ERIC Number: EJ1109696
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1358-684X
EISSN: N/A
Redefining the "English" Major: Adding Strength to Strength
Isip, J. D.
Changing English: Studies in Culture and Education, v19 n1 p95-109 2012
Harvard served as a model for English Departments in the past and, with its 2008-2009 changes, it seems to take the mantle in providing yet another model. However, I propose a much more radical approach to creating an undergraduate "English" curriculum that does more than push the boundaries of traditional study of English literatures. I propose a complete redefinition of the English Major. Those who are currently "English" Majors seem to be increasingly less concerned with studying a "national" literary tradition, but seek a world literary tradition. My proposal, thus, changes the name of the department and the major to "Department of Literature and Language." Harvard's new model is a start, but it still centres the study of literature and language on one literature and one language, English, and, thus, continues to offer a half solution.
Descriptors: Models, English Instruction, English Curriculum, Undergraduate Study, English Literature, Majors (Students), Educational Practices, English Departments, Educational Change
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Massachusetts (Cambridge)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A