Program Learning Outcomes

The Bachelor of Arts in English offers a primarily traditional curriculum which emphasizes works of recognized and enduring merit in the canon of English, American and World literature. Students learn useful skills in clear written and oral communication and build discernment and information literacy in the areas of culture, history, the arts, literature within a biblical framework.

English Program Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge of a variety of genres, historical periods, styles, and modes.
2. Write clear, effective, researched, and imaginative projects and articulate them within appropriate conceptual and methodological frameworks.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of the English language from Old English to the present.
4. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the content and historical context of British and American literary works, as well as selected authors and works from world literature.
5. Demonstrate a working knowledge of various theoretical approaches that inform the interpretation of literature and culture.

Language: The Heartbeat of a Christian Liberal Arts Education

The Department of English at The Master’s University regards the study of language and literature as central to a Christian liberal arts education.

It merits this centrality, in part, because of the very nature of the Christian faith: God chose to reveal His dealings with humans in a historical and literary way — the Word of God. His Word employs literary forms and rhetorical strategies to engage its audience. It also merits a central position because literature contains traces of God’s truth (e.g., truthfulness to the human experience), occupies a place in human culture receiving God’s blessing, and often fulfills the qualifications of Philippians 4:8.

We affirm that the noblest reasons for acquiring literacy are to read the Scriptures with understanding and sympathy; to articulate the truth of God clearly, attractively, and convincingly; and to be equipped to recognize truth expressed in many sources, discerning it from partial truth and error and testing all by the biblical standard.

Unveiling the English Major

Through the study of poetry, drama, fiction, essays, and critical theory, students in the English major can:

• Begin to understand how God has unfolded history as they explore literature that both illuminates the past and becomes itself part of the historical record.
• Acquire critical reading and thinking skills that enable them to develop biblically based discernment.
• Extend the range of their intellectual, moral, and spiritual vision as they explore works that deal with the significant issues of life, death, purpose, and destiny.
• Grow as a person by participating in the vicarious experience of literature and seeing life from a variety of viewpoints.
• Develop the ability to write attractively and perceptively, as well as learn to converse in the marketplace of ideas.
• Prepare for advanced studies in English.

Igniting Literary Passion

The primarily traditional curriculum emphasizes works of recognized and enduring merit in the canon of English, American, and World literature.

At the same time, they remain receptive to the inclusion of new or neglected works that are compatible with the department’s philosophy. Several courses examine critical theory, and faculty members employ a variety of methodologies in literary analysis while favoring a historical and exegetical approach. Students may choose to obtain a major or a minor in English or work toward qualifying for the California Single Subject Teaching Credential in English (additional requirements).