The Department of English at Clayton State University comprises three areas: General Education and support courses, the Bachelor of Arts in English and the Master of Arts in Teaching English. Through our General Education courses, the English department offers First-Year Writing courses and literature survey courses. The First-Year Writing Program is devised to strengthen and enhance all university students’ writing and critical thinking skills. Its cutting-edge curriculum develops and integrates the skills necessary for students to succeed both at university and in the work place. The literary survey courses introduce students to some of the greatest writings and ideas humankind has created, thus expanding their understanding of themselves and their cultures.

The Bachelor of Arts in English serves a diverse population of students through its three tracks: literature, writing and English education. Courses in this major broaden and deepen a student’s understanding of the great ideas and writings from ancient to contemporary times. The courses also help students to develop research skills and enhance their critical thinking skills through detailed and intensive analysis and synthesis, thus providing them with the resources to reflect upon the human experience and to apply their understanding to present issues and problems. The proficiencies and knowledge acquired through the English major offer students opportunities for success in a variety modes, including:

• graduate study (e.g. in English, library science, technical writing and creative writing);

• professional schools (e.g. law, medical, divinity); and

• careers in multiple fields (e.g. education, media marketing, public relations, and professional and technical writing).

The Master of Arts in Teaching English has two tracks: the certification track offers teacher candidates the opportunity for teaching certification in grades 6-12 English, while the post-secondary track allows candidates the chance to develop skills for teaching at the college level. Both tracks explore a wide range of literary works and composition theories, while instilling students with the skills necessary to succeed in teaching, whether at a secondary or college level.

Through these three areas, the English program affects and influences almost every student at Clayton State University. The program is dedicated to enhancing all students’ experiences at Clayton State University. It prepares its majors for their future endeavors and develops all students’ writing and critical thinking abilities. Finally, the English program is determined to help to create a vital community for literature and the arts on campus and in the surrounding community, thus strengthening the liberal arts component of the university and its connection with the wider community.