Why study English at MC?
The English major emphasizes the study of linguistics, the various schools of literary criticism, and a broad range of literature, studied in its aesthetic, historical, cultural, political, and philosophical contexts. In all classes, students will read with discernment and will analyze and interpret literary form, structure, and style in various genres of writing. Students in this major are able to conduct independent research, orally articulate their ideas with confidence, and write with clarity, conciseness, appropriate organization and a level of usage and style suitable for an intended audience.
The Major in English is recommended for a variety of careers. The skills emphasized in organized thinking, writing, and research prepare the student not only for teaching and for the many branches of editing and publishing but also for other professions such as law, librarianship, and the ministry. These same skills are in demand in business and industry, where leadership positions go to those who can think logically and express themselves clearly.
ON CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES
Student staff members of The Highland Echo publish a 10-page campus newspaper every other week during the semester. Impressions, an annual publication and bimonthly online literary magazine, features artwork, creative writing and poetry submitted by MC students. Sigma Tau Delta, a national English honor society, publishes two literary journals of student work and holds an annual convention at which students may present academic work and creative writing.
Meet a Current Scot
Jenna Blair
Hometown: Bean Station, Tennessee
With a deep-rooted passion for literature and reading, majoring in English at MC just seemed like a natural choice for Jenna, she said.
“Reading started out as my escape when I was younger, and through my education at Maryville College, that still remains true, but I’ve also started developing the skills to critically think about what I’m reading, and how the messages in texts apply to me and the broader world,” she said.
As an English major on track for teacher licensure, she plans to teach English at the secondary level after graduating in 2024, and she looks to her own education as the inspiration she hopes to instill in others, she added.
“I’m grateful for my time thus far at Maryville College, and for my professors, who consistently challenge me to put my best foot forward and remind me that I’m on the right path,” she said. “I look forward to all of the opportunities I’ll be exposed to in the coming years.”
Meet a Recent Grad
Martina Junod ’21
Currently: English Teacher, Vine Middle Magnet School in Knoxville, Tennessee
In addition to student teaching, Martina worked in local educational tutoring programs, such as Friends in Blount County and Rockford Freedom Schools. “Teaching asks for a balance between patience and grit,” she said. “Detailed planning but simultaneously expecting everything to flip upside-down is a key skill for me in the classroom. Prioritize your students and have confidence in your creativity – that brings success.”
She credits MC’s faculty and the Career Center for helping her find meaningful teaching opportunities. “My mentors at MC built my confidence when it felt like the world doubted my abilities,” she said. “They taught me how to craft unshakable lesson plans.”