English

Chair: Donald M. Smith, Ph.D.

Director of Freshman English: Richard J. Farrell, M.Phil., Yale University

Professors Emeriti: Srilekha Bell, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin; Paul Marx, Ph.D., New York University; Douglas Robillard, Ph.D., Wayne State University; Brenda R. Williams, Ph.D., Washington University

Professors: David E. E. Sloane, Ph.D., Duke University; Donald M. Smith, Ph.D., New York University

Assistant Professors: Randall Horton, Ph.D., State University of New York at Albany; Margaret F. Savilonis, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin; Senior Lecturers: Wesley J. Davis, M.A., Southern Connecticut State University; Richard J. Farrell, M.Phil., Yale University

Senior Lecturers: Wesley J. Davis, M.A., Southern Connecticut State University; Richard J. Farrell, M.Phil., Yale University

Lecturers: Pamela Asmus, Ph.D., Brown University; Jeffrey Foster, Ph.D., University of Rhode Island; Jonathan Hartmann, Ph.D., the Graduate Center of the City University of New York; Diane C. Russo, Ph.D., University of South Carolina; Leon Weinmann, Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

An English major may choose the concentration in either literature or writing. Students in the literature concentration develop their analytic skills and critical ability by reading widely varied works in the English language by a variety of authors: William Shakespeare to Walt Whitman, Jane Austen to Gwendolyn Brooks. The study of English and American literature provides a depth and breadth of liberal education as it also improves one’s thinking, writing, and speaking. A major in literature is looked upon very favorably by admissions officers of law, medical, and dental schools. The major is good preparation for graduate work in fields such as business, education, urban planning, social work, and public health. Employers in many areas of business, industry, and government seek college graduates with broad knowledge and the ability to communicate effectively.

In the writing concentration, students get experience with a variety of written language compositions from the expository essay to business and technological applications to more creative forms. Some specific areas in which writing skills have immediate practical worth are journalism, advertising, public relations, sales training, and promotion. Many companies hire writers and editors for company periodicals and reports, equipment handbooks, and service manuals. Publishing houses provide employment, of many kinds and on many levels, for persons skilled in writing. For writers of proven ability, there are numerous opportunities to freelance for trade journals, newspapers, magazines, and other publications. An English major may also prepare for teacher certification at the elementary or secondary level. The English track in the 4+1 Program in Pre-Secondary Education includes courses in literature, writing, and public speaking along with courses in American history and introduction to education.

Modern Language Study

While study of a modern language is not required, it is strongly recommended that the student who majors in English know at least one modern language. Knowledge of a modern language makes one more sensitive to the use and meaning of words in one’s own language. Furthermore, knowledge of a modern language widens one’s perspective and deepens one’s understanding through the insights gained into another culture. Students who are considering graduate study certainly should be competent in at least one modern language.

The Literary Club

The English Department sponsors the University’s Literary Club, which is open to all UNH students. Its aim is to further interest in the literary arts. The Club’s primary activity is publishing The Elm City Review, a journal of students’ art and writing.

Transfer Credit for Writing Courses

The English Department awards credit for freshman writing courses taken at an accredited American college or university if the courses are essentially the same as E 105 or E 110 and if the student received at least a “C.” If the courses were taken at a foreign college, the student must demonstrate proficiency in writing before credit is awarded. In the latter case, the student should make an appointment with the secretary of the English Department for the writing of a one-hour composition.

The Co-op Program

The Department participates in the cooperative education program (co-op), which enables students to combine their education with practical, paid work experience in their career field. For further details see the “Office of Internships and Employer Relations ” earlier in the catalog, or contact the co-op coordinator for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Track in Pre-Secondary Education

The pre-secondary education track requires three additional literature courses, four writing courses, one public speaking course, an American history course, and three education courses.

Teaching Language Arts

Students interested in earning a teaching certificate for secondary education in language arts may enter the graduate program at UNH. The B.A. in English is the best choice for a major, but other majors are also acceptable. Please contact the Education Department for additional information.