Why English at Guilford?
Medieval literature meets zombies. Shakespeare. Poetry workshop. Cult movies. Rhetoric. Romantics. Writing, reading, analyzing, more writing!
Envisioning a “typical” English course at Guilford College is like trying to envision a “typical” Guilford College student; thankfully, there is no “typical.” Our students’ interests drive them in different directions and at Guilford, we encourage these explorations. From introductory writing courses that push for cultural and critical analysis, to staff meetings for the campus newspaper and senior seminars where students present their scholarship to the Guilford community, the English department boasts a rich array of courses and a diverse set of professors and instructors who
teach them.
While the material may be diverse, a common teaching goal runs throughout: by strengthening students’ creativity and critical thinking skills we are providing the tools they need to be more analytical and more aware of how differently we depict and define the complexities of the human condition. Living Guilford’s core values requires communication, and the English Department develops students’ abilities to read and write, and to talk about their reading and writing.
All Guilford students will spend time in English classes developing those skills. Students who major in English will benefit from one-on-one time with their professors. By expanding their cultural literacy, reading more and writing more, they will leave Guilford well prepared for careers in journalism, technical writing, advertising, creative writing, cultural studies, law and education.
