The Bachelor of Arts Degrees in English and Communication
Statement of Philosophy
(revised 10-24-05)
The Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Communication guide students in learning about the nature and uses of language though the study of linguistics, composition, speech, journalism (both print and broadcast) and literature. The curriculum in English, which consists primarily of literature courses, instructs students in the principles of effective communication embodied in the writing of authors whose ideas, sympathies, or literary innovations have helped shape civilization and have contributed to an understanding of people in their various cultures, environments, and times; the department believes that responding to literature, both orally and in writing, can strengthen the abilities of students to think critically and creatively and to express themselves well. The curriculum in Communication prepares students for careers in advertising, marketing, journalism and the media with an emphasis on effective language use. In the end, whether students elect to pursue a degree in English or in Communication, they must see clearly the recursive and evolutionary process by which students in any discipline come to master the knowledge and skills of that field and achieve the higher-level thinking skills associated with a mature intellectual life.
Because both the fields of English and Communication provide students with essential skills necessary to communicate effectively, enrich their lives both materially and intellectually, and function as productive members of society, students who major in either English or Communication have many options for employment in many fields, most notably in education and industry. Either of our degrees will produce life-long learners with language skills that will enable them to function as professionals, pursue advanced degrees, and live as informed citizens in their communities.
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B.A. English - Bachelor of Arts - English
Bachelor of Arts - English Major- No Minor - Non-Teacher Certification
Bachelor of Arts - English Major with Minor - Non-Teacher Certification
Bachelor of Arts - Teacher Certification Plan - English Language Arts (4th to 8th Grade)
Bachelor of Arts - Teacher Certification Plan - English Language Arts (8th to 12th Grade)
The information on this page is based upon The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College 1998-99 Undergraduate Catalog.
**If you are undecided about your degree plan, please visit the CLA Advising Center.