English, B.A.

Writing is central to all aspects of Saint Louis University's program in English. In all English courses, students hone their ability to write and to reflect upon what they read. Along with courses in literature in which critical and analytical writing plays a principal role, students majoring in English at SLU may take courses in various genres of creative writing or business and professional writing. These courses enhance both personal creativity and professional competence. SLU's English alumni consistently cite this departmental emphasis on analytical thinking and effective writing skills as a significant asset in preparing them for various academic and nonacademic postgraduate pursuits. Additional highlights of SLU's B.A. in English include: SLU's Department of English sponsors a student-edited online literary magazine, the Kiln Project, which publishes creative work by students, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry and visual art. The English department also provides the opportunity for students to publish their original, critical research projects during their undergraduate career through VIA, an online journal of student scholarly research. The English Club, run by undergraduate students, actively seeks inventive ways to strengthen the community of Saint Louis University students who love literature and writing. Learning Outcomes Graduates will be able to produce close readings of literary texts and other media that demonstrate an ability to analyze elements such as syntax, word choice, tone, tropes and imagery. Graduates will be able to analyze the ways in which works of literature reflect and shape their historical and cultural contexts. Graduates will be able to analyze the ways in which medium, form or genre create and shape meaning in a variety of works. Graduates will be able to produce written and oral arguments about literary works and other media that demonstrate facility with appropriate research methods, clear organization and awareness of audience. Graduates will be able to analyze the ways in which literary works represent the intersections of factors such as race, gender, class, sexuality, disability, ethnicity, environment and belief. Graduates will be able to interpret and evaluate texts and other media through a variety of theoretical and critical lenses (e.g. formalist, Marxist, psychoanalytic, feminist, postcolonial, poststructuralist, etc.). Rhetoric, Writing, and Technology Track: Graduates with a concentration in rhetoric, writing and technology will analyze the rhetorical functions and features of a variety of texts and media. Rhetoric, Writing, and Technology Track: Graduates with a concentration in rhetoric, writing and technology will produce rhetorically sophisticated texts or media for a range of contexts. Creative Writing Track and Minor: Graduates with a concentration in creative writing will use appropriate craft techniques to develop multiple dimensions of textual complexity in creative compositions. Research Intensive English: Graduates with a concentration in research intensive English will pursue original research questions that demonstrate advanced awareness of theoretical, historical and interpretive contexts in sustained discipline appropriate written arguments. Careers Students who study English at SLU receive a solid foundation for any profession that requires excellent analytical and communication skills. Graduates have enrolled in doctoral programs to continue their English studies. Others find employment in arts, education, business, government and nonprofit agencies.