Department of Language and Literature

The aims of the English courses are to help the student learn to write with a high level of accuracy, effectiveness, and fluency; to give emphasis to research techniques, particularly for prospective graduate students in English; and to help the student to develop the ability to read critically and appreciatively the best of English, American, and continental literature.

The aims of the foreign language courses are to develop foreign language skills, which enable the student to engage in oral and written communication with other peoples of the world and to provide an auxiliary skill in professions; to develop in students a linguistic sense sufficient for students to be able to compare a native tongue with other languages; to give students, through readings in foreign language, a background of the culture of the nations that use the language; and to enable students to read scientific, literary, and other texts in a foreign language.

Students interested in pursuing a degree in teacher education should refer to the Teacher Education Program Requirements for program admission, progression, and graduation requirements.

Foreign Studies

William Carey University offers study tours to Europe, Israel, Asia, the Near East, and Latin America. In addition, William Carey students enter competitions for Fulbright, Rotary, and other prestigious programs for foreign study. Students may also attend a program of study at Linyi University in China. Additional programs are available through the Consortium for Global Education (CGE).

Credit for a course taken by a student enrolled in a foreign university course of study (including course number, lectures, examinations) will be treated the same as transfer credit from another institution in this country.

Courses of foreign study, limited to six hours toward degree requirements, require prior approval by the associate provost for academic affairs, and are counted as elective credit.

Students may also attend a program of study at the Texas Tech Center of Seville in Spain. In this program, students enroll in classes as William Carey students and may earn WCU credits, which will count towards Spanish majors and minors with no need to transfer hours.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program of study, graduates will be able to demonstrate:

English, B.A.

in-depth knowledge of literature, including a broad knowledge of literary history and the canon as well as a knowledge of literary theory and practices/processes of reading texts;
in-depth knowledge of language, linguistics, and composition theory/practice; and
writing proficiency.

English (7-12 Licensure), B.A.

in-depth knowledge of literature, including a broad knowledge of literary history and the canon as well as a knowledge of literary theory and practices/processes of reading texts;
in-depth knowledge of language, linguistics, composition theory/practice, and writing proficiency;
knowledge and application of individual and group motivation and behavior to build an active learning environment;
classroom management strategies that encourage positive social interaction, active learning, and self-motivation;
effective professional dispositions required to build a safe, growing learning environment in which all students can learn;
understanding of how students differ in their approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners;
a variety of curriculum planning skills to plan an integrated unit of study (objectives, procedures, assessment, and differentiated instruction);
content knowledge and performance skills across content pedagogy courses and assessment tests in preparation for the final field experience; and
pedagogical knowledge and application skills in learning and teaching.

Spanish, B.A.

competence in Spanish listening/comprehension skills and in the understanding of listening for social cues appropriate to Spanish and Latin American cultures;
competence in speaking skills in Spanish, using appropriate language behaviors for speaking situations in Spanish and Latin American cultures;
writing proficiency by analyzing and expressing their understanding of Hispanic cultures in contrast to their own, and using appropriate use of the language structures and vocabulary; and
reading proficiency in Spanish literature and printed media.

Programs

Major

Minor