Language and Literature

Undergraduate

Jeanine Varner, Chair
ACU Box 28252
Abilene, Texas 79699-8252
Hardin Administration Building, Suite 212

Phone: 325-674-2263
Fax: 325-674-2408
Email: jbv07a@acu.edu
Web: www.acu.edu/language-literature
Blog: blogs.acu.edu/english

Faculty

Carolina Archer, Instructor
B. Cole Bennett, Professor
Brian Brown, Instructor
Laura Carroll, Associate Professor
William M. Carroll, Associate Professor
Suanna Davis, Assistant Professor
Mikee Delony, Associate Professor
Kyle Dickson, Professor
Jeremy Elliott, Associate Professor
Carol Evans, Instructor
Albert Haley, Professor
William Horn, Instructor
Steven T. Moore, Associate Professor
Yann Opsitch, Instructor
Sharon Rankin, Assistant Professor
Leslie Reed, Instructor
Paul Roggendorff, Assistant Professor
Shelly Sanders, Associate Professor
Joseph F. Stephenson, Associate Professor
Jeanine Varner, Professor
Beatriz Walker, Professor
Stephen R. Weathers, Associate Professor
Debbie Williams, Associate Professor
Todd Womble, Assistant Professor

The Department of Language and Literature offers the Bachelor of Arts in English, the Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, the Bachelor of Arts in English for Teacher Certification, and the Bachelor of Arts in Spanish for Teacher Certification. A minor in English, Professional Writing, French, German, Spanish, or Film may be added to other majors.

The Master of Arts in English is available with emphases in literature

Introduction

The goal of the Department of Language and Literature is to provide students with the core of a liberal education while also preparing them for satisfying careers. The study of languages, literature, rhetoric, and poetry is the student’s key to becoming a citizen of the world. Students develop a deep satisfaction when they can communicate with people outside their own country and linguistic background.

The Bachelor of Arts in English prepares students for graduate work in English, for careers as college English teachers, or for careers in technical or creative writing. It also provides preparatory education for law school, public relations, library science, personnel work, management, government work or the dozens of other fields that require broad reading, self-expression, an understanding of human nature and the ability to analyze and organize information. Since this degree allows a considerable number of elective hours, students majoring in English can often secure a major in a second field or a minor, thus enhancing their career options.

The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish prepares students for graduate work in Spanish, Hispanic and Romance Languages; for careers as college Spanish teachers; or for careers in translation and interpretation. It also provides preparatory education for law school, international public relations, library science, personnel work, management, government work, or the dozens of other fields that require broad reading, the ability to analyze and organize information, and multilingual and multicultural communication skills. Since this degree allows a considerable number of elective hours, students majoring in Spanish can often secure a major in a second field or a minor, thus enhancing their career options.

The Bachelor of Arts in English for Teacher Certification prepares students who wish to teach in high school with English as a single teaching field.

The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish for Teaching Certification prepares students who wish to teach in high school with Spanish as a single teaching field.

Admission Requirements

Before being admitted to a program, a student must satisfy the requirements listed in the ACT/SAT Placement Information  section of this catalog.

General Information

WebCAPE Placement Exam

WebCAPE French, German, or Spanish Test – strongly recommended for all students wishing to register for their first foreign language class at ACU (and for whom transfer, CLEP, or AP work). FREN 111 Beginning French I, GER 111 Beginning German I, and SPAN 111 Beginning Spanish I are strictly designed and reserved for students with no previous knowledge of the target language.

