English Writing and Publication Studies
English Writing and Publication Studies
Introduction
English Writing and Publication Studies focuses on producing skilled, versatile, and effective writers by training students in diverse approaches to and modes of writing. As a Writing and Publication Studies major, you will study texts and publications that reflect a wide array of historical eras, movements, and genres as you develop your skills as a creative, analytical and expository writer, highly qualified for a wide range of careers.
The Writing and Publication Studies faculty consists of composition specialists and published authors in a variety of genres, ranging from novels and short stories to nonfiction books and scholarly articles. Throughout the major, we foster and reinforce an interdisciplinary approach that encourages students to apply their skills in multiple fields and contexts.
Students who major in English Writing and Publication Studies (WRPS) can choose from a wide range of courses that meet a variety of needs and demands, including:
- creative writing and nonfiction writing courses
- introductory and advanced courses in composition and literary studies
- Courses in British and American literature ranging from surveys to advanced classes that focus on particular themes and historical or cultural moments
- genre studies ranging from fiction, poetry and drama to film, television, and the graphic novel
- special topics courses and internships
Objectives of Composition Courses
The primary goal of courses in our program is to help students become competent readers and writers by providing them with challenging texts and ample opportunities to practice their skills of critical thinking and expression. Toward this end, our faculty have set the following four objectives. All students completing the core curriculum will demonstrate:
- proficiency in expository writing with Standard American English grammar, punctuation, and usage
- proficiency in critical reading
- the ability to assimilate, organize, and develop ideas logically and effectively
- an understanding of the rudiments of research-based writing, including accurate and ethical citation and MLA documentation
Objectives of English Writing and Publication Studies Major Courses
All students completing the baccalaureate program in English Writing and Publication Studies will be prepared to pursue careers in which a proficiency in critical reading, critical thinking, and various kinds of writing is important. Writing and Publication Studies majors might pursue careers in digital content creation, sports writing, marketing, copywriting, editing, creative writing, public relations, education, or any field in which critical thinking, persuasion, and clear written communication are key. They also will be prepared to pursue graduate studies in English and in other professional areas, such as law, medicine, or journalism. In addition, students who wish to prepare for a career in teaching may do so by completing a major in English Writing and Publication Studies. For each of these endeavors, our majors will demonstrate:
- a nuanced understanding of literary craft, genre, and the evolving relationship between writing and culture
- the ability to interpret texts, to read critically, and to express critical ideas, both in oral discussion and in written work
- critical and analytical judgment, both in oral discussion and in written work
- The ability to write creatively, critically, and analytically and to adapt to the conventions and requirements of the various modes of professional writing
- the ability to carry out responsible and meaningful research and to adapt to discipline-specific style requirements
Assessment of Learning Objectives
Success in achieving the objectives of the English Writing and Publication Studies major will be demonstrated as follows:
- completion of each major course with a grade of C- or better
- satisfactory performance on the senior thesis and its presentation
Students preparing for graduate study in English or law are encouraged to take the GRE or the LSAT.
Awards
Outstanding majors in our program may receive one of the following awards during the annual Honors Day program:
- the Walter D. Jones Award for Excellence in Composition and Scholarship
- the Murial B. Williams Award for Excellence in Literary Studies
- the Francis Marion Chalker Medlock Prize for Poetry
The Jones award is given to the student whose paper written for a major course is judged as outstanding by a panel of reviewers. The Williams award is given to the student who is deemed by the WRPS faculty to demonstrate the highest standards of scholarship and who contributes the most to the advancement of literary studies among WRPS majors at LaGrange College. The Medlock Prize is awarded to the student who has demonstrated a love of and appreciation for poetry and who shows great promise as an aspiring poet.
In addition, each spring at Honors Day, recognition goes to the most outstanding essay composed for a Rhetoric and Composition course (ENGL 1101 or 1102) during the current academic year. Each winning essay is published in the next year’s edition of the LaGrange College Handbook of Rhetoric & Composition.
