Bachelor of Arts - English

The English program at St. Mary's University offers students the opportunity to develop a rich and broad understanding of literary texts, contexts, and interpretations. The program stresses critical thinking, incisive consideration of texts (oral and written), and clear communication through a synthesis of creative, critical, and theoretical methods. At St. Mary's, the English degree programs allow students to approach texts within an interdisciplinary environment fostering a spirit of open inquiry. Courses in the English program offer all students the opportunity to experience literature and complement all courses of study. A degree program in English offers students a chance to immerse themselves in a rigorous study of literature and literary forms. The four-year Bachelor of Arts with a major in English offers an intensive grounding to students in the discipline of English Literature through the study of key literary periods and genres. Students learn to relate texts to their cultural, political, religious, philosophical, and literary contexts. Through critical readings, analysis and discussion, both within and without the classroom, students are encouraged to engage in dialogue, to evaluate theoretical and methodological positions and to develop their own critical voices. The four-year program concludes with a course of independent research in the field of English Literature, culminating in a major essay in which students synthesize their creative, critical, and theoretical learning.