Language Placement Credit

Students who take the WebCAPE and whose first foreign language class at ACU is beyond the first semester level may earn additional language credit as follows:

• If the first foreign language class is at the second semester level (FREN 112, GER 112, or SPAN 112) and a grade of B- or higher is earned, three semester hours credit will also be awarded for the first semester course in the same language.
• If the first foreign language class is at the third semester level (FREN 221, GER 221, or SPAN 221) and a grade of B- or higher is earned, six semester hours credits will also be awarded for the first and second semester courses in the same language.
• If the first foreign language class is at the fourth semester level FREN 222, GER 222, or SPAN 222) and a grade of B- or higher is earned, nine semester hours credit will also be awarded for the first through third semester courses in the same language.
• If the first foreign language class is an advanced course (FREN 30+, GER 3+, or SPAN 3+) and a grade of B- or higher is earned, twelve semester hour credit will also be awarded for the first through fourth semester courses in the same language.

English Placement Exam

Students may challenge ACT or SAT placements by taking the English Placement Exam. Placement tests may be attempted twice but should be completed before the semester starts. Placement exam results expire after two years. Students are not eligible for placement after beginning any ENGL course.

Study Abroad Expectations

All students are encouraged to participate in ACU’s Study Abroad program. Classes offered at Study Abroad sites vary depending on the site. Spanish Majors and Minors are strongly encouraged to participate in our Immersion Semester in Uruguay (Montevideo) or another immersion program. French Minors are strongly encouraged to participate in our French study abroad summer or another immersion program. Students should consult with their advisor as soon as possible.German minors are strongly encouraged to participate in our study abroad program in Leipzig or another immersion program.

Foreign Language for Native Speakers of Other Languages

A special provision exists for the satisfaction of foreign language requirements (under the university requirements) by students for whom English is a second language. Students seeking to fulfill the foreign language requirements by the alternative means listed below must (if requested to do so) be able to demonstrate to the chair of the Department of Language and Literature native (L1) proficiency in a language other than English (not a dialect of English). The student’s native language need not be one of those offered by the Department of Language and Literature.

University Requirements

The requirement for “Foreign Language – 2 high school units or 6 hours” will be satisfied upon successful completion of the university requirement for “English – composition: ENGL 111 or equivalent (3) and Literature (3)” for students who qualify as non-native speakers of English (see above).

Bachelor of Arts Degree

For all Bachelor of Arts degree programs having a requirement for “foreign language – sophomore level – 6 hours,” that requirement will be satisfied upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts requirement for English – composition: ENGL 112 (3) and a second Literature course (3) for students who qualify as non-native speakers of English (see above).
Under this special provision, college credit will be granted for the English courses, but not for any ESL (English as a Second Language) course. Students will still need to complete the prescribed number of hours for particular degree programs (usually this will mean that a Bachelor of Arts degree student will need an additional 12 hours of electives to replace the 12 hours of foreign language that were satisfied by the alternative means outlined above).

Graduate

English

Jeanine Varner, Chair

William Carroll, Graduate Director
ACU Box 28252
Abilene, Texas 79699-8252
Hardin Administration Building Suite 211B

Phone: 325-674-2556
Fax: 325-674-2408
Email: william.carroll@acu.edu
Web: www.acu.edu/grad

Faculty

B. Cole Bennett, Professor
Laura Carroll, Associate Professor
William Carroll, Associate Professor
Suanna Davis, Assistant Professor
Mikee Delony, Associate Professor
Kyle Dickson, Professor
Jeremy Elliot, Assistant Professor
Al Haley, Professor
Steven T. Moore, Associate Professor
Shelly Sanders, Associate Professor
Joseph F. Stephenson, Associate Professor
Darryl Tippens, Professor
Jeanine Varner, Professor
Stephen R. Weathers, Associate Professor
Debbie Williams, Professor
Todd Womble, Assistant Professor

Introduction

Graduate courses in English at ACU are aimed at preparing students for entry in PhD programs, terminal MFA programs, law programs, or for seeking employment in a field for which an advanced degree in English is of direct benefit. As one of a very few religiously-based institutions to offer an MA in English (according to Peterson’s Christian Colleges and Universities, ACU is one of only three CCCU schools and the only university affiliated with Churches of Christ to offer such a program), ACU is uniquely situated to prepare Christian scholars for service and leadership throughout the world.

