English Mission Statement
English majors take a variety of courses in writing, literature, and language- all of which are designed to enhance students skills in oral and written communication. Literature courses help students develop the ability to read and interpret literature critically as well as the ability to appreciate literature and respond to it intellectually, aesthetically, and effectively. The study of literature will help students understand their own cultural heritage as well as the cultural heritage of others. Language and writing courses will enhance students’ sensitivity to and understanding of language as well as improve their skills in written communication: invention, drafting, revising, editing, and polishing.
English is recognized as an excellent pre-professional major in such fields as law, medicine, business, federal service, and publishing. The skills in writing, critical thinking, and analysis learned by the English major provide a solid preparation for the prospective writer, editor, lawyer, teacher, public relations worker, and advertising or business executive.
Our nationally accredited (by NCTE) English/Secondary Teaching program has produced many successful teachers throughout Illinois and beyond.
The journalism minor prepares students to be proficient and ethical professionals in a wide variety of media and related careers.They learn to write well-developed articles for Internet, newspaper, magazine, and other outlets. Students also learn the editing, revising, and researching skills required of media professionals.
A minor in English or Writing is also offered.
English majors are provided with several unique opportunities to publish their work through McKendree’s literary journal, The Montage; the student newspaper, The McKendree Review; the online journal of undergraduate research, Scholars; and Sigma Tau Delta’s international literary and creative writing journals, The Review and The Rectangle.
Many students have the opportunity to work in the Writing Center, aiding their peers with grammatical accuracy and the development of improved written skills in their classes.
Our students have interned with several companies, including St. Louis Magazine, Regional Arts Commission, Winepress Publishing, Belleville News-Democrat, Edwardsville Intelligencer, and Illinois Center for Autism.
From book/bake sales to poetry readings, the Literary Interest Society is a growing community of students with a common appreciation for literature.
Sigma Tau Delta is the international English honor society, whose purpose is to confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate and professional studies and to promote interest in literature and the English language on local campuses and their surrounding communities.
Some of the companies that our recent graduates are working for include the Belleville News-Democrat, Centralia Sentinel, O’Fallon Progress and Stephen Ministries.