Department of English and Foreign Languages

Faculty

Coordinator: Dr. Beatrice McKinsey

 

English Faculty

Professors: Dr. Jim Kim, Dr. Ruby Lewis, Dr. Hugh Wilson, and Dr. Doris William Smith

Associate Professors: Dr. Edward Black, Dr. James Clawson, Dr. Mica Gould, Dr. David Hodges, Dr. Uju Ifeanyi, Dr. Beatrice McKinsey, Dr. Jennifer McMullen, and Dr. Thomas Tracy

Assistant Professors: Dr. Charles Snodgrass and Dr. Evelyn Wynn

Lecturers:  Ms. Catherine Bonner, Ms. Bernie Evans, and Mr. Darren Matthews

 

Foreign Language Faculty

Professor: Dr. Chimegsaikhan Banzar

Assistant Professor:  Dr. Miguel De Feo and Dr. Samuel Moody

 

Overview

The Department of English and Foreign Languages seeks to promote the literary heritage of language and to provide instruction in written and oral communication skills that underlie all disciplines. As such, the department is dedicated to helping students develop their reading, writing, critical thinking, and information technology skills to facilitate success in all their studies. In so doing, the department seeks to help students expand their horizons, clarify their thoughts, develop their imaginations and their abilities while enhancing their ethical sensitivity and promoting an appreciation of diverse cultures through literature. The department also aims to have students better understand other cultures and civilizations. In order to further these goals, exposure to literary masterpieces that reflect the hopes and aspirations, anxieties, frustrations, successes, and failures of humanity is an integral part of the curriculum. The Department of English and Foreign Languages promotes diverse modalities of instruction, scholarly research, and community service.

The department also seeks to increase student preparation for the Praxis examination on topics in American Literature, English Literature, Composition, Research and Linguistics.  Through workshops, varied reading, and recurrent writing, the development of the literary imagination, the sharpening of intellectual reasoning, and the encouragement of ethical reflection, the department aspires to prepare students for careers and post-graduate studies.

Additionally, the department also seeks to prepare students to minor in French and Spanish in the fields that extensively use languages.  All students who take foreign language courses are better prepared for the job market and to understand other cultures and civilizations.

 

English Concentration (General)

The Department of English and Foreign Languages offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English with a concentration in General English. English majors are required to complete 18 semester hours of English core courses and 36 semester hours of courses in General English Concentration. English majors must complete the requirements of the General Education Program, and earn grades of “C” or higher in English and supporting courses.

 

African-American Literature Concentration

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English, with a concentration in African American Literature is awarded to candidates who complete the 120 hour program in general English, or African- American Literature. The program leads to initial teacher licensure (certification) at the secondary level.

 

Minor

The department offers a minor in English, French, and/or Spanish that requires the completion of 18 credit hours in upper-division (300-400 level) courses.  See department head or advisor for specifics.

 

Writing Enhancement Lab

The Writing Enhancement Lab is under the direction of the Department of English and Foreign Languages and is available to all students enrolled at the University. The laboratory assists GSU students in the improvement of writing skills and offers assistance to students with any writing assignment. The lab is staffed by a director and student tutors. The Writing Enhancement Lab sponsors workshops on how to develop a research paper. The topics presented in the workshop include: avoiding plagiarism; selecting a research topic; developing a thesis statement; evaluating sources; introducing sources in a paper; and developing a formal outline. The Writing Enhancement Lab’s regular hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

Foreign Language Lab

The Foreign Language Lab is under the direction of the Department of English and Foreign Languages.  The lab provides students with the latest technologies to enhance their language learning.  The lab is equipped with state-of the-art computers, a smartboard, a variety of foreign language and cultural DVDs, CDs, videos and tapes designed to aid students in building their language skills.  Students are encouraged to access foreign language websites, listen to dialogues and songs in the target language, employ Internet-based exercises, watch news and view films pertaining to current events and cultures of the countries whose language they are studying.

General English Curriculum Plan

Freshman Year

English 101 & 102

6

Biology 103, 105

4

Biology 104, 106

4

First Year Experience 101 & 102

2

History 101

3

History 104

3

Mathematics 147 & 148

6

Social Science 101

3

Total Hours

31

 

Sophomore Year

English 200

3

English 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 213, or 219

6

Art 210

3

Economics 201

3

Foreign Language

6

Humanities 200, 201, 202, or 301

6

Physical Science 105

3

General Education Testing 300

0

Total Hours

30

 

Junior Year

English 301 and/or 302*

3-6

English 310

3

English 311

3

English Electives**

6

Electives***

12

Philosophy 201

3

Total Hours

30-33

 

Senior Year

English 401 and/or 402*

3-6

English 404

3

English 407

3

English 408

3

English 420

3

English 451

3

English Electives**

1-3

Electives***

5

Total Hours

26-29

TOTAL

120

 

*English Literature Concentration requires 6 hours of English Literature (ENG 301 and 302) and 3 hours of American Literature (ENG 401 or 402);

*American Literature Concentration requires 6 hours of American Literature (ENG 401 and 402) and 3 hours of English Literature (ENG 301 or ENG 302).

**English Electives can be chosen from any of the 300-400 level English courses. Students must complete 9 hours of English electives courses.

*** Electives must be approved by advisor and department head.