English and Education

Undergraduate
On Ground
123 hours
4 years

English and Teaching

The B.A. in English and education equips a student to earn teacher licensure at the middle and high school levels. Students will gain a solid grounding in the most important works of British and American literature, options for deeper study in the areas of literature or creative writing that interest them most, training in educational theory and professional expectations, and a year-long residency being mentored by veteran teachers.

Learn more about the English Department

Why study English at Harding?

Inspire a new generation

Teaching is especially difficult in the days following the COVID-19 pandemic, but our world needs great English teachers as much as ever. Think of the teacher that most inspired you to love reading; to find your own voice in your writing; to think hard and then to speak up or write to share your best ideas with others. At Harding, you’ll be equipped with the expertise, character and professionalism to thrive when others are burning out. You will be a blessing to your students, and by being the kind of teacher you loved, you can help turn the tide.

Write with power

English majors hone their writing ability through constant engagement with the great writers of the past, and through face-to-face mentoring by professional writers and scholars. Every year, our students win awards and publish their work in state, regional and national venues.

Nurturing community

English faculty walk with students, involving them in their scholarly and spiritual lives as they learn and grow together. We worship together in weekly English chapel and talk about good books and ideas in our classes and several weekly clubs. Sometimes we travel together to New York City, Washington, D.C. or international destinations. We support every student in applying  for professional internships, first jobs, law school or graduate school. Every student has a dedicated faculty mentor.

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  • To help all students develop critical thinking skills and gain proficiency in expository and persuasive writing;
  • To help prepare English majors for their professions, whether for teaching, graduate study, or a variety of other fields;
  • To model and mentor Christian scholarship.

Creative Writing: Provides an overview of creative writing genres and allows a focused track in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and screenwriting through workshop experience

Editing and Publishing: Develops skills in editing, proofreading and media software in preparation for careers in editing and publishing

English: Builds on required composition and world literature courses to help students sharpen their writing and critical thinking skills through support of upper-level courses

Film Studies: Explores a variety of film genres along with courses in film history and technique from the department of communication

Linguistics: Interdisciplinary study in the phenomenon of human language and excellent preparation for graduate study or careers as diverse as computing and technology, international business, education, and clinical fields relating to speech and language

Medieval and Renaissance Studies: Explores the literature, history, art and theatre of the medieval and renaissance periods through interdisciplinary studies

Women’s Studies: Prepares students for a range of employment opportunities by training them to be sensitive to the experiences and needs of women in many fields of work and phases of life

Writing: Builds off required composition courses to help students explore creative and professional writing

Sigma Tau Delta, an international English honor society, strives to confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate and professional studies; provides, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promotes interest in literature and the English language in the surrounding communities; fosters the discipline of English in all its aspects, including creative and critical writing; promotes good fellowship among its members; and exhibits high standards of academic excellence.

What can you do with a degree in English with a teacher licensure?

Wide range of opportunities

Most graduates with this degree become high school English teachers at public or private schools, but some have used the core English skills gained with this degree to pursue a wide range of other career paths in higher education, editing, project management or business.

Graduate study in literature, writing and law

As an English major, you'll be intentionally mentored by distinguished faculty to provide opportunities to practice Christian scholarship. Through the University's Undergraduate Research Conference, students have the opportunity to present their papers and prepare them for professional publication. These experience provide excellent preparation for graduate study.

Writing

Effective writing is a skill essential to a wide variety of fields. Whether you choose to pursue a freelance or corporate career, you'll be equipped to succeed in journalism, copywriting, copyediting, public relations, advertising, marketing and more.

WE ARE PROUD TO SEE OUR GRADUATES SERVING CHRIST THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AS SHARP-EARED, ELOQUENT SPEAKERS AND WRITERS AND AS PEOPLE OF INTEGRITY.
Dr. Jon Singleton

Department Chair

I believe a person's capabilities to properly converse, articulate thoughts, analyze literature and understand the English language are invaluable in maintaining an educated, well-rounded character. I hope to instill this understanding of the power of written and spoken words in my future students as well.
Logan S.

B.A. in English and Education

Understanding literature helps us understand the growth of humanity and society. Literature provides a world of imagination and a door into the minds of people from centuries before us. It’s critical to understanding the human experience.
Hallie D.

B.A. in English and Education

Studying English refines a skillset that can't be taught by an employer in the way that logistics or jargon can be. Our soft skills are personal and important to engaging well with others.
Alyssa T.

B.A. in English

Without literature, we would never know or even try to understand the hearts, emotions and thoughts of others before us and with us. Along with the benefits of broadening our worldviews and empathy comes the learning and polishing of critical thinking and writing skills that are so important to our world today.
Katie C.

B.A. in English and Education

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