B.A. in Creative Industries and Entrepreneurship
York College of Pennsylvania offers over 70 baccalaureate majors across professional pr...
B.A. in English - Literary and Textual Studies
York, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English with a concentration in Literary and Textual Studies at York College of Pennsylvania offers a rich and engaging exploration of literature, language, and the power of narrative. This program is designed for students who possess a passion for reading, analysis, and interpretation of various texts, from classical works to contemporary forms. It cultivates advanced skills in critical thinking, close reading, persuasive argumentation, and clear, effective communication—abilities that are highly valued in a wide array of professions and in graduate studies. Students delve into diverse literary traditions, theoretical approaches, and the cultural contexts that shape textual meaning, fostering a deep appreciation for the complexities of human expression.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in English - Literary and Textual Studies is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of literary history, theory, and textual analysis. Foundational courses typically cover topics such as Introduction to Literary Studies, British Literature surveys (e.g., from Beowulf to the Romantic Age, Victorian to Contemporary), American Literature surveys, and World Literature. Students delve into critical theory, exploring different lenses through which to interpret texts. The program also emphasizes developing strong writing skills through courses in academic writing and rhetoric. Electives allow students to explore specialized areas like Shakespeare, specific genres (e.g., poetry, drama, fiction), or authors. The rigorous coursework culminates in capstone experiences that require advanced research, analytical writing, and scholarly presentation, demonstrating mastery of the discipline.
Research Focus: The "research focus" within the English - Literary and Textual Studies program at York College of Pennsylvania is centered on developing students' abilities to engage in scholarly inquiry, critical analysis, and persuasive argumentation through the study of literature and texts. Students learn methodologies for close reading, textual interpretation, and literary criticism. This involves conducting in-depth research using both primary texts and secondary scholarly sources to support complex arguments. While not typically laboratory-based, this "research" is intellectual and analytical, culminating in essays, presentations, and often a senior thesis or capstone project that demonstrates original thought and sophisticated analysis. Faculty members actively mentor students in developing their research questions and refining their scholarly contributions.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement for graduates of an English - Literary and Textual Studies program often manifests indirectly through the transferability of their highly developed communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills. While not a vocational program in the traditional sense, the program prepares students for roles in fields such as publishing, editing, technical writing, public relations, marketing, and law, all of which value strong textual comprehension and articulation. York College encourages all students to pursue internships, and English majors can find opportunities in publishing houses, non-profit organizations, communications departments of corporations, or educational institutions to gain practical experience and build professional networks relevant to their career aspirations.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in English - Literary and Textual Studies program at York College of Pennsylvania inherently fosters a strong global perspective through its engagement with diverse literary traditions from around the world. Courses in World Literature expose students to narratives, cultural contexts, and historical developments from various continents and societies. This broad literary exposure cultivates an understanding of diverse human experiences, values, and perspectives, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. Students learn to appreciate the interconnectedness of global cultures as reflected in their literary output, preparing them to engage thoughtfully and empathetically with a diverse world, whether in further academic pursuits or professional contexts.
Location
York, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 26920
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
York College of Pennsylvania offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in achieving their academic goals while easing financial burdens. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and other special talents among international applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to York College are considered for merit-based scholarships automatically during the admissions process. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. High-achieving students can receive significant tuition discounts, which help make studying in the U.S. more affordable.
International Student Scholarships: York College provides dedicated scholarships for international students, which may include renewable awards throughout the duration of their degree program. These scholarships acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and contributions international students bring to the campus community.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments at York College offer scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional performance or promise in their chosen field of study. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities by contacting their academic departments directly.
York College of Pennsylvania's Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English with a concentration in Literary and Textual Studies offers a robust program for students passionate about language, literature, and the art of interpretation.
Editor/Copy Editor/Proofreader: Works for publishing houses, magazines, newspapers, or digital media companies, ensuring written content is clear, consistent, grammatically correct, and compelling. This role leverages a keen eye for detail and mastery of language.
Content Writer/Strategist: Creates engaging written content for websites, blogs, marketing materials, and social media. English majors excel here due to their ability to craft narratives, understand audience, and adapt tone. A Content Strategist also plans and oversees the overall content roadmap.
Technical Writer: Translates complex technical information into clear, concise, and user-friendly documentation such as instruction manuals, online help guides, and product specifications. This role is crucial in technology, engineering, and manufacturing.
Public Relations (PR) Specialist: Manages the public image and communication of individuals, companies, or organizations. This involves writing press releases, speeches, and media responses, and developing communication strategies.
Marketing Communications Specialist: Develops and implements communication strategies for marketing campaigns. This can include writing advertising copy, website content, email newsletters, and other promotional materials designed to attract and engage target audiences.
Journalist/Reporter: Researches, writes, and reports on news and current events for various media platforms, including print, digital, television, and radio. Strong research, interviewing, and clear reporting skills are essential.
Grant Writer: Researches funding opportunities and writes compelling proposals to secure financial support for non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or research projects. This requires persuasive writing, attention to detail, and the ability to articulate project needs clearly.
Librarian/Archivist: Manages and organizes information resources in libraries, archives, or corporate information centers. This career path values strong research skills, information literacy, and the ability to categorize and preserve textual materials. Often requires a master's degree (MLS/MLIS).
Human Resources Specialist: Works within a company's HR department, handling internal communications, drafting policies, creating job descriptions, and managing employee relations. Strong communication, empathy, and organizational skills are highly valued.
Educator (Secondary or Higher Education): Teaches English literature, composition, and critical thinking skills at the high school level (often requiring additional certification) or, with further graduate studies (Master's or Ph.D.), at the college or university level.