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Tau Delta is the international English honor society. The society strives to confer distinction upon students who have demonstrated high achievement in English language and literature. Qualifications for membership are as follows:
- formal declaration of major or minor in English Writing and Publication Studies
- successful completion of ENGL 1101, 1102, and at least one WRPS course at the 3000 level or above
- overall GPA of at least 3.0
- English GPA of 3.5.
Writing Center
LaGrange College maintains a Writing Center, which serves the college community by providing advice and support for student writers. The Writing Center is directed by Dr. Justin Thurman, who trains students to serve as peer writing consultants. These tutors are available at regularly scheduled hours or by appointment.
Students who would like to serve as peer tutors but are ineligible for work-study funding may enroll in TCHA 4492 (On-Campus Tutoring Internship) and thus earn one to three (1-3) semester hours of academic credit for their service. Note that these hours do not count toward any major or minor program. This course may be repeated for credit. Grading is on a “Pass/No credit” basis. Prerequisites: Recommendation from a full-time faculty member in the subject to be tutored and approval by either the Director of the Writing Center or the Director of the Tutoring Center.
Advanced Placement
Most LaGrange College students will take Rhetoric and Composition I and II (ENGL 1101 and 1102) during their first year. Some students will receive credit for one of these courses based on their performance on the Advanced Placement Test.
- Students who earn a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Test in English Language and Composition will receive three hours of credit for Rhetoric and Composition I [ENGL 1101].
- Students who earn a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Test in English Literature and Composition will receive three hours of credit for Rhetoric and Composition II [ENGL 1102].
- Students who earn a score of 4 or 5 on both tests must choose which course they prefer to exempt. Only one exemption is allowed.
- Only the AP Tests in English Language or English Literature are accepted for credit in the LaGrange College WRPS program.
Transient Credit
No transient credit will be accepted for courses in first-year Rhetoric and Composition (ENGL 1101 or 1102).
COMBINED B.A. AND M.A.T. PROGRAM OF STUDY
Undergraduate students who meet the admission requirements for the M.A.T (passing GACE Program Admissions Assessment or a combined SAT score of more than 1000 and completing the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators Assessment) and those who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their undergraduate studies are eligible to participate in a combined B.A. and M.A.T. program of study after the completion of 90 semester hours. Once accepted, candidates may take entering MAT cohort graduate courses the Summer Semester following their junior year of study. Upon gaining senior status, candidates may take one (1) three-credit graduate course during the fall, and spring semesters only if enrolled with twelve (12) undergraduate credits.
Majors and Minors
Major Minor
B.A. in English Writing and Publication Studies Minor in English Writing and Publication StudiesCourses
Instruction and practice in the fundamentals of expository writing, including paragraph development, organization, logic, grammar, and mechanics.
Introduction to expository writing, emphasizing the essay form, the writing process, and rhetorical modes of thesis development.
Introductory college writing course that emphasizes reporting, editing, and publishing articles for the campus newspaper’s online and physical platforms. Includes the technical and process elements of ENGL 1101 and satisfies the same general education goals and requirements.
This course provides an introduction to writing and the writing process. Through the topic of sustainability, students learn a wide range of rhetorical skills: drafting and polishing a thesis; organizing an argument; using topic sentences; creating interesting introductions and conclusions. By examining how culture affects us, as well as how we affect culture, the course also aims to stimulate deliberate thinking and active reading skills.
Introduction to critical thinking and writing about literature, emphasizing reading strategies, analytic writing, research techniques, and modes of documentation.
Introduction to critical thinking and writing about literary journalism, emphasizing reading strategies, analytic writing, research techniques, and modes of documentation. Students will also report, edit, and publish articles for the campus newspaper’s online and physical platforms
Introduction to critical thinking and writing about literature, emphasizing reading strategies, analytic writing, research techniques, and modes of documentation.
A survey of British Literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the eighteenth century. Short critical essays required, at least one with documentation. This course counts toward PGII: Modes of Inquiry (World Civilizations and Humanities) in the Ethos curriculum.
