Learning how to read coherently and write effectively teaches you to think critically, increases your vocabulary, and improves your language and research skills. No matter what field you enter, communication and writing skills are important and highly sought after by employers. Maranatha’s English major will expose you to enduring literary works and teach you to write more effectively, whether you write sermons, correspondence, books, magazine articles, or other forms of communication. Because of its emphasis on critical thinking and writing, English is also one of the best ways to prepare for graduate school.
Unlike secular English programs that promote relativistic theory about language, Maranatha’s English major teaches students to “approve things that are excellent” (Phil. 1:10) and to evaluate literature from a moral and biblical perspective. The English major will not only immerse you in the wide world of literature and awaken your cultural awareness but also equip you to discern objective truth and beauty according to God’s standard.
An English minor is also available for those majoring in another field who want to improve their ability to think, read, and write effectively through an acquaintance with excellent literary works.
Suggested Schedule
This is the suggested class list for the English major. You may also look over the details for our English Education major.
Year 1
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Composition 1 | 3 | English Composition 2 | 3 |
| Computer Information System Elective | 1 | Computer Information System Elective | 2 |
| Christian Life 1 | 1 | New Testament Survey | 2 |
| Old Testament Survey | 2 | Minor | 3 |
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 2 | Music Elective | 2 |
| The Modern World | 3 | Science Elective | 3 |
| Mathematics Elective | 3 |
Year 2
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Literature Survey to 1789 | 3 | British Literature Survey: 1789 to Present | 3 |
| Composition and Literature | 3 | American Masterpieces | 3 |
| Elementary Spanish 1 | 3 | Elementary Spanish 2 | 3 |
| Computer Information System Elective | 1 | Baptist Heritage | 3 |
| Christian Life 2 | 1 | Bible Elective | 2 |
| Principles of Bible Study | 2 | Minor | 3 |
| Minor | 3 |
Year 3
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing Elective | 3 | Literary Criticism | 3 |
| Period Literature Elective | 3 | Computer Information System Elective | 1 |
| Intermediate Spanish 1 | 3 | Intermediate Spanish 2 | 3 |
| Introduction to Philosophy | 2 | Bible Doctrine 1 | 3 |
| Christian Life 3 | 1 | Minor | 3 |
| Minor | 3 | American Studies Elective | 3 |
| Open Elective | 1 |
Year 4
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Period Literature Elective | 3 | Period Literature Elective | 3 |
| Writing Elective | 3 | Writing or Period Literature Elective | 3 |
| Bible Doctrine 2 | 3 | English Elective | 3 |
| Bible Elective | 2 | Apologetics | 2 |
| Minor | 3 | Bible Elective | 2 |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | Humanities Elective | 3 |
Career Options
- Business
- Copy editor
- Creative writer
- Editor
- English as a Second Language teacher
- Journalist
- Linguistic specialist
- Literacy tutor
- Literature specialist
- Proofreader
- Publishing
Alumni
Chelsie (Czichray) Messenger (’08) is enrolled in the Professional Communications program at Clemson University and hopes to someday work in business communications or public relations. She previously taught English at Easley Christian School in Easley, SC. “My academic advisor, Nathan Huffstutler, helped me sort out my future career goals and helped me develop my love of technical writing,” Messenger said.