Goals and Objectives

“Make connections; let rip; and dance where you can” (Annie Dillard).

This statement by Annie Dillard sums up the goals of study in English and Communication. Through study of texts, ranging from poetry to television commercials, and practice of thinking, writing, speaking, and listening, students become better prepared for the demands of a changing world. Graduates find careers in a variety of fields, including teaching, business and industry, public relations, and journalism. In addition, this major and minor provide excellent preparation for graduate study.

Upon graduation from Union College with a major in English/Communication, students should be able to:

1. Produce texts, including written, oral, and media, that follow the conventions of standard English usage where appropriate, that are clear, organized, developed, and thoughtful, and that demonstrate awareness of audience.
2. Interpret texts with understanding, appreciation, and judgment.
3. Discuss texts in their historical and cultural contexts.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the nature and functions of language and communication.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of communication and of the English language.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the major traditions of literature in English and their interdisciplinary connections.
7. Continue to learn through reading, speaking, and writing.

Assessment Procedures

Each senior in this program will be asked to compile a portfolio of work he or she has done in courses in the liberal education core and in the major and to write a short analysis of his or her work. This analysis should include a statement explaining why the chosen pieces were included in the portfolio and what they show about the student’s improvement as he or she has progressed through the program. The portfolio is due two weeks before the spring Assessment Day, when each graduating senior will be interviewed by a departmental team as part of the process of assessing whether departmental goals are being met.