The English major at Great Bay encompasses the study of a wide range of literary periods, styles, and genres. The program requirements provide students with a broad background in American, British, and continental literature written in English, as well as the analytical tools and skills necessary for the serious academic study of literature. Students can pursue specialized literary or writing interests through their major electives. The program provides a strong foundation for further study of English and the humanities at four-year colleges and universities.
An English associate degree emphasizes solid, adaptable communication skills for students who love literature and language and the exploration and development of complex ideas. The English major also builds important research, writing, and critical thinking skills that translate into valuable workplace contributions in a wide variety of fields. Specific career areas may include: teaching, writing, communications, editing, publishing, journalism, and the law.
It is recommended that students take ENGL110G/111G College Composition I/with Lab, CRIT150 Critical Thinking in the Humanities, and an introductory literature course (such as ENGL114G Introduction to Poetry, ENGL115G Introduction to Film Studies, or ENGL120G Introduction to African American Literature and Culture) in their first semester. ENGL 127G Introduction to Literary Analysis is best taken in the second semester. Students are also encouraged to make Lab Science, Math, Humanities/Foreign Language/Fine Arts, and Social Science Elective choices based upon particular four-year college’s transfer requirements and general education cores.
Students graduating with the Associate of Arts degree in English will be able to:
- Understand a comprehensive variety of stylistic periods and genres, as well as the scope and significance of literature written in English.
- Develop skills of analysis and interpretation using different theoretical approaches to study and analyze literature and language within the broad range of human experience.
- Examine how texts are written and received within literary, cultural, and socio-historical contexts while recognizing that literature and language reflect and impact cultural change.
- Develop the ability to write effectively, persuasively, and analytically for a wide range of audiences.
- Qualify for transfer to a four-year college or university with the necessary foundation in English and/or related fields such as Writing, History, the Humanities, or Political Science.
In addition to Great Bay transfer credit policies, Liberal Arts and Science courses will be considered for transfer regardless of when they were taken as long as they meet minimum grade requirements. See individual department policies for program exceptions on general education requirements. In the case of English and math course transfers, it may be recommended that the student take portions of the Accuplacer Placement Test to demonstrate the skill level required for success in subsequent classes within the program. Transfer of a course to this institution does not guarantee transfer of that same course to subsequent institutions. SAT testing may be required by some transfer institutions.
First Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Summer Semester
Second Year
Fall Semester