English Degrees

Explore English at Aquinas

English Degrees at Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan

From classical to contemporary works, all literature is a cultural conversation—and it’s YOUR time to contribute a verse! As a Saint in the Aquinas English department, you will join a passionate community committed to your growth as a writer, scholar, and individual. Because an English degree is about more than practicing how to turn a phrase.

You will have opportunities to meet established authors; publish both creative and academic work; explore British, American, and World literary traditions; effectively articulate yourself verbally and in writing; and — when you graduate — be able to translate your critical and analytical thinking skills in any field or graduate program. The next chapter of your life is just waiting to be inked.

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It's Time to Write Your Future

See the academic catalog for more specific information on degrees and courses

Majors

Minors

English Literature

English Writing

English Literature

English Writing

Journalism

Browse the catalog for english courses

English Department Course Rotations

English course offerings are arranged in a six-semester "perpetual calendar" sequence. Many 100 and 200-level courses are offered every semester. Most 300 and 400-level courses are offered once every third semester.

Formats:
Every effort is made to offer courses in both day and evening directed study formats, but students who wish to complete an English major by taking only non-daytime courses will inevitably take longer to complete their program than students who take courses in multiple formats.

Course Projections:
Click on the desired term indicated below to find out which courses are likely to be offered in that term. These projections are for planning purposes only. Actual course offerings in a given semester may vary slightly from these projections. For confirmation of these projections, contact the chairperson of the English department. Summer courses are not included in these projections.

Name	Title	Department	Phone
Mary Bauer	Adjunct Assistant Professor	English
Amy Dunham Strand	Professor	English	(616) 632-1992
Holli Gipson	Adjunct Lecturer	English
Erika Gotfredson	Assistant Professor	English	(616) 632-2832
Gretchen Rumohr	Professor	English	(616) 632-2872
Mary Schafer	Adjunct Assistant Professor	English
Christine Stephens-Krieger	Faculty	English

Career Preparation based on leadership

The English Department serves the students, campus, and community through the study of literature, writing, language, and theory. The Department prepares students for graduate programs and for careers in fields such as teaching, journalism, advertising, public relations, law, business, library science, professional writing, and editing for publications.

We hope to provide students with a broad knowledge of the history and development of literature in English, as well as to develop their reading, writing, speaking, critical and analytical skills to prepare them for graduate studies and careers. We also hope to instill in students an appreciation for literature as a means of understanding human experience.

Students will have a broad and a detailed knowledge of the British, American, and World literary traditions.
Students will have a facility with language that will enable them to express themselves effectively in persuasive, creative, and analytical modes of writing and speaking.
Students will have an ability in critical and analytical thinking that will transfer to competency in a variety of professional careers.
Students will have an ability to articulate an appreciation of literature as an art form, and its value for promoting personal growth, professional expertise, and social justice.
Students will have a commitment to lifelong literary appreciation dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.

Contemporary Writers Series

Each year, the Contemporary Writers Series brings celebrated writers conduct workshops on campus, including Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney; author of The English Patient Michael Ondaatje; recipient of the National Book Award Jaimy Gordon; and popular performance poet Sarah Kay.

a Reflection on a window of students gathered at a table talking

Alpha Chi Iota

ACI serves as Aquinas College’s Chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta national English honors society and seeks to uphold its mission to “confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature,” to “foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language and writing,” to “exhibit high stands of academic excellence,” and to “serve society by fostering literacy.”