Faulkner University

The English program at Faulkner offers opportunities for students to receive personal and individualized attention from faculty both inside and outside the classroom. English faculty work closely with students in leading them to take full advantage of their academic abilities and to apply their learning experiences to all aspects of their lives. English majors are encouraged to establish career goals that will enable them to put into practice the critical thinking and communication skills they have developed in their academic studies.

Several degree programs are available in the English curriculum at Faulkner.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in English prepares students for graduate school or pre-professional study in areas such as law, public relations, journalism, or professional writing. Faulkner students also have majored in English as a complement to another area of interest such as business, physical education, or social science. Students may choose an emphasis in Composition and Rhetoric, Creative Writing, Journalism or Literature.

The Bachelor’s degree in Education with a concentration in English Language Arts is offered jointly by the English and Education Departments. Along with preparing students to teach secondary English, this degree program provides courses and experience in journalism and theatre that can enhance career possibilities in the education field.

Here is what a current student and recent Faulkner graduates have to say about their experiences as English majors at Faulkner:

• Heather Waller, Senior English major graduating in December 2008:
  
  I have known from almost the time I could write that that was my dream. What I didn't always know, though, was what college I would attend that would best prepare me for that goal. Through God's guidance, I have been a student in the English department of Faulkner University for the past 3 and a half years. There I have connected with the writing styles of great authors such as Eudora Welty, Flannery O'Connor, Stephen Crane, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Jane Austen, as well as being introduced to the great writers of the world through the Great Books Honors College. I have found outlets for my musings in poetry classes and in the chance to write for Faulkner's literary magazine, Images in Ink. The professors have been encouraging of my dreams and helpful with my class work. Because of their guidance, I plan to pursue a career in Christian fiction writing after I graduate. The Faulkner English department has fulfilled my dream.
  
  
• Charles Grimm, B.A. English, 2005:
  
  Immediately after graduating from Faulkner, I moved to China to begin teaching English. While I had not had training in phonetics, which has proved to be important in teaching English as a foreign language, I had been given a good training in literature and writing that has helped in planning lessons that introduce students to basic elements of Western culture in general and American culture specifically. Even oral English lessons are often framed around a quote or passage from a famous writer to give that insight into the Western/American mindset. Writing my honors thesis especially acquainted me with a few theories of language that have been useful in considering how my students learn and use English.
  
  The Great Books program combined with the various literature and writing classes have prepared me to teach, critique, and correct both productive and receptive English language skills. The Faulkner experience also prepared me to live in a community of many different mindsets, where ideas can be discussed and debated in a kind and thoughtful manner. While it is not internationally famous, I feel Faulkner was more than adequate in preparing me to live internationally as an English teacher.
  
  
• Jenna Lupo, B.A. English, 2007
  
  My time at Faulkner was very special to me, and I am so thankful for my experience there. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a second major in Vocational Christian Ministry. I learned so much in those four years. My professors, many of whom were more like mentors, taught me everything from English Literature and Advanced Composition to Biblical Interpretation and Intro to World Missions, but I learned more than that from them. Through their example, I learned a little more about passion, faith, and dedication. I also discovered that I enjoy learning, and I actually miss going to class now that I am not in school!
  
  While I was at Faulkner, I was blessed with some incredible relationships that helped to form me into the person that I am today.  Those relationships have been some of the greatest instruments that God has used to work in my life. It is so exciting to see what God has been doing in all of our lives since college, and I look forward to seeing what He plans to do next.