English

Macon State students and Humanities faculty members are currently in the process of developing an English Studies Organization (ESO). While the shape and scope of this group will largely depend on student body interest, future activities of the organization will likely include literary readings, field trips, and service activities.

Any Macon State student who is interested in learning more about the English Studies Organization should contact Dr. Mary Wearn (mary.wearn@maconstate.edu) and join the ESO listserv (see instructions below).

2/1 ESO NEWS: CONSTITUTION ACCEPTED ; PLANS FOR UNDERGRADUATE CONFERENCE UNDERWAY

In order to stay abreast of changes within the field, current research, and to have opportunities to attend and present at conferences, students are encouraged to obtain membership in one or more professional organization, such as the Modern Language Association (MLA), the Georgia Council of Teachers of English (GCTE), and the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). All of these organizations offer student memberships at an affordable rate.

English 4900 has a prerequisite of at least a “C” in ENGL 3010 and 90 or more earned hours

This is a capstone course required of candidates in the English track of the B.A. in English. The course engages students in advanced critical analysis, leading to an original research project. Students produce an extended critical essay based on the research and make an oral presentation of their research.

All declared English majors should join the English listserv to receive important information about advising and registration issues, as well as program updates, upcoming events, and opportunities relevant to English majors.

• To join the English listserv, go the MSC listserver
• Select the ENGLSTUDENTS list
• Select “Join”
• Enter your name and email address
• Click “Join”
• Reply to the confirmation email

Remember to check your e-mail regularly.

What is a bachelor of arts in English?

The B.A. in English is a four-year course of study with a two-track program that either certifies students to teach English in high schools or graduates students with a traditional four-year English degree. In either track, students read literature and learn to write on topics generated by their reading experience. Good writers will become even stronger writers, and less experienced writers will soon become the strong writers that graduate schools and business desire. Some students will specialize in teaching English themselves.

Can I get my degree at either campus?

Coordinator of English: Dr. Debra Holmes Matthews

Contact Information:

• Office Location: Humanities Division, 109
• Telephone/Voicemail: (478) 471-5775
• E-mail: debra.matthews@mail.maconstate.edu

Advising hours may vary each semester; therefore, please contact me to schedule a time.

Note: During regular registration, English majors may also be advised by any academic advisor in English.

Students should declare their majors as soon as possible. However, before officially being admitted into the program, students must complete the 62 hours required for the associate’s degree in English, including satisfying all Area F requirements.

In addition, the upper division courses have prerequisites of at least a C in English 1102 and/or at least a C in English 3010 Introduction to Literary Studies. English 3010 is a survey of modern literary criticism. Students will conduct literary research, read and interpret literary texts, and write literary criticism.

The English education track includes 33 semester hours of education classes, which will prepare students to teach English at the high-school level.

Program of study for the English education track

Total of 128 Semester Hours

A. General Requirements (62 hours)

Freshman/Sophomore core

42 hours in areas A-E (described below)
18 hours in area F (described below)
2 hours in physical education
Area A: Essential Skills (9 hours)
Area B: Institutional Options (4 hours)
Area C: Humanities/Fine Arts (6 hours)
Area D: Natural science, math and technology (11 hours)

The Traditional English track prepares students interested in careers requiring a foundation in language and communications skills, such as business, the arts, technical writing, public relations and law.

Program Requirements

Program of study for the traditional English track
Total of 122 Semester Hours

A. General Requirements (62 hours)

Freshman/Sophomore core

42 hours in areas A-E (described below)
18 hours in area F (described below)
2 hours in physical education
Area A: Essential Skills (9 hours)
Area B: Institutional Options (4 hours)

The English Program at Macon State College is committed to preparing graduates who are reflective professionals with an exceptionally strong content knowledge, a commitment to their chosen professions, a willingness to maintain their professional development long after they graduate, and a desire to use their professional expertise to provide service within their communities. Regardless of the track that the student chooses, the goal is the same. The program offers two tracks: a traditional English track and an English education track. The traditional track prepares students interested in careers requiring a foundation in language and communications skills, such as business, the arts, technical writing, public relations and law.