English

The Department of English

The goal of English studies at York College is to grow souls, to produce people who will lead productive and satisfying lives. The great literature of the ages can give wisdom and insight into the human condition; it nurtures our understanding, our compassion and all that is highest and best in us; and so in a hundred ways it can help us feed our souls as Christians.

As a student of English at York College, you will:

Develop skills in effective reading, higher-level writing, and critical thinking.
Broaden your understanding of many types of literature, including film and young adult literature.
Experience highly personal interaction with faculty and other students in upper level classes.

The English Department offers classes in British, American, and world literature; composition; creative writing and poetry; critical theory; and the teaching of English. A Bachelor of Arts in English could lead to a career in publishing/editing; copyrighting and advertising; public relations and professional communication; and English education, to name a few.

As a York College English student, you will also be well prepared for graduate or professional studies in literature, rhetoric, writing, law, communication, and education. The Department of English also cooperates with the Department of Education to offer the Bachelor of Arts in Secondary English Education (7-12).

If you have questions about the English Department, or would like to schedule a tour of the major, please contact Dr. Aleshia O'Neal, Chair of the Department of English. We look forward to meeting you!

Be More in the York English Department

Meet Our Faculty

Dr. Aleshia J. O'Neal
Chair of the English Department
Professor of English

Dr. Steven Hardy
Professor of English

Courses

Some of the courses you may take include:

English Composition I/II
World Literature
Film Appreciation
American Literature I/II
Major British Writers I/II
Advanced Composition
Shakespeare
Novel

Poetry
Creative Writing
Film as Literature
Literary Criticism
Intro to Linguistics
Short Story
Special Topics in English
Senior Capstone: Research and Professional Writing

Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society

Sigma Tau Delta is an international English honor society with an active chapter at York College. Members must meet certain academic criteria to be included in the society. At York College, Sigma Tau Delta hosts an annual writers workshop as well as other activities, such as open mic poetry nights, that promote literature. The society also produces the publication Unvarnished Words.

Sigma Tau Delta strives to:

Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
Serve society by fostering literacy.

Unvarnished Words

Alumni Success

Luke Hawley '04
Author, Winner, Nebraska Book Award
English Professor, Dordt College
Singer, Songwriter, The Ruralists

Megan McKinney Todd '06
Director of Strategic Planning & Development
GoodLife Innovations

Nathana Clay '11
Christian Blogger/Author/ Entrepreneur

Mark Houston '06
PhD Student, Rhetoric and Composition
University of Nebraska Lincoln

Department Learning Outcomes

The learner will read and analyze literature in a variety of genres.
The learner will produce collegiate-level writing.
The learner will demonstrate understanding of the various contexts (e.g. social, political, cultural, and historical) that influence literary and other texts.
The learner will produce effectively written scholarly research papers.

In the News

Learn More About the English Department

Schedule Your Campus Visit