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Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University
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Mission and Objectives

English Department Mission Statement, revised 9/07

Working closely with dedicated faculty members, students in this department hone their ability to think and read critically, reason persuasively, and write eloquently. Through exploring a constantly evolving range of course offerings, English majors learn the methodologies and vocabularies appropriate to literary study; contemplate the forms and purposes of literary art in a variety of periods and cultures; and investigate the intersections between English and many other disciplines. The English department also fosters a culture of curiosity and intellectual endeavor, as well as respect for a variety of cultures and intellectual approaches, through advising, internships and service learning, study abroad, and extracurricular programming. Students who pursue optional creative writing courses balance critical study with creative endeavor, learning the history and forms of literary art as apprentice practitioners.

Course Objectives in English

Students majoring in English will learn how to

  1. write clear, persuasive analytical essays driven by arguments about texts;
  2. read closely, recognizing subtle and complex differences in language use;
  3. seek out further knowledge about literary works, authors, and/or contexts, and document research appropriately, adhering to the highest standards of intellectual honesty;
  4. derive pleasure and edification from a broad range of texts;
  5. in optional creative writing courses, create literary texts of their own.

Mapping Objectives onto the Major Curriculum

  • All 200 level courses except for 202, 203, 204, 205 and 299 fulfill objectives 1, 2, and 4.
  • 202, 203, 204, 205, 307, 308 and 309 fulfill objectives 2, 4, and 5.
  • All courses from 299 and higher (except for 307, 308, and 309) fulfill objectives 1, 2, 3, and 4.
  • 453 fulfills all 5 objectives.