VII: Frequently Asked Advising Questions
Establishing an effective rapport with your advisor will contribute greatly to the advising process. One way to refine this relationship is to anticipate some of the questions that you may want to ask your advisor. Here are some frequently asked questions which might help to initiate discussion between you and your advisor. They have been grouped according to topics as an aid to direct your questions.
| | | Courses | | | Jobs | | | Honors & Awards | | | Opportunities | | |
I. COURSES:
Will I be able to take the classes that I need and finish in four years?
Yes, of course. You will need 42 hours in English, regardless of the emphasis that you choose. Plan ahead to be sure you distribute your courses fairly evenly throughout the semesters when you will be concentrating on your major. In order to graduate in four years and to reach the 124 hours needed for graduation, you should enroll in at least 15.5 credit hours of appropriate courses each semester. (See Section VI, Curriculum Requirements.)
What is the difference between an emphasis in literature and one in writing?
The emphasis in writing (technical writing, creative writing, expository writing, and creative non-fiction) will enable you to develop techniques and proficiency in expository, technical, and creative writing; the literature emphasis requires concentration on English and American literary traditions, and on one or more major authors. Both emphases include literature and writing requirements. (See Section VI, Curriculum Requirements.)
Is there any specific sequence that I must follow as I take courses?
First you must fulfill the Freshman Composition requirement. Students following the new curriculum will take English 220 at the start of the major (preferably during sophomore year) and English 420 in the senior year. Students in the writing emphasis must take English 203 and 205 as prerequisites to the 300-level writing courses. (See Section VI, Curriculum Requirements.)
What is the difference between courses that are designated LCSR and those that are not?
LCSR courses incorporate certain texts from the Lynchburg College Symposium Reading series; they also contain a significant component of reading, writing, and speaking activities that are tied to these readings.
May I minor in English? May I choose to have a literature or writing emphasis as a minor?
Yes, you may minor in English and choose your emphasis. Each emphasis requires 18 hours beyond Freshman Composition. (See Section VI, Curriculum Requirements.)
Are the courses that I take designed to give me a broad-based education, or may I focus on a specific author, period, or genre?
You may do both. The requirements try to give you a broad overview of both American and English literature; yet these requirements allow opportunities for choice. You may choose to focus on your interests. (See Section II, Majoring in English.)
What is the Thornton seminar? Is there a specific genre that is offered each semester? How many times can I take the Thornton seminar?
The Thornton seminar is a semester long course that is taught by a visiting writer-in-residence. The seminar is supported by the Richard H. Thornton Endowment in English, which was created to promote writing in the English Department at the College. Fall semester’s Thornton writer is usually a fiction writer; the spring semester’s writer is usually a poet. Occasionally, the Writer-in-Residence will be an essayist or a playwright. To sign up for the seminar, you must have taken one of the introductory writing courses or submit a substantial portfolio of your writing. There is no limit on the number of seminars in which you may enroll. See the Richard H. Thornton section of the English web site. A brochure is also available from the English Office in Carnegie 2.
II. JOBS, TEACHING CERTIFICATION AND GRADUATE SCHOOL
What may I do with an English major besides teach?
A major in English provides you with analytical skills, writing skills, intellectual flexibility, and a breadth of knowledge that prepare you for a wide range of jobs and careers beyond teaching. Lynchburg College alumni who majored in English are currently working in law, publishing, business, finance, and many other areas. (See Section IV, Career Opportunities and Graduate School; it includes correspondence from English alums who are now pursuing various careers.)
Are internships an important part of the major? May I take an internship and still finish in four years? Where do I get information about internships?
The knowledge and skills you learn as an English major will serve you in a variety of careers, and one way to enhance your marketability is to do an internship. An internship will give you experience in a job which you may want to pursue after graduation. Also it gives you an opportunity to practice and demonstrate qualities that employers are looking for. Students do internships during their junior and/or senior years, or during the summer. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is usually required of students doing internships. Internships usually earn credit hours, but some internships are paying. You may choose to do more than one internship. (See Section III, Activities, Opportunities, and Awards for English Majors. Feel free to contact Allison Wilkins, English Department Internship Coordinator, or contact the Career Development Center.)
May I study abroad and still finish in four years?
Yes, you may. To study abroad you must first contact the academic advisor in charge of international schools to see if you are eligible. Then you must see your English advisor to discuss the courses you will take abroad that may be used to fulfill English requirements or General Education requirements here at the College. See also the Study Abroad section of the Lynchburg College web site.
The English Department usually teaches four courses abroad. Most recently they have been:
- Literature of Vietnam
- Literature of Australia and New Zealand
- British Dramatic Literature and Theory
- Contemporary European Literature
- Ancient Greek and Roman Literature
- LaDolce Vita: The Literary Life in Rome
Where do I go to get information concerning graduate school in English?
People attend graduate school in English for a vast number of reasons. You may wish to consider some of the following rationales and determine if they fit:
- You need more time to decide on a career; you want to wait out a soft job market; you enjoy being a student.
- You are interested in broadening and deepening your understanding of literature, or pursuing a specific area of interest, for personal intellectual enrichment.
- You are a writer interested in honing your art.
- You are aiming for a career in editing or publishing.
- You are interested in teaching English K-12 or possibly at a community college, junior college, or prep school (secondary teachers with M.A. degrees earn higher salaries).
- You have a strong interest in embarking on an academic career in English.
Although LC's English M.A. program accepts applications throughout the year, most schools have application deadlines that fall between December 1 and February 15. The application process typically includes; letters of recommendation; results of the Graduate Records Examinations (GRE); a personal statement; a writing sample; college transcripts; a financial statement; and a fee. Graduate schools typically expect candidates to have good grades and submit strong scores on the verbal part of the GRE (generally over 500).
To learn about graduate school in English contact Dr. Casey Clabough, (clabough@lynchburg.edu), Director of the M.A. in English.
What if I want to teach? Do I still major in English?
Yes. If you plan to teach English at the secondary level, you must major in English. You can also use an English major if you plan to teach English at the middle-school level. You will also need an advisor in the School of Education to help you arrange all your education courses, while your English advisor helps you navigate the English curriculum. The director of the Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) in the School of Education and Human Development is Ms. Connie Messerschmidt. See also the Teacher Licensure section of the English web site.
What is the difference between getting a Teacher Certificate and enrolling in the M.A. Program?
The Teaching Certificate is a requirement of the state for licensure to teach in the public schools in Virginia. It requires that you take certain designated courses. The M.A. Program leads to a master’s degree, while also providing the courses needed for certification to teach in the public school system.
What must I do to get Teacher Certification to teach English?
The Teacher Certification Program requires that you take two specific courses in English beyond the major: English 401 (History of the English Language) or ENGL 410 (English Grammar), and ENGL440 (Teaching Composition) or ENGL 450 (Teaching Creative Writing). You will also have to student teach for a semester. Make certain that you meet the application deadline for student teaching. (For further information see Section V, Preparing to Teach English.)
III. HONORS AND AWARDS
What must I do and what are my options if I want to graduate with honors in English?
There are three options for graduating with honors in English. (See Section III, Activities, Opportunities, and Awards for English Majors.)
What are the awards offered by the Department of English? There are eight awards offered in English. (See also Section III, Activities, Opportunities, and Awards for English Majors.)
- The Elsie E. Bock Writing Award. Presented annually at the Academic Awards Banquet to recognize a student who, through the freshman composition course, has demonstrated a high degree of proficiency in argumentative and persuasive writing through a strong personal voice.
- The Floyd H. and Rowe M. Crews Memorial Awards (two). These annual awards recognize the students who makes the best written contribution to the student publications of Lynchburg College.
- The Libbie Keeton LaPrade Creative Writing Award. This award is presented annually to a student who has best demonstrated talent for creative writing pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in English.
- Mervyn W. Williamson Award. This award is presented annually to the full-time undergraduate student who most clearly reflects Dr. Williamson's love for literature and Christian ideals.
- Laura Jeter Parker Award in Excellence. This award is presented annually to graduating seniors who have demonstrated excellence in their studies in English.
- The Charles H. Barrett Creative Writing Award. This award is presented annually to a student who has demonstrated a high degree of proficiency in creative writing.
- The Belle M. Hill Creative Poetry Award. This award is presented annually to a student who demonstrates a high degree of proficiency in creative poetry writing.
Is there an English Honor Society?
Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society which elects members based on their excellent performance in the major.
IV. OUT-OF-CLASS OPPORTUNITIESHow does the Writing Center work? How does one become a tutor?
The Writing Center helps students and faculty across campus with their writing projects. Tutors go through training sessions to learn how to give guidance to those who come for help. If you are interested in becoming a tutor, see Ms. Lyndall Nairn, (nairn@lynchburg.edu), Director of the Writing Center.
What is the English Listserv? How do I sign up? The English Listserv is a computer network of English majors and minors and other interested people that allows us to correspond as a group. Every Lynchburg College student is entitled to a free e-mail account. The student needs to contact computer services for the easy instructions to activate the account.
Is there an English Club?
Yes, there is an English Club which meets monthly. Membership to the club is open to all English majors and minors and any other students who are interested in literature and writing. This past year’s meetings have focused on graduate schools, internships, faculty readings, poetry slams, and presentations by our writers-in-residence. (See Allison Wilkins, (wilkins.s@lynchburg.edu) English Club Advisor, for more information.)
What is The Prism? How does one get published? How does one get to belong to the staff?
The Prism is the College’s literary magazine, which features student writing and art work. Submissions go through an evaluation and selection process conducted by the editors in each section. In order to learn more about submitting works or becoming a member of the editorial staff, contact Dr. Laura Long, (long.l@lynchburg.edu).
There are probably other questions which you have regarding the English major and minor and the opportunities which the discipline offers. Please feel free to contact your advisor or English professor to talk about English.