English

Undergraduate Program

The program is primarily designed to meet the needs and interests of English majors and minors, although the variety of courses we offer may appeal to other students as well. We assist students in developing skills in close reading, critical thinking and effective writing, and in acquiring knowledge and experience valuable to any vocation. Moreover, the program encourages the development of a sense of cultural history, sensitivity to literary values, and first-hand knowledge of important authors, works and periods of literature in English.

We advise English majors to take three historical surveys, one a yearlong sequence, early in their programs. Any student majoring only in English should also select—in consultation with his or her adviser—a suitable area of specialization drawing on courses, both inside and outside the English Department (see below).

Majors and minors should note that some courses fulfill more than one requirement. Requirements may also be fulfilled, through an arrangement with the Worcester Consortium of Higher Education, at Assumption College and the College of the Holy Cross. For those interested in studying abroad, majors and minors should contact the Office of Study Abroad Programs regarding our partner program at the University of East Anglia. In addition, the London Internship Program offers a variety of opportunities in fields such as theater and journalism.

For these and other aspects of the program, we strongly urge majors and minors to consult with their advisers.

The English Department is an active member of Clark’s Higgins School of the Humanities and encourages students to participate in the school’s events and opportunities.

Graduate Studies in English

SunHee Kim Gertz, Ph.D., Director

Writing Program

Jennifer Plante, M.A. - Director
Jessica Bane Robert, M.F.A.
Aimeé Sands, M.F.A.

Scholarly Research Program
Every year the American Antiquarian Society, a prestigious national research library of American culture located in Worcester, offers seminars in specialized topics in American Studies. Please consult with Professors Elliott or Neuman for more information.

Internship Opportunities
In cooperation with the University’s internship office, the English Department supports internships for juniors and seniors. Internships are available both in university offices and in venues beyond the campus—for example, newspapers, news departments of radio and television stations, periodical and book publishers, and communication departments. Please consult with the chair for further information.

Health Professions
In an effort to enhance students’ opportunities for entrance into medical, dental and veterinary schools, the Premedical and Predental Advisory Committee has a special arrangement with the English Department, allowing students to major in English while meeting the specific requirements of medical schools. If interested, please consult the chair.

Study Abroad
The English Department has a special arrangement with the University of East Anglia in England as well as with the London Internship Program. For information, please consult with the chair or Clark's Office of Study Abroad Programs.

Writing Program
Writing courses, limited in size to ensure attention to each student, are listed as “Interdepartmental/Nondepartmental (IDND)” because the teaching of writing at Clark is considered the responsibility of the entire faculty, not of any one department. Verbal-expression courses are listed in various departments.

IDND018 Expository Writing/Workshop
Centered on student writing, this course teaches the writing process, emphasizing revision. Students write informal exercises and essays. Course required of some students. Staff/Offered every semester

About English

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