English Literature Program

Mission Statement

The academic mission of the SUU English Department’s program in literature is to cultivate knowledge and appreciation of literature from a variety of perspectives and cultures. The department pursues these objectives through a comprehensive program of study, including both broad survey courses and specialized seminars. Instructors foster in students critical thinking and effective writing, research, and oral communication skills.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the graduation requirements for the BA degree in English: Literature will be able to

• identify, describe, and compare the literary features of a variety of genres across different historical periods and cultures;

• evaluate how perspective and background inform the reading experience;

• conduct scholarly research;

• apply a range of literary theories and critical perspectives through close reading and analysis;

• articulate critical positions and interpretations through presentations and academic essays; and

• satisfy the admission requirements for a variety of graduate or professional programs.

Program Goals

 Academic Excellence & Resources

• Teach students to think critically about literary traditions, modes, genres, theories, and their relevant contexts in ways that connect with the contemporary world

• Encourage critical thinking and cultural engagement through academically rigorous coursework, undergraduate research opportunities, and both domestic and international study abroad programs

• Maintain and pursue the highest professional, pedagogical, and scholarly standards in current and new literature faculty

• Review and revise curriculum regularly to maintain academic standards in relation to the SUU mission, LEAP initiatives, and peer institutions

• Use new and dynamic technologies both in and outside the classroom and support alternative forms of learning, research, and criticism

Student Success & Engagement

• Maintain regular office hours, provide individual assistance, and offer extracurricular support to both successful and struggling students

• Prepare students to be open and discerning about their world through diverse and multicultural classes, activities, and events

• Expose students to different ways of thinking and being by supporting the Sigma Tau Delta honors society, student conferences, and experiential education

• Prepare students for graduate studies and assist them with application procedures

• Reward dedicated faculty for student mentoring and efforts with undergraduate research

Organizational Effectiveness

• Assist in the creation, development, and regular review and revision of a comprehensive and fair departmental policy manual, focusing on those practices and procedures that impact the literature program

• Hold regular meetings of the literature subcommittee to create, evaluate, and assess curriculum; maintain equity in workload and course assignment; and coordinate extra- and co-curricular activities and scheduling

• Develop clear standards and guidelines for literature faculty in the area of teaching, scholarship, service, and engagement

• Cultivate a departmental environment that promotes collegiality, collaboration, and lifelong learning

• Develop clear procedures for the assignment of literature courses (and independent studies) based upon job description, terminal degree, demonstrated areas of expertise through current research activities and publication record, and seniority 

Faculty & Staff Development

• Provide opportunities for faculty of all ranks to develop leadership skills and to participate in department governance, to improve pedagogical and academic excellence, and to have access to both equipment and training for instructional technology

• Reward innovative teaching, especially in the area of experiential learning

• Mentor new literature faculty in curricular objectives, pedagogical techniques, department policies, and university procedures

• Develop a system of rotating course breaks to allow faculty to pursue scholarly projects in greater depth

• Provide opportunities and training for student assistants that are meaningful within the context of their literature studies