Close Reading Knowledge: Students who graduate with an English major will have acquired: (1) knowledge of the process of reading a text at a fine level of detail; (2) knowledge of the ways that details of a text combine to form a holistic interpretation. Skill: Students who graduate with an English major will be able to: (1) analyse how elements of a text work together to create meaning; (2) use the details of a text to create a coherent interpretation.
Contextual Knowledge Knowledge: Students who graduate with an English major will have acquired knowledge of: (1) primary texts in particular contexts; (2) the importance of critical lenses in analyzing texts in context; (3) ability to use secondary texts. Skill: Students who graduate with an English major will be able to: (1) provide an original argument; (2) incorporate evidence in support of that argument; (3) use a critical lens to interpret a literary text.
Theory & Analysis Knowledge: Students who graduate with an English major will have acquired knowledge of: (1) theoretical concepts and how they function to structure our understanding; (2) how theory can be used as a tool to offer sophisticated interpretation of texts. Skill: Students who graduate with an English major will be able to: (1) interpret a text in theoretical context; (2) use theory as a substantial, appropriate tool to enhance interpretation.
Reflection Knowledge: Students who graduate with an English major will be able to describe their: (1) self-awareness as readers, writers, and critical thinkers; (2) knowledge of key terms and concepts of the course. Skill: Students who graduate with an English major will be able to: (1) provide detailed evidence of their development.
Dispositions Students who graduate with an English major will demonstrate: (1) an appreciation of the value of the methods of literary studies; (2) a commitment to the ethical standards of the profession; (3) a greater awareness of the aesthetics of literary texts; (4) an appreciation of the importance of reading and clearly expressing one's ideas in writing.