Mission

 

The Department of English is committed to studying the history, theory, and teaching of literature and language; to developing the practice of writing in creative, academic, and professional environments; and to promoting an interdisciplinary perspective on diverse cultures. This commitment is carried out in a professional learning community that fosters interaction of students, faculty, alumni, and interested external constituents and that integrates technology into its educational and administrative activities.

 

Assessment Plans

 

To determine the effectiveness of the academic programs in the department in meeting their learning objectives, each one has developed a separate assessment plan available from the link at the upper right titled "Assessment Plans." These plans describe the procedures each program undertakes to assess learning outcomes and to decide upon program changes.

Learning Objectives and Matrices

The Department of English carries through its mission in part by offering academic programs for majors on the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels; and it supplies courses that meet communication and humanities requirements for University Studies. More detailed information may be found in the current university catalogue.

 

Outcomes Data and Data-Based Decisions

 

Decisions about program changes are all based on the data gathered in accordance with the program's assessment plan. Each progam meets annually in the fall to review and analyze the data gathered during the previous year and contained in the program's annual report. The reports are available from the link on the upper right titled "Program Reports." The annual report sets the agenda for the coming academic year as program results and improvements are discussed and implemented.