English
To major in English at Vanguard University is to enter a world in which students are presented with a colorful variety of curricular options: from the study of literature and its rich legacy of authors, genres and theory to the practice and development of creative writing and journalism, and their many branches and forms, a degree in English, with its emphasis on the mastery of language, will literally prepare you for any career.
The English department facilitates the rigorous study of literature and writing through Christian perspectives on ethics, imagination, diversity, and truth; informed analysis of creative literature, and advanced strategies and techniques of written communication, rhetorical analysis, aesthetic appreciation, and literary theory. The English department promotes spiritual development through the integration of faith and learning.“The major's traditional routes of teaching, publishing, and editing are always available, but many students fail to realize how adaptable and diverse your opportunities are with an English major!”
Kyle Durham, '12We are a close-knit department, an interpretive community of critical thinkers and writers, and students can expect the kind of personal, one-on-one feedback and guidance that will lift them to a higher skill set.“The English department at VU gave me a safe space to find my voice and taught me to courageously pursue deeper truths beneath the surface of a story."
Ashley Scriven, '18
While earning a B.A. in English, you will customize your experience by choosing one of the below options and/or emphases.
WHY CHOOSE AN ENGLISH MAJOR?
programs
Creative Writing Emphasis
The Creative Writing Emphasis is robust and multi-faceted, offering opportunities to explore, practice and finetune creative work in multiple genres.
The emphasis begins with English 350: Creative Writing, an introductory course that focuses on fiction, poetry and drama. Students are then free to delve into the many specific course offerings, including The Short Story, Creative Nonfiction, Playwriting, Travel Writing, and a plethora of journalism courses, including hands on experience working and writing for The Vanguard Voice, Vanguard University’s student newspaper.
Literature & Textual Analysis Emphasis
This emphasis introduces the aspiring literary scholar to the study of literature in different historical and cultural contexts from American and British literatures to literatures in English from all over the world. Focused electives allow students to study topics of interest more narrowly, including courses in J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, Theopoetics, and the Victorian novel. The ability to read critically and assess how communication is accomplished in a text prepares students for many diverse careers from teaching to law.
Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP)
The Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) for English grants undergraduate students the opportunity to earn both their Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Teaching Credential within four years of coursework. This program blends subject matter preparation and teacher preparation by offering coursework in both areas concurrently and in a connected manner during their undergraduate years. The English ITEP is specifically designed for undergraduates who have already decided that they want to be middle or high school teachers (no later than Spring semester of Sophomore year). This program follows standards established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and is an approved Single Subject Matter Waiver Program. Application process is required, see English Department for more information.
Journalism & Digital Media Minor
In an increasingly digital world, students with skills in media production and writing for online contexts will be prepared to work in a variety of industries. The Journalism and Digital Media minor provides students with fundamental journalism training, while also equipping them to create in multimodal environments, including audio and visual production and social media platforms. Courses in this program include Digital Writing and Design, Media Ethics, and electives in photography, marketing, and film.“Vanguard’s Minor in Journalism and Digital Media enabled me to develop and line up my passions, education and writing skills in a way that prepared me for a career in journalism.”
Jackie Gutierrez '20VIEW MINOR REQUIREMENTS
English Minor
The minor in English consists of 21 units in English. Students may freely choose among the many course offerings to meet the minor requirements. (ENGL-230C: Literature and the Human Experience counts towards the 21 units; however, ENGL-120C and ENGL-220C do not.) Given its emphasis on close reading, critical thinking, and rhetorical, analytical and creative prose, the English minor is excellent support for majors in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Theology, and any other concentration of study.
Craft Your Future
English majors graduate with an impressive skill set and find rewarding careers in a variety of fields.
Recent alumni study at:
- Columbia University
- University of Arizona
- Arizona State University
- Northern Arizona University
- University of California, Irvine
- Pepperdine University
- Chapman University
- California State University, Fullerton
- California State University, Long Beach
- San Diego State
- Concordia University
- Liberty University
- University of Leeds
- University of York
Recent alumni work in:
- Teaching
- Publishing
- Journalism
- Social Media Management
- ESL
- Law
- Podcasting
- Author – Novelist, Playwright, Screenwriter
- Youth Pastor
- English and Literacy Coordinator
- Copywriter
- Counseling
- Administration
Recent alumni work for:
- Marked Ministry
- College Living Experience
- Chapman University
- St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
-
Earth to Us - Podcast
- Salamander - Podcast
- YMCA
- Newport Mesa Church
- YouVersion
- Women Kick Balls – independent news source.
- Northern Arizona University
- Latino College Preparatory Academy
Program Highlights
Single Subject Waiver
Vanguard is the only University in Orange County to offer a Single Subject Waiver program.
Faculty Mentors
With a 15:1 faculty to student ratio, faculty invest in each student’s unique skills and passions.
Sigma Tau Delta
High-achieving students have the opportunity to join a thriving campus chapter of the nationally-recognized honors society for English majors.
Meet Our Faculty & Staff
Warren Doody MFA
Associate Dean of the Division of Education, Arts and Humanities, Chair of English, Professor of English
