Mission
The mission of the B.A. in Literature in the Department of English is to provide a solid background in British, American, and other Anglophone literary texts, traditions, and cultures, as well as their continued relevance in a humanistic and liberal arts-based education. Cultivated by a community of teachers, scholars, and writers, undergraduate students engage with an ensemble of critical issues and develop individual interpretive theories and scholarly approaches. Upon graduation, students will be equipped to continue advanced study in English Literature, or other related disciplines, or to pursue a variety of career options in education, media, and communications.
The literature program in the Department of English has a dual purpose. It provides the humanistic discipline and training necessary for those who wish to obtain an education based on wide reading and literary study, and at the same time it provides a structure of courses useful to those who intend to pursue study in English literature. The literature program, while exposing students to the major authors, works, and movements of English and American literature through extensive class discussion and the writing of critical essays in each course, seeks also to teach students to become perceptive, critical and analytical readers.
Program Learning Outcomes
Knowledge of Discipline Specific Content
1. Identify the historical, social and formal contexts of texts.
2. Demonstrate awareness of the history of the discipline (e.g., canon formation).
3. Analyze the aesthetic frameworks and cultural values that shape the production and reception of texts.
Critical Thinking
4. Apply theoretical approaches to texts.
5. Apply appropriate methods of literary analysis and research.
6. Produce critical arguments in a variety of genres.
The mission of the B.A. program in Language in the Department of English is to promote a multifaceted approach to language. The program provides students with a foundational understanding of the principles and issues within current approaches to language and introduces them to various aspects of the structure, use, and learning of English. Through teaching and mentoring, the program encourages the students to apply their analytical skills to their experience outside the classroom, and prepares them for employment in areas related to English language teaching and publishing, and for the pursuit of advanced degrees in linguistics.
The language program gives the English language major the essential foundations of post-modern linguistic readings as well as contextual selections in literature. The language courses are intended to provide an appropriate linguistic background for prospective teachers of English and a preparation for those planning to pursue graduate work in linguistics.
Program Learning Outcomes
Knowledge of Discipline Specific Content
1. Demonstrate understanding of the structure and functions of language.
2. Analyze aspects of language development, variation and change in context.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of representative literary texts [in required ELIT courses].
Critical Thinking
4. Apply theoretical approaches to linguistic study.
5. Apply appropriate methods of linguistic analysis and research.
6. Produce critical arguments in a variety of genres.
Graduate Studies
The Department of English at AUB offers two graduate degree programs: MA in English Language and MA in English Literature. These graduate programs aim to ground students in language and literature studies. They provide students with opportunities to pursue advanced study in multiple linguistic, literary, and cultural traditions through engagement with texts in English, in translation, between languages, and across media. The programs provide a solid academic basis for those who wish to continue for a PhD in language or literature studies, as well as for those who wish to pursue a career in writing, publishing, editing, teaching, and related areas. Through an ongoing process of critical self-reflection, students will attain experience and abilities in linguistic and textual analysis, critical thought, writing, and aesthetic appreciation that will contribute to their personal, academic, and professional lives.
Program Learning Outcomes
MA in English Language:
1. Research Methods MA graduates in English Language are able to design and carry out an independent research project in linguistic studies.
2. Advanced Disciplinary Knowledge MA graduates in English Language have advanced knowledge about the nature of language, the cultural and sociopolitical dimensions of language, language acquisition, and other areas of applied linguistics.
3. Scholarly Communication MA graduates in English Language are able to communicate linguistic knowledge effectively in appropriate formats.
4. Professionalism and Ethical Research Conduct MA graduates in English Language apply linguistic knowledge and skills in accordance with applicable professional norms for research ethics in handling language data and conducting and presenting research.
5. Scholarly Contribution MA graduates in English Language produce original scholarship that contributes to the growth of knowledge in the field of language studies.
MA in English Literature:
1. Research Methods MA graduates in Literature are able to conceive and undertake research projects in literary studies.
2. Advanced Disciplinary Knowledge MA graduates in Literature are able to engage literary texts and traditions through diverse critical and theoretical approaches.
3. Scholarly Communication MA graduates in Literature are able to communicate literary knowledge effectively in appropriate formats.
4.Professionalism and Ethical Research Conduct MA graduates in Literature apply literary knowledge and skills in accordance with applicable professional norms for research ethics in handling all materials and conducting and presenting research.
5. Scholarly Contribution MA graduates in Literature produce original scholarship that contributes significantly to the growth of knowledge in literary studies.