Bachelor of Arts in English
- Literature
- Literature and the Environment
- Creative Writing
Overview
UAS is an exciting place to study English! Classes are small, challenging, and individualized. Faculty members are well known in their fields as excellent teachers, writers, and scholars. The department is closely affiliated with the nationally recognized Perseverance Theatre and hosts special literary events throughout the year.
The B.A. in English provides a broad foundation in the liberal arts as well as specialized training in language and literature. The program is designed to provide students with knowledge of English and American literature as well as exposure to multicultural literatures, including the contributions of women, Native American, and African-American writers. Through internships, students gain practical experience in a professional setting (e.g., teaching, editing, public relations, government, or writing).
The Literature and Environment specialization within the English B.A. program capitalizes on the unique natural setting of Southeast Alaska. Students take part in outdoor excursions and projects as part of their course work. Students pursuing this specialization are prepared for careers and graduate programs in literature, teaching, environmental education, and journalism.
The Creative Writing specialization within the English B.A. program provides students an introduction to the rhetorical strategies inherent in the various modes of creative writing. Students have the opportunity of working directly with published writers. The program provides coursework that includes focus on memoir writing, narrative prose, poetry, and essay forms.
Visiting writers meet with students every semester. Recently this list of renowned speakers has included Joy Harjo, Velma Wallis, Luci Tapahonso, John Straley, and Pulitzer prize winning author N. Scott Momaday. Extracurricular activities for B.A. students include the English Club, which hosts literary and social events throughout the year, and Tidal Echoes, a literary magazine written and edited by UAS students. UAS English students are encouraged to broaden their studies by participating in study abroad programs all over the world. Recently students have spent semesters abroad in France, England, Ireland, and Australia.
The B.A. in English is designed to serve the needs of three groups of students. First, it is intended for students who plan to pursue careers in secondary education. Program course work and internships are especially designed to prepare students to enter the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program at UAS upon graduation. Second, the program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the fields of editing, writing, public relations, and government. Third, it is intended to serve students preparing for graduate study in law, public administration, technical writing, creative writing, and English.
For more information contact Nina Chordas, Assistant Professor of English, (907) 796-6407.
View course requirements for a BA in English