Just before the semester began, the BYU English Department announced a redesigned English major, which includes changes to the offered courses and requirements of the degree.
As announced in the email, “The new English major introduces tracks, allowing students to choose an emphasis that matches their interests. Like the current program, the new major will begin with a set of core classes, many of which are the same as in the current program. Beyond that core, it will allow students more control over their coursework.”
The four tracks—creative writing, professional writing, literary media & culture, and literary studies—will allow “students to benefit from [the English program’s] strong foundations while also specializing according to personal and professional interests.”
Associate Dean Leslee Thorne-Murphy, who presented the redesigned program to the University Curriculum Council, commented, “We want the best program for our students, one that is responsive to and relevant in our current world, as well as one that draws from the rich and diverse traditions of English studies.”
The department has provided tools and academic counseling to those students who are deciding whether to change over to the new program or finish their degree in the legacy program.
“I hope each student leaves the program ready to make a vital contribution to our world, having had the opportunity to learn and practice skills in rhetoric, analysis, writing, and literary studies,” noