English (B.A., B.S.)

With a bachelor’s degree in English, students will gain knowledge of American, British, and world literature as they develop proficiency in written communication. It is an excellent choice for students who enjoy literature and want to develop the essential skills of reading, independent critical thinking, and polished writing and analysis. Students may choose concentrations in either Literature or Creative Writing, and they may opt for either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree in either concentration. The BA degrees provide excellent preparation for students who are planning to pursue graduate study. The BS degrees do not include the modern language requirement, thereby permitting students more freedom to explore other areas of study. Literature courses require extensive writing and critical analysis of texts, as well as giving students a culturally rich and historically aware perspective. Creative writing classes introduce students to the genres of writing available to them and prepare them for the competitive world of professional writing. Graduates of the University of Bridgeport’s English program will be able to: Critically and analytically read works of literature produced in many different cultures and historical periods. Employ a variety of methods to respond to, evaluate, analyze, and understand literary and nonliterary texts. Examine various literary techniques that writers use in constructing their texts, and demonstrate an understanding of these techniques. Demonstrate, through discussion and writing, an understanding of significant cultural and societal issues presented in literature. Apply critical and technical vocabulary to describe and analyze, and formulate an argument about, literary and other texts. Write clearly and effectively in a variety of forms, adapting writing and analytical skills to all situations. Identify and evaluate appropriate research sources, incorporating the sources into documented academic writing, and formulate original arguments in response to those sources. Recognize and write in accordance with a standardized system (such as MLA) for formatting research papers and citing resources. Adapt literary, critical, and oral skills to communicate effectively in business and graduate school environments. Appreciate literature as a source of practical wisdom, aesthetic pleasure, and knowledge of the diversity of human experience. Careers A degree in English remains the most marketable of majors. The ability to read analytically, write clearly, and communicate effectively opens doors. Recent graduates from the University of Bridgeport’s English program have found work in publishing, public relations, business, and the media. Others have gone on to internships and graduate study in Creative Writing, Law, and Education.