MISSION STATEMENTS

ENGLISH - The Department of English, Modern Languages, and Philosophy serves all students in the University by providing instruction in writing and analytical reading for the general education program. The department seeks to prepare students for graduate studies in the major or for entering professions that emphasize writing and critical thinking skills.

The major in English introduces students to their literary and linguistic heritage and acquaints them with a variety of genres, periods, themes, critical approaches, and individual writers ranging from ancient to modern. Courses in creative and expository writing, composition theory, the history of the language, modern theories of grammar, and literary criticism are also offered. Students may pursue the English degree through the Liberal Arts Program, the Professional Writing Option, or the Teacher Certification option. Students may also earn either a minor or a collateral in English. Three writing minors are offered including creative writing, professional writing, and writing and language.

MODERN LANGUAGES - The Department of English, Modern Languages, and Philosophy offers a major in Modern Languages with tracks in French, German, and Spanish. Minors and collaterals are also offered in these languages. The Department provides the resources for students to acquire proficiency in the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in French, German, and Spanish and to gain knowledge of the culture, the literature, and the civilization of countries where these languages are spoken. Career opportunities for foreign language majors include 1) teaching, 2) international business, 3) translation/interpretation, and 4) professions requiring a University degree with a background in the liberal arts. Modern language majors also frequently seek graduate degrees in foreign languages or related fields.

PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES - The Department of English, Modern Languages and Philosophy offers undergraduate students an opportunity to take courses in, to minor in, or to collateral in a field of study that tradition has taken to be at the core of the humanities. Courses in philosophy and religious studies offer students a chance to examine the central issues of value, knowledge, and reality that have preoccupied human beings since the beginning of history. The aim of the courses is to provide students with the logical, conceptual, metaphorical, historical, and religious resources necessary for critically addressing these issues. The assumptions of this aim are that the possession of such resources is the hallmark of an educated person and, further, that the success of a democratic society depends on an educated citizenry.