Department of English

The English department invites all students to enter the dialogue about human life (which is the defining characteristic of human life) through the English major's distinctive integration of writing, reading, creative expression, and critical thinking. In every English class, the student is continually challenged to write clearly and effectively, to read carefully and critically, and to care deeply, reflecting the Christ-centered focus of the College. The English department serves the goals of the entire institution and all students, regardless of major.

Alumni Profile: Doris Goble

"English is a way to communicate ideas and emotions in a passionate way. I get to expose kids to brand new ideas and help them express their own ideas clearly." Read more about Doris... Additional Alumni Profiles...

Students who choose to become English majors should expect to commit themselves to substantial reading, to ongoing dialogue with other thinkers, and to excellence in writing. All English majors prepare not just for specific careers but for all of life by listening to, learning from, and sometimes arguing with the thinkers and writers who continue to shape our world.

Students with interests in language, literature, artistic expression, and critical thinking  should consider majoring in English. At Huntington College, the size of classes as well as the mission of the college allows for  considerable individual interaction between faculty and students.  We award the Bachelor of Arts degree (for general preparation and as a foundation for graduate study) and the Bachelor of Science in education degree (to prepare for teaching).

The English department emphasizes the critical use of modern technology in pursuing educational goals by means of computer-assisted composition, on-line syllabi, literature chatrooms, email assignments, and CD-rom study guides. With the help of a grant from the Lilly Endowment, the department is presently piloting a technology project for the College.  Students are invited to help develop ways to make these new technologies serve (rather than dehumanize) the cause of education in the 21st Century.

English majors are expected to do substantial study of American, British, and European literature and significant writing in a variety of settings.  Students work closely with faculty on writing projects, including the publication of Ictus, the college's literary magazine.  A local chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society recognizes outstanding English majors.