The Department of English Studies and Journalism

The intensive study of language draws us to ask challenging questions of ourselves and our students and work together on the answers that will move us forward individually and collectively.

We understand and shape the world by developing clear communication, critical thinking, creativity, and empathy.

We teach a wide range of subjects within English Studies:

Foundation Courses in Writing, Journalism, and Literature

We encourage students from every level and discipline to take Human Textuality to explore the diverse and exciting areas of study within English Studies which include writing studies, cultural studies, linguistics, English education, critical theory, creative writing and literature. Human Textuality is our introduction to English Studies. 

At the sophomore level, we encourage students from every discipline to take ENGL 201 Persuasive Writing—a course designed to increase successful writing for a wide range of professional and academic contexts. This course provides students the chance to understand research as a creative discovery process. Student-driven projects provide an engaging context in which to strengthen research, writing, and information literacy skills.

Students also gain foundational skills and knowledge in writing, journalism, and literature by taking courses like Introduction to Journalism, and any of the introductory 200-level courses in American and British Literature. 

Advanced Writing and Research Courses

More advanced courses at the 300- and 400-level provide students with the opportunity to put their foundational skills and knowledge into practice as they build their levels of expertise and develop more in-depth areas of interest within English Studies. In courses such as English Language, or the 300-level Focus on Literature series, students get the practice they need to be able to write and research in English Studies. Above all we encourage students to approach upper-level coursework as an opportunity to become stronger analytic thinkers and more intellectually advanced creators.  

Creative Writing Courses

Creative Writing courses allow students to expand their writing skills in a variety of genres, including poetry, prose fiction, and creative nonfiction. Students work closely with faculty and in small groups to improve their writing and revising skills. Writers are encouraged to explore form, structure, and meaning as well as to experiment with various ways to showcase their work, in print, in person, and through performance. Creative Writing classes help students strengthen their communications and critical thinking skills and are an excellent preparation for careers utilizing professional and business writing. 

Journalism Courses 

Journalism courses help students see the world from the perspective of a journalist, including honing skills like interviewing, covering meetings and events, and writing across platforms. Students also are introduced to the role journalism and journalists play in society, both past and present. Ethics, critical thinking, and learning to discern “real” from “fake” news are at the core of the coursework.

Topics Courses

Topics courses allow professors to teach subjects of interest to students that reside outside the range of required subject matter. Courses like Women Write their Rights, Zombies and American Culture, Detroit, Narrative and Artificial Intelligence, History through the Lens of Journalism, and Journalism Ethics Through Film often include unique experiential learning opportunities and collaborative projects. 

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

We encourage the interdisciplinary interests of students. Many students in the English Studies and Journalism program concurrently earn a major or minor in other fields of study. These have included political science, biology, environmental science, philosophy, history, theatre, art, religion, social work, business, teacher education, modern languages, mathematics, and psychology. We support interdisciplinary perspectives and projects that are unique to individual students.

We mentor students through a range of experiential learning opportunities that are directly linked to the advancement of their professional and academic goals.

Students write and edit the weekly online edition of The College World and do a layout and design of a monthly print edition.

Oxcart, the college’s literary arts magazine, provides students with hands-on experience in editing and publishing. Student editors write pieces for publication, in addition to soliciting writing and artwork from other students. They then edit and design the magazine for a yearly print edition as well as for monthly online editions on the Oxcart website.   

Internships are encouraged for all students. Faculty support students in their internships by helping them look at opportunities that may not be directly in the realm of writing or literature, but in which their writing skills and critical thinking skills are utilized. Recent internships have included working in a law firm, assisting with marketing and public relations in various campus and off-campus organizations, working for the local daily paper, and many others. 

Like other disciplines, students in the Department of English Studies and Journalism have many opportunities to study abroad. Students may choose, for example, a semester-long immersion in a particular country or complete a course that culminates in a 10-day trip to another country. Sometimes, students do a mini-study trip to a location in the United States, such as Washington, D.C. Recent trips have included London and Paris, Italy, and Scandinavia.  

Work Study/Campus Employment in the English Department

College World is an approved Campus Employment location. Students should apply through the AC employment portal before classes begin in the fall semester.

Students may also apply to work as peer writing consultants in the Writing Center (link).

We advise students on how to complete the degree option in English Studies and Journalism that works best for each individual. 

Major in English Studies

Minor in English Studies

Minor in Journalism

Associate Degree in English Studies

Current Student Work

English 203, Creative Writing, students write book reviews for new bestsellers that are published on the Schultz-Holmes Memorial Library Bulldog Book Reviews Page:

http://www.blissfieldlibrary.org/Pages/Index/91133/bulldog-book-reviews

English major and member of the class of 2021 Lillian Brueckman’s short story “Disconnected” was published by Idle Ink: 

https://idleink.org/2020/05/02/disconnected-by-lillian-brueckman/  

Alumni Profiles