English
The Department of English and Modern Languages offers students a variety of choices in their study: a liberal arts English major, a major in communication arts and literature which certifies students to teach in public and private schools, an English minor, and a writing minor. Our literature courses span thousands of years and the entire globe, ranging from ancient Greek writers to contemporary writers of Indian fiction. We also offer a variety of writing courses including journalism, creative writing, essay writing, and work-place writing. For those interested in studying foreign languages, we offer a Spanish minor, as well as courses in Hmong and Arabic.
The study of English provides students with the intellectual skills highly sought after by employers, such as the ability to write clearly and persuasively, think independently, create original ideas, present alternative viewpoints, and to solve problems. Students at Concordia learn these skills by working closely with highly trained faculty who are dedicated to developing close relationships with their students. Our small class sizes allow students the opportunity to engage actively in the learning process through discussion, debate, presentations, one-on-one consultations with professors, and so forth. Students get to know not only the professors but also each other. Studying at Concordia means joining a community of learners; a community where everybody knows your name.
Students have many opportunities to apply the academic skills they learn in the classroom to practice "real-life" situations, such as writing for the student newspaper "The Sword", tutoring students in the Writing Center, student teaching, gaining internship experience at a local business, or enrolling in an off-campus study program. Students also have opportunities to develop their faith through the study of English; much of the literature we study explores religious questions, and students are encouraged to explore issues of faith in their writing as well.
Concordia English graduates have obtained rewarding careers in the areas of business, government, and communication.