A survey of British literature from the Romantics through the Modern/Postmodern period. Short critical essays required, at least one with documentation. This course counts toward PGII: Modes of Inquiry (World Civilizations and Humanities) in the Ethos curriculum.
A survey of American Literature from the Colonial period through American Romanticism. Short critical essays required, at least one with documentation. This course counts toward PGII: Modes of Inquiry (World Civilizations and Humanities) in the Ethos curriculum.
A survey of American literature from Realism and Naturalism through the Modern/Postmodern period. Short critical essays required, at least one with documentation. This course counts toward PGII: Modes of Inquiry (World Civilizations and Humanities) in the Ethos curriculum.
This course introduces undergraduates to the theory that informs the modern practice of teaching composition. Fundamentals of persuasion and human communication are presented as well.
A study of selected contemporary poets and their poems, including works in translation.
Introduces students to the academic discipline of English. Focuses on critical issues (past and present) involved in literary studies.
This course prepares undergraduates to work as peer tutors in a writing center. Students will practice tutoring as they learn about reading and responding to the writing of others.
This course introduces undergraduates to the fundamentals of imaginative writing. Analysis of professional models, but emphasis upon student work, especially poetry and fiction.
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of writing for visual media. Students will concentrate on developing concepts and scripts for a variety of specific audiences and formats including film, television, online, advertising and educational media. [cross-listed as FILM 3003]
A survey of the basic logic and grammatical structure of English, from morpheme to word, phrase and clause, to sentence.
This course is open to all students, regardless of major, who are interested in producing nonfiction prose that is exemplary for its clarity and finesse. Providing each other with feedback in classroom workshops, students write an interview; a critique of the fine arts; a humor piece; a travel piece; a piece on science, technology, or sports; and a memoir.
An advanced course in imaginative writing. Professional models studied, but student writing is emphasized.
An advanced course in imaginative writing. Professional models studied, but student writing is emphasized.
This course presents the fundamentals of effective persuasion, including the three appeals (logical, emotional, ethical), logical fallacies, inductive and deductive reasoning, and evaluation of evidence. Students from all majors, as well as undeclared majors, are encouraged to enroll.
This course consists of a survey of literary journalism, a form of creative nonfiction that blends elements of fictional narrative and factual reporting.
Renaissance English literature to about 1675, excluding Shakespeare
An examination of the development of drama, excluding Shakespeare, from its beginnings up through the 18th century.
Selected Restoration, Neoclassical, and Pre-Romantic English literature, excluding the novel.
A study of the rise of the novel with an emphasis on selected works of the late seventeenth-century and eighteenth-century, including novels in translation.
A study of selected major nineteenth-century British prose and poetry, with emphasis on lyric verse.
Major American Romantic writers of the United States through Whitman and Dickinson.
This course focuses on the critical viewing of film with critical writing in several modes.
Major American writers of the Realistic and Naturalistic movements in the United States.
A study of major Southern writers from about 1815 to the present.
A study of significant works, themes, and figures in American literature, 1900s to present. Themes or emphases might include African American Literature, Literature and Landscape, Genre Conventions and Evolution, or a variety of others.
Students will write a variety of sports-related pieces, including coverage of a recent sporting event, a profile of an athlete, an argumentative piece, and a personal sports memoir. We will also read some of the finest sports writing published in the U.S. and draw inspiration from those writers. If possible, we will attend a LaGrange College athletic event and write about that experience.
A survey of theoretical interpretive traditions of the 20th and 21st centuries.
A study of selected contemporary fiction writers and their novels or short stories, including works in translation.
A study of contemporary playwrights and their plays, including works in translation.
A course providing an in-depth study of a single author or a special topic in language, literature, or writing.
Each English majors will write and present orally an original research project developed or derived from a project created for a major English course, based on a significant topic in language or literature. Required of all English majors.
An opportunity for students to gain added experience and insight in approved off-campus settings.
This is an opportunity for students to conduct an individual, in-depth exploration of an area in literature, writing, or theory.
