English (BA)

Vision Statement

The skills and knowledge of English are essential for student success in virtually all areas of society. To meet the challenges of modern culture, students need to be clear and effective both in writing and speaking. They need to be critical and insightful readers, skilled information processors, and lifelong learners. With the guidance of the UMFK English faculty, our students will graduate from the University of Maine at Fort Kent as valuable contributors to the world in which we live.

Mission Statement

The mission of the English Program at the University of Maine at Fort Kent is to help students improve their abilities to read, write, and think critically and creatively. Through the study of literature and the instruction of writing in various forms, the English Program endeavors to promote in our majors and minors, both, a deep understanding of our discipline and an active use of its practices. In the course of their studies with our program, students will be exposed to the traditional canon of British, American, and World literature as well as to non-canonical authors and works from various cultural traditions. Students will be asked to apply a variety of literary theories, including traditional close reading and recent methods of critical inquiry, and they will be asked to examine, question, and consider their own thoughts and ideas about literary and cultural history. The English Program serves the University of Maine at Fort Kent and the larger community by providing a wide array of courses that foster sound research, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and competent writing and speaking.

Program Description/Goals

The English Major in the Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for students who seek broad knowledge in the humanities through the study of literature and writing. Students may consider equally broad areas when applying this knowledge. Some possibilities include business, social work, government, education, creative arts, and/or graduate school. Emphasis is on the exploration of works in British, American, Comparative Literature, the study of critical theory, the understanding of language and culture, and the enhancement of writing and research skills.

The UMFK English Major consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours plus several options for taking: a) major and minor, b) a major and concentration, or c) double majoring.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who have completed a B.A. in English will be able to:

1. Provide evidence of competencies in critical reading, critical thinking, cultural awareness, and written and verbal communication through successful completion of a senior electronic portfolio and assessment;
2. Demonstrate an expertise in interpreting, critiquing, and appreciating a variety of literary texts;
3. Contribute to academic discourse, and display refined communicative and critical thinking skills;
4. Develop a professional attitude towards literary studies including the ability to apply various theoretical approaches to a variety of texts. In doing so, students should demonstrate an awareness of the worldviews of various human cultures and historical eras considered by literary studies;
5. Create documents that are appropriately addressed to the intended audience, and which utilize appropriate rhetorical strategies, grammar, and mechanics;
6. Demonstrate familiarity with current research technologies and resources and the ability to appropriately document researched materials;
7. Demonstrate familiarity with major literary periods, works, authors, terminology, critical theories, and issues in the field of literary studies; and
8. Competitively apply to graduate or professional schools, teaching positions, or other professions with the analytical and critical skills developed in the course of literary studies.