Undergraduate Program
Because the ability to communicate is a fundamental requirement of
national and international business, education, medicine, law, technology,
and other fields, improving communication skills is an integral part of
degree work in English at Indiana State University. The study of English
provides the skills and understanding needed to interact successfully with others,
regardless of ultimate career goals.
The Curriculum
The Department of English at Indiana State University offers several programs
to meet students' needs and appeal to their special interests. The Department
offers two basic majors in English: teaching and liberal arts. Those planning
to become teachers at the junior high/middle school or secondary level follow
the English teaching major, which combines English course work with classes and
practical experiences in education. Students preparing for careers in professional
writing, editing, or business as well as those planning advanced study in English,
related areas in the humanities, or law pursue the English liberal arts major.
In addition, students may earn a minor in liberal arts, English teaching,
or creative writing.
The Program
Courses for English majors, from freshman to senior levels, enroll approximately
20 to 30 students, which allows for close working relationships among faculty and
students and contributes to discussion and individualized instruction. Faculty
within the department are well prepared in a variety of fields, including British
and American literature, folklore, linguistics, rhetoric, and creative writing.
Most faculty hold doctoral degrees, and many edit journals, publish books and
articles, conduct research, and speak at national and international meetings
in their specialties. Although variations exist within specific majors and minors,
study includes work in writing; English, American, world, and multicultural literature;
literary criticism; and English language.
Scholarships,
Awards, and Financial Aid
English majors at Indiana State have various kinds of financial support a
number of awards presented to outstanding students majoring in English.
Most prestigious of these awards is the Hazel Tesh Pfennig Scholarship,
which normally exceeds $2,000 and is awarded to six to eight students during
their junior and senior years on the basis of academic excellence. Other scholarships
of lesser amounts are awarded in critical writing and creative writing or are
based on overall excellence in English studies. Financial aid is also available
in the form of loans, grants, and work-study programs administered by the
University's Office of Student Financial Aid. To receive more information
and an application for financial assistance, write the Office of Student
Financial Aid, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana 47809.
For information concerning the Pfennig Scholarship or other assistance
available to English majors, contact the Department of English.
Activities and Organizations
Students in the Department of English have numerous opportunities to
become involved in sponsored activities that can add to and expand
their studies, while providing chances to meet with people who share
similar interests.
Arion, the student writing club, provides a forum in which students
share their interests in creative writing. Each spring, club members
produce and publish a literary magazine, The Dolphin, which features student writings. Throughout the school year, Arion sponsors public readings of original works of students, faculty, and members of the local community. A visiting poet or novelist is also brought to campus each semester to give a reading, to conduct workshops, and to visit informally with students.
Sigma Tau Delta, an international honorary society for English majors
and minors, conducts literary contests, presents readings and lectures,
and sponsors activities within the community.
Career Opportunities
"From my standpoint, a background in English literature is a very
valuable commodity. Contrary to the emphasis on technology that pervades
media accounts of business, what actually happens in the business world
happens through clear, logical thinking, speaking, and writing."
Paul Saxton, President and CEO , General Housewares Corp.
Employers are discovering that hiring graduates with degrees in English
offers them people whose flexibility and creativity are needed in today's
dynamic world. English graduates are also highly valued for their
ability to express themselves and communicate new ideas and needs clearly.
English majors are finding career opportunities developing at the managerial
level in business and industry. A major in English also serves as excellent
preparation for advanced study in English and related areas, for research,
or for law school.