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What does it mean to major in English?

 

What does it mean to major in English? 

Our English majors develop a deep engagement with the complexities of language, literary form, and artistic expression. In addition, they have an interest in and an abiding appreciation for American culture and other cultures, and they also learn how to read critically and thoroughly various types of writing. Our English majors acquire the ability to write well, whether creatively or analytically, and they have the capacity for creative expression and original insight. The goal for our English majors is for them to have a better understanding of various sorts of literature, various cultures, various historical periods, and themselves. In our courses, students often learn how the writings of the past may have helped to form the world in which we live today. Consequently, a major issue for class discussions is often what each work of literature tells us about the culture that produced it—including its religious beliefs, social values and practices, worldview, or ideology—why that work has endured, and what it has to say to us today.

 

Why is Austin Peay State University a good place to major in English? 

We have dynamic and accomplished faculty, and English majors at Austin Peay are mentored and taught by professors, most of whom hold a doctorate in their appropriate field. The fact that we publish a literary journal provides an opportunity for student engagement not only with the study of texts, but also with their publication. Though many of the English faculty have a considerable publishing record, the focus of our work at Austin Peay is on teaching. Moreover, we have smaller classes compared to many larger universities, and our seminar-style courses encourage the free exchange of ideas. 

 

What can APSU English majors do after graduation?

Because our majors have the capacity to think critically and to write logically, the range of possibilities for employment is practically limitless. Our majors have used their degrees in a wide variety of areas, such as to teach middle-school and high-school English in the United States and abroad; to pursue graduate study in English, law, and journalism; to become technical writers; to work as copyeditors; and to work as web designers. 

 

Whom should I contact to learn more about majoring in English?

For additional information on the English major or on one of the English minors (including creative writing, technical writing, and professional writing), please contact Dr. David Guest, Chair at guestd@apsu.edu or check the Languages & Literature website.

 

What scholarship opportunities are available for English majors?

Pace Scholarship honoring Charles Waters

Amount: Varies
Renewable: Awards will be one-time, but junior recipients may reapply.
Process: APSU Online Scholarship Application
Contact: University Advancement - (931) 221-7127

This Pace Scholarship was established in honor of Charles Waters. All scholarship awardees should be juniors and/or seniors. Awards will be one-time, but junior recipients may reapply. The student must have proven financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

 

The Judge William O. Beach Endowed Scholarship Fund

Amount: Varies
Renewable: May reapply.
Process: APSU Online Scholarship Application
Contact: Scholarship Committee Chair, Department of Languages & Literature - (931) 221-7890

This scholarship will be awarded to a rising junior majoring in English. The recipient will be chosen on the basis of academic ability. An ACT Composite score of at least 24 is required. Financial need may also be considered. Award is for one year; recipient must reapply each year and maintain an annual minimum 3.0 GPA. Recipient will be chosen by the Scholarship Committee with recommendation from the chair of the Department of Languages and Literature. For further information contact Scholarship Committee Chair, Department of Languages and Literature, APSU Box 4487, telephone (931) 221-7890.

 

Claiborne-Woodward Scholarship in Languages and Literature

Amount: Varies
Renewable: May reapply.
Process: APSU Online Scholarship Application
Contact: Scholarship Committee Chair, Department of Languages & Literature - (931) 221-7890

Scholarship funds are provided to a student majoring or minoring in Journalism, French, German, Latin, Spanish, or Writing who has attained junior or senior status. The recipient will be selected from department faculty nominations. For further information contact, Scholarship Committee Chair, Department of Languages and Literature, APSU Box 4487, telephone (931) 221-7890.

 

Lester Writing Award

Amount: $1,000
Renewable: Yes must reapply.
Process: APSU Online Scholarship Application
Contact: Department of Languages & Literature - (931) 221-7890

The recipient for the Lester Writing award will be chosen by the scholarship committee of the Department of Language and Literature with recommendations by English faculty. The recipient must be a junior or senior in good standing academically and majoring in English demonstrating outstanding talent in expository (scholarly) writing. 

Additional creative writing scholarships are available. For more information, contact the Department of Languages and Literature at 221-7890.


Center for Excellence in the Creative Arts (CECA)

The Center for Excellence in the Creative Arts at Austin Peay State University brings world-class writers, musicians, performers, and artists to campus each year to work with students in master classes, concerts, and workshops.