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
Austin McKee
Hometown: Vonore, Tennessee
As an English major, Austin has found not only improvement in his writing, editing and communication skills, but also enrichment in critical analysis and thought and in researching and discussing all types of literature. He is also grateful for the opportunities offered at MC, such as writing for the College’s newspaper of record, the Highland Echo, as well as serving as a Peer Mentor and president of the Student Government Association.
Austin said that while pursuing a higher education may be intimidating, his professors at MC have provided him “with the momentum to continuously question the status quo through the use of critical analysis and make me strive for a better future not just for myself, but for every person I share my life with.”
Meet a Recent Grad
Erika Donovan ’22
Currently: Teaching 8th Grade Language Arts at Maryville Junior High School
Erika transferred to the College as a Writing Communication major but shifted to English with Teacher Licensure after realizing she wanted to teach. Having recently finished a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Erika’s new career goals involve pursuing a master’s degree in Literacy and becoming a reading specialist.
She appreciates MC for providing a plethora of hands-on learning experiences that set her up for success. “Starting my junior year, I was in a classroom, learning from real teachers in a real classroom setting,” she said. Those experiences, coupled with instruction from exceptional professors who “poured their wealth of knowledge” into her, prepared her to run her own classroom from day one, she said.
