English

About the program

The English Major at Ferrum College provides excellent preparation for careers or graduate school in a number of fields such as law, religion, education and journalism. Students majoring in English may elect to take a group of additional courses - the Professional Communication Option - designed to enhance career opportunities in management, public relations, business, law, and many other professions.

The English major includes study in literature, writing and communication. It is designed to allow students flexibility in selecting courses to meet their own interests and needs. Coursework promotes understanding of the expressive capacities of language and appreciation for the psychological, cultural, and historical insights of literature. Students learn how to think critically and to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts.

Coursework in English

The curriculum incorporates a variety of topics to prepare students for opportunities in the field of English, and includes courses such as the following:

• World Literature
• American Literature
• Shakespeare
• Children's Literature
• Contemporary Literature & Film
• Creative Writing
• British Literature
• The Novel
  Appalachian Literature
• Medieval Literature
• African American Literature
• Literary Criticism
• Journalism Practicum

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Related clubs

There are over 50 clubs and organizations available to students at Ferrum College. The following are specifically related to English:

• English Club
• The Iron Blade (Student Newspaper)
• Chrysalis (Art and Literary Magazine)
• Student VA Education Association (for students desiring a career in teaching)

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Experiential & hands-on learning opportunities

Internships: Students are strongly urged to explore career opportunities and to establish mentors through an internship.

Professional Communication Option: This option prepares students for careers in public relations and other business applications of the English major.

Chrysalis: College literary magazine.

The Iron Blade: College student newspaper.

The Appalachian Cluster: This group of general education courses combines English with sociology and environmental science in a one-semester, three-course learning community that focuses on sustainability and modernization issues in Appalachia. Field trips and study of folklore enhance the experience.

E-term: Every May, the English program offers one or more exciting courses for the three-week E-term, using experiential learning opportunities to enhance the traditional study of literature and related subjects.

Special Interdisciplinary courses: The Holocaust Course and The African American Studies courses are coordinated by humanities faculty but include instruction by teachers from many disciplines. The courses are further enriched with films, special projects, guest speakers, and trips to important sites (the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., historical civil rights sites, etc.)

Academic Resources Center: Professors choose students who are offered paid positions in the ARC to help other students with their writing and coursework.

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What could I be with a major in English?

A major in English is excellent preparation for traditional careers such as teaching or journalism, as well as many other fields in which excellent writing and critical-thinking skills and creativity are needed. For example:

• You can become a(n) ...
• Reporter
  Advertising Copywriter
  Teacher
• Public Relations Specialist
• Copy Editor
• Researcher
• Screenwriter
• Literary Agent
• Novelist
• Poet
• Genealogist
• Critic
•  
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Recent graduates and their careers

Ferrum graduates credit their program of study for landing jobs in their fields, for example:

Steve Maddy '95, Attorney at Maddy & Nester, PLLC

Michelle Vincent Pruitt '06, English teacher at Benjamin Franklin Middle School

Crystal Shreves Naff ’91, insurance broker

Kimberly Wagoner ’95, managing editor of the Franklin News-Post

Cynthia Rhinehart Chase ’97, logistician for communication/surveillance items for the Navy

Mike Emberson, ’97, advertising copywriter for Foot Levelers in Roanoke

Misty Stinnette LaPrade, ’98, English and journalism teacher, Liberty High School

Gretchen Hager Tipps ’00, page designer at The Roanoke Times

Amanda Schulz ‘02, sports reporter at the New Bern (N.C.) Sun Journal

Jessica Hylton Davenport ’05, director of public relations for the Museum of Natural History in Martinsville

In addition, a number of alumni, including the following, have recently attended graduate school:

Diane Hailey 

Whitney Scott

Alyssa Walden

Jessica Wimmer

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English Faculty

Faculty & Staff: submit your profile here.

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Find out more

The Iron Blade, student newspaper
Experiential Term »
Boone Honors Program »
International Programs »
Service Learning »
Ferrum home page »

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