English Studies
• Studies in Writing about Texts
• Literature Surveys (2 courses):
• American Literary Traditions
• British Literary Traditions I: From the Anglo-Saxon Period through Milton
• British Literary Traditions II: The Restoration through the Modern Period
• Classics of Western Literature
• Postcolonial Literary Traditions
• Elective Courses:
• 3 credits at the 200 level or above
• 12 credits at the 300 level or above
• 6 credits at the 400 level
• Individual Modules:
• Each of the eight areas of study has its own unique set of courses and focuses on specific themes and topics.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods:
• Coursework
• Exams
• Writing assignments
• Presentations
• Assessment criteria:
• Critical thinking
• Writing skills
• Analytical ability
• Understanding of literary and cultural themes

Teaching:

• Teaching methods:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Faculty:
• Experienced and qualified faculty with expertise in various areas of English literature and culture.
• Unique approaches:
• Focus on experiential learning through internships and practical classroom experiences.
• Opportunities to study abroad and gain global perspectives.

Careers:

• Potential career paths:
• Editing
• Tutoring and teaching
• Writing
• Marketing
• Public relations
• Human Resources
• Non-profit work
• Law school
• Medical school
• Publishing
• Outcomes:
• Graduates have gone on to pursue successful careers in various fields.
• Many have continued their education in graduate programs.

Other:

• Honors program available for eligible English majors.
• Opportunities to participate in undergraduate research.