English and Linguistics

Department of English and Linguistics
College of Arts and Sciences

Liberal Arts Building 145 ~ 260-481-6841

Hardin Aasand, Chair and Professor
Suzanne Rumsey, Lead Advisor
Debrah Huffman, Director of Writing
Shannon Bischoff, Program Director, Teaching English as a New Language
Abe Schwab, Program Director, Medical Ethics
Charlene Elsby, Director of Philosophy
Lewis Roberts, Graduate Director
Shanté Howard, Secretary
Carrie Adams, Secretary

The Department of English and Linguistics offers courses that cover all periods of British and American literature; in special topics, such as children’s literature; and in writing, film study, linguistics, folklore, and mythology.  Degree programs in English and minors in creative writing, English, folklore, linguistics, and professional writing are designed for students who desire a humanistic education.  The program in English offers excellent preparation for many different careers.

Literary study provides a basis for understanding various forms of cultural expression; writing skills are a powerful tool in an age dominated by information technologies; linguistics teaches the structure and function of language; folklore introduces the student to voices otherwise neglected by a dominant culture. The Bachelor of Arts with a major in English is appropriate for those who wish to enter a graduate or professional school.  Degree options also prepare students for careers in teaching, writing, and business communications.

The Teaching English as a New Language (TENL) certificate program is offered through the department at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The Medical Ethics certificate is also offered as both an undergraduate and a post-baccalaureate program.  Other minors available include Philosophy; and Professional and Applied Ethics.

For details on these programs, see Program Descriptions  in this catalog.

For details on pursuing a second major in secondary education to teach English in middle school/high school, see the School of Educaiton Secondary Education  section in this catalog.