The Department of Language and Literature offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree in English. This MA is a general degree in English, but has three courses of study for students interested in particular subfields of English studies: a literature track, a composition/rhetoric track, and a writing track. Each of these tracks is aimed at giving students the broadest preparation possible for work in their particular subfield.

Graduate students begin their study with core courses that emphasize intersections of faith and English studies, teacher training and pedagogical exploration, and scholarly production.

The literature track asks students to explore the critical and theoretical approaches to texts written in the various literary periods and exposes students to writers from across the literary spectrum. Courses in this track emphasize student research, writing, and presentation. Students have the option of thesis or non-thesis plans.

The composition and rhetoric track offers students advanced training in current pedagogical rhetorical theory, and is designed primarily for those interested in teaching composition. This track emphasizes student research, writing, and presentation. Students have the option of thesis or non-thesis plans.

The writing track emphasizes creative writing or technical and professional writing by means of courses conducted through workshopping, reading, and writing. A portfolio thesis is required for all students in this track.

All degree plans involve 36 hours of course work (18 of which must be conducted at the 600-level) with up to 6 hours dedicated to thesis writing and another 6 hours available for courses in a support field offered by another department or program. A 3-hour guided study option is required of non-thesis students to help them prepare for comprehensive exams.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the MA in English are:

1. A completed application for admission with a nonrefundable application fee.
2. An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended.
   1. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent.
   2. The transcript should reflect a competence in a second language (usually demonstrated through the completion of sophomore-level foreign language).
   3. The transcript should reflect 12 hours of upper-division English courses.
   4. The transcript should reflect a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Two letters of recommendation.
4. An official GRE score.
5. Purpose statement identifying the applicant’s reason for pursuing graduate study and future goals; and
6. A writing sample in either:
   1. A sample critical essay (maximum of 15 pages) that demonstrates the applicant’s capacity for interpretation and literary analysis, or
   2. A sample creative writing in prose or poetry (maximum of 20 pages) if the student intends to pursue the writing emphasis track. Writing samples will not be returned unless a self-addressed, stamped envelope is provided.

Applicants who fail to meet one or more admission requirements may be admitted conditionally. A letter to the student will specify the procedures and deadlines for satisfying the entrance requirements.

Except for the language requirement, deficiencies ordinarily must be satisfied during the first semester of study.

Programs

• English, Composition/Rhetoric, MA (ENGL-ENCO)
• English, Literature, MA (ENGL-ENLI)
• English, Writing, MA (ENGL-ENWR)

• English for Teacher Certification, BA (ENGT)
• English, BA (ENGL)
• Spanish for Teacher Certification, BA (SPNT)
• Spanish, BA (SPAN)

• English Minor (ENGL)
• Film Minor (FILM)
• French Minor (FREN)
• German Minor (GER)
• Professional Writing Minor (ENGW)
• Spanish Minor (SPAN)

