Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > English

                                                              

    Contact Information

    Chair:        Dr. Mary Theresa Hall, Professor

    Address:   Thiel College

                    305 Greenville Hall

                    75 College Avenue

                    Greenville, PA 16125

    Phone:      1-724-589-2154

    Fax:          1-724-589-2021    

    E-mail:      mthall@thiel.edu

The major in English is designed to acquaint students with the literary heritage of global culture, to deepen their understanding and appreciation of that heritage, and to enhance their ability to communicate effectively by means of the spoken and written word.

The English Department offers students four specific major tracks to suit a variety of interests: Literature Track, Writing Track, Secondary Education Track, and English Minor.

Testimonial

I just wanted to send my thanks to the department for the outstanding job you did in preparing me for my teaching career and graduate school.  I have been both shocked and surprised to discover that many students in my graduate-level English classes are apparently unfamiliar with concepts like the critical approaches, linguistics, communication skills, and even (gasp) MLA format -- all of which are cornerstones of Thiel's English curriculum.  Additionally, the Thiel English department provides an excellent service with its Sigma Tau Delta chapter.  The university I attend is trying to rejuvenate its chapter, and there were only two students in the room who even knew that such an organization exists.  Once again, I would like to thank you and the department for your contributions to my undergraduate education.  I can't say I appreciated everything at the time, but looking back, I am truly grateful for the consistency and rigor of Thiel's English program.

Thanks, again,       

Jeff Keeling, Class of 2007
Commodore Perry School District

English Department Awards

Students interested in pursuing studies in English are eligible for two scholarships:

Louise Beil Maglisceau ’29 Endowed Scholarship

Given by the sons of this devoted 1929 alumna, this scholarship honors her love of teaching English.  Upperclass students from Pennsylvania, New York, or Ohio who have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA and have declared a major in English, or are pursuing a career in teaching regardless of major, are eligible.  The recipient is chosen by the Scholarship Committee.

The Heisenbuttel Award in English Language and Literature in Memory of Ernest, Jean and Robert

This award is presented to a junior English major with demonstrated superior academic achievement who, in the judgment of the English department faculty, holds most promise of success in the field of English language and literature and who, in his or her time at Thiel, has demonstrated service to the department.

English Department Honors

English majors who have attained a 3.4 grade point average in their English courses are awarded the designation of Departmental Honors at Commencement.

English Department Organizations                                                  

All students interested in the field of English are welcome to join the English Club.  In addition to serving as officers of this organization, students also enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded aficionados of literature, poetry, and writing; attend movies and discussions of topics related to literature and language; sponsor writing workshops, often for area high school students; and, at the end of the spring semester, sponsor a Faculty Appreciation dinner.

Sigma Tau Delta is the international English honorary society that has served the English discipline for 75 years.  It is represented at Thiel by the Alpha Iota Kappa chapter.  Students who attend Thiel for three semesters, who maintain a 3.0 in their English courses, and a 3.0 GPA are eligible for membership and participate in a spring induction ceremony.  In addition to being involved in a host of activities, these students attend and participate in English conferences, sponsor campus activities, sponsor the campus literary journal The Phoenix.  Students also serve as tutors in the Writing Center and peer mentors.  Around or on Shakespeare’s birthday, the society sponsors a Senior Farewell Appreciation Dinner for the members of the society who are graduating.  (Please see Sigma Tau Delta web page for more information.)

The Phoenix is the creative literary and artistic journal at Thiel.  All members of the Thiel community, including Thiel alumni, are welcome to contribute their poems, short stories, and artistic pieces.

Possible Careers for Students with a major or minor in English

A major or minor in English is excellent preparation for continued graduate or professional training in actuarial studies; business; English; law; journalism; political science/government; public administration; psychology; counseling; human resources; real estate; teaching; communication; student affairs; information science; publishing; museums; literacy organizations; and religious studies/seminary.  A bachelor’s degree in English is sufficient for many entry-level positions in business and industry, advertising and public relations.  Appropriate teacher certification is required for elementary and secondary level; a graduate degree is required for teaching at the college or university level.