English, Languages and Linguistics Programs

Department Chair: Kerilyn Harkaway-Krieger

Faculty: Graeme Bird, Damon DiMauro, Andrea Frankwitz, Kerilyn Harkaway-Krieger, Luke Redington, Jeffrey Stevenson, Mark Stevick. Part-Time: Denise Campoli, Carlot Celestin, William Hanna, Andrew Logemann, Alexander Miller.

English Language and Literature Program

MISSION: The English program instructs students in literary analysis, critical theory and writing, chiefly exploring literature written in English but also translations of significant texts. In both literature and critical theory, an informed analysis is drawn from a close reading of the text and the published critical responses to that literature. The department teaches technical and compositional skills through courses in writing fiction and nonfiction prose, poetry and theatre-film scripts. Students reflect on the ways a literary text informs their Christian experience, whether directly or indirectly, thus enhancing their appreciation of literary work.

English Language and Literature Major

Requirements for Honors in English Language and Literature

Seniors who maintain at least a 3.50 GPA in the major (with no grade lower than a B) and a 3.0 GPA overall may apply to graduate with honors in English language and literature upon completion of major requirements. Students work with a faculty advisor to develop an independent study with a substantial research project in literature or creative writing, culminating in a written honors thesis delivered to departmental faculty and students in the spring of the senior year. See department chair.

Sigma Tau Delta

Gordon’s Alpha Upsilon Omega chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honors Society, was established in 2014. The chapter seeks to celebrate and foster academic achievement in literary studies, as well as promote interest in English literature and writing within the Gordon community. To be eligible for membership, students must have completed eight credits in English courses beyond the 100-level and at least three semesters of college coursework. They must also maintain at least a 3.50 GPA in the major and a 3.0 GPA overall. Membership is by invitation only and is limited to English majors and minors.

Languages and Linguistics Program

MISSION: Recognizing that at the heart of global education is the active knowledge of foreign languages and cultures, the Languages and Linguistics program assists Gordon students in becoming globally educated and locally involved in ethnic communities while providing a wide array of language, culture, literature and linguistics classes from a distinctly Christian perspective. The program serves Gordon students in the core by facilitating their acquisition of basic communicative skills with respect to modern languages, their receptive and analytic skills in the case of ancient languages and their new understanding of other cultures, be they modern or ancient.

Linguistics Major

Honors in Linguistics

Seniors who maintain a 3.50 GPA in the major and a 3.0 GPA overall may graduate with honors in Linguistics. General requirements for the program include a substantial research project culminating in a written honors thesis which is also orally presented and defended in front of department faculty. In addition, honors students may take additional classes beyond their major requirements in disciplines such as sociology, comparative literature, history or philosophy.

Programs

Major

Minor

Courses

English

French

German

Latin

Languages

Linguistics

Mandarin

Spanish