Courses

• ENGL 003 - Academic Literacies
• ENGL 004 - Academic Literacies Workshop
• ENGL 006 - Academic Composition Workshop
• ENGL 007 - Rhetoric and Persuasion Workshop
• ENGL 106 - Academic Composition
• ENGL 107 - Rhetoric and Persuasion
• ENGL 111 - Composition and Rhetoric
• ENGL 112 - Composition and Literature
• ENGL 221 - Major British Writers I
• ENGL 222 - Major British Writers II
• ENGL 231 - World Literature I
• ENGL 232 - World Literature II
• ENGL 262 - American Literature Before 1900
• ENGL 263 - American Literature After 1900
• ENGL 301 - Introduction to the Major
• ENGL 311 - Literary Theory and Criticism
• ENGL 320 - Creative Nonfiction Workshop
• ENGL 321 - Screenwriting
• ENGL 322 - Fiction Workshop
• ENGL 323 - Poetry Workshop
• ENGL 324 - Play Writing Workshop
• ENGL 325 - Advanced Composition
• ENGL 326 - Business and Professional Writing
• ENGL 327 - Scientific and Technical Writing
• ENGL 328 - Social Justice: A Rhetoric
• ENGL 329 - Rhetoric as Written Discourse
• ENGL 330 - Advanced English Grammar
• ENGL 331 - Narrative for Film and New Media
• ENGL 332 - Introduction to Film Studies
• ENGL 333 - Studies in World Cinema
• ENGL 351 - Literature for Young Adults
• ENGL 362 - American Literature Before 1860
• ENGL 363 - American Literature After 1860
• ENGL 376 - Fiction
• ENGL 377 - Drama
• ENGL 378 - Poetry
• ENGL 380 - Interactive Narratives
• ENGL 401 - Guided Study: Literary Criticism
• ENGL 402 - Guided Study: Writing
• ENGL 406 - Guided Study: American Literature
• ENGL 407 - Guided Study: General Literature
• ENGL 409 - Guided Study: British Literature After 1700
• ENGL 410 - Language and Literature Internship
• ENGL 432 - Introduction to Linguistics
• ENGL 441 - Topics in Literary Criticism and Bibliography
• ENGL 442 - Topics in Writing
• ENGL 443 - Topics in the English Language
• ENGL 445 - Topics in Teaching English and Reading
• ENGL 446 - Topics in American Literature
• ENGL 447 - Topics in General Literature
• ENGL 448 - Topics in British Literature Before 1700
• ENGL 449 - Topics in British Literature After 1700
• ENGL 459 - English for Secondary Teachers
• ENGL 464 - American Novel
• ENGL 470 - Multicultural Literature
• ENGL 471 - Literature and Belief
• ENGL 472 - Film and Belief
• ENGL 473 - Rhetoric and Belief
• ENGL 481 - Medieval British Literature
• ENGL 483 - Shakespeare
• ENGL 484 - Seventeenth-Century British Literature
• ENGL 495 - Eighteenth-Century British Literature
• ENGL 496 - Nineteenth-Century British Literature
• ENGL 497 - Twentieth-Century British Literature
• ENGL 499 - Studies in World Literature
• ENGL 520 - Creative Nonfiction Workshop
• ENGL 522 - Fiction Workshop
• ENGL 523 - Poetry Workshop
• ENGL 525 - Advanced Composition
• ENGL 526 - Business and Professional Writing
• ENGL 529 - Rhetoric as Written Discourse
• ENGL 530 - Advanced English Grammar
• ENGL 532 - Introduction to Linguistics
• ENGL 551 - Literature for Young Adults
• ENGL 558 - Teaching English as a Second Language
• ENGL 562 - American Literature Before 1860
• ENGL 563 - American Literature After 1860
• ENGL 564 - American Novel
• ENGL 570 - Multicultural Literature
• ENGL 571 - Literature and Belief
• ENGL 572 - Film and Belief
• ENGL 576 - Fiction
• ENGL 577 - Drama
• ENGL 578 - Poetry
• ENGL 581 - Medieval British Literature
• ENGL 583 - Shakespeare
• ENGL 584 - Seventeenth-Century British Literature
• ENGL 595 - Eighteenth-Century British Literature
• ENGL 596 - Nineteenth-Century British Literature
• ENGL 597 - Twentieth-Century British Literature
• ENGL 610 - Studies in American Literature
• ENGL 612 - Studies in British Literature
• ENGL 613 - Literary Theory and Faith
• ENGL 615 - World Literature
• ENGL 620 - Literary Research Methods and Publication
• ENGL 622 - Rhetoric and Belief
• ENGL 623 - Discourse Theory
• ENGL 624 - Non-Traditional Rhetoric
• ENGL 625 - Rhetorical Methods and Publication
• ENGL 631 - Contexts: Studies in a Single Author
• ENGL 633 - Connections: Studies in a Literary Period