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Reading and writing are fundamental skills essential to success in any career track. A major in English at UPIKE will make you grow into an effective communicator, listener, and leader, all while allowing you to explore the cultural richness and historical complexity of English literature. The independent writing and research that is fundamental to the study of English will help you develop valuable project management skills and learn to gather and organize information. Studying literature will also give you an appreciation and understanding of diverse perspectives that is key to navigating the modern world. English degree recipients go on to a wide-variety of careers and fields of graduate study, such as nonprofit leadership and grant writing, teaching in higher or secondary education, law, and technical or creative writing.
UPIKE’s English major allows students to specialize in one of three degree tracks, each of which are designed to highlight our students’ unique talents. Our Literary Studies track focuses on building the indispensable skills and knowledge developed by the study of English, such as critical analysis, research, and a deep understanding of literary history. Students interested in developing their talents as creative and professional writers are encouraged to pursue our Writing Studies track, while students interested in the study of digital and visual media as well as literature can opt to complete the Media Studies track. This innovative and unique curriculum allows you to choose your own learning path, while also communicating your valuable skills to potential employers. UPIKE English also offers a robust range of professional, experiential, and extracurricular learning opportunities. For example, students interested in careers in editing and web design are encouraged to apply to manage Voices from the Hill, a creative writing and arts blog managed by the program. Students also have the opportunity to attend the Southern Literary Festival each spring and join our vibrant chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honors Society, which connects students with publication, internship, and scholarship opportunities.
ENG 337 Narratives of Addiction The fourth of the “twelve steps” recommended by both Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous is to make “a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.” For many people living with addiction this “moral inventory” takes the form of a journal accounting for the experiences and excuses that underlie their addiction. This step makes it apparent just how important understanding stories is to understanding addiction. This class is founded on this insight. Students will study fictional and nonfictional narratives of addiction and work to understand how these stories reveal the nature of addiction and its effects on individuals and society at large. This class will prepare students to be more engaged and empathetic community members, as well as equip them to work more effectively in public-facing and healthcare-related fields. ENG 383 Shakespeare and Modernity From The Lion King to the musical Something Rotten!, there’s no question that popular media returns to Shakespeare’s plays over and over again, and every summer Shakespeare productions fill parks and festivals. But what is it that keeps this 400-year-old playwright relevant? Why do these plays still resonate with modern audiences and readers? In this course we will investigate how the so-called Bard of Avon still speaks to us about topics like race, gender, and disability, both from the page and the stage.
Through UPIKE’s English program, you will acquire an understanding of literary heritage and its relationship to contemporary life, develop an appreciation and practical knowledge of the modes of literary expressions, and prepare for advanced work in English language and literature. You’ll be able to understand literary tradition, think critically, write effectively and develop an aesthetic sensibility through course offerings in composition, language and literature. This program provides students the opportunity to major or minor in English and to prepare for teacher certification.
Attorney Administrator Consultant Curator Educator Journalist Librarian Linguist Politician Publisher Screenwriter Speechwriter
East Tennessee State University Ohio University Radford University University of Kentucky University of Kentucky College of Law University of Louisville University of Louisville, Louis D. Brandeis School of Law
“The University of Pikeville allows you to build relationships with your professors that you cannot find anywhere else. It allowed me to earn my bachelor’s degree, participate in two different sports coached by two hard-working, understanding coaches and study abroad in two different countries. The small community and close-knit nature of this town make it easy to reach out when you need a helping hand. I’m so grateful I was able to call this college on the hill my home.” MIKAYLA FRYE /CLASS OF 2018 /PIKEVILLE, KY
“The University of Pikeville allows you to build relationships with your professors that you cannot find anywhere else. It allowed me to earn my bachelor’s degree, participate in two different sports coached by two hard-working, understanding coaches and study abroad in two different countries. The small community and close-knit nature of this town make it easy to reach out when you need a helping hand. I’m so grateful I was able to call this college on the hill my home.”
MIKAYLA FRYE /CLASS OF 2018 /PIKEVILLE, KY
For more information contact the department at english@upike.edu
english@upike.edu