English BA

Our small classes (10-20 students) allow professors to become acquainted with our students beyond the words on their papers and exams. Whether it’s meeting new majors at our “get-to-know-you” luncheon, celebrating imminent graduation with our seniors at our annual reception, or simply sharing coffee with students in the student center, our English professors thrive on one-on-one conversation and learning with students. The English faculty know you by name and are committed to seeing you develop your talents to the fullest, always honing your skills in reading, writing, and thinking as you become the best person possible. Expect to be challenged by us. We will call you to greatness—as thinkers, as writers, and as human beings.

Program Highlights

English is a wide-ranging field of study. Historically, it gives attention to the great variety of texts that human culture has produced over centuries. Conceptually, it aims at developing deep abilities in reading and writing. Bellarmine’s English Department reflects this in the variety of courses offered and in the sequential way in which we ask our majors to approach their study. That study begins with ENGL 201, The World of Texts, which introduces the student to the basic principles underlying the discipline. The 300- and 400-level courses presume the solid grounding in literary history and critical reading skills that our 200-level courses are designed to provide. In the student’s senior year, the major provides a distinct “capstone” experience through ENGL 450, the Integrative Seminar. In working through the variety of courses, students in English may expect to find themselves engaged in the reading of novels, short stories, poems, creative nonfiction, films and graphic novels, among other texts.

The program emphasizes writing as a fundamental means of learning and expression; close and creative reading of a culturally diverse range of texts; and critical thinking grounded in writing and reading.

In addition to the English major, we offer an English minor and host the Film Studies minor.

Film Studies Minor

Bellarmine’s Film Studies minor is designed to deepen students’ perception and discernment when it comes to visual storytelling and media literacy. Movies and television shows are some of the most important and powerful cultural forms of the last century. Film Studies courses will guide students away from the habits of mere consumption toward an attentive and analytic appreciation for the complex content and structure of filmmaking. The Film Studies minor situates films within an interdisciplinary context that will increase students' ability to think critically and communicate clearly about the relationship between images, ideas, narrative, and sound. Courses also count towards the English major.

The English Department works with a variety of other Bellarmine programs such as Business, Philosophy, History, Communication, and Pre-Law to personalize the educational experience of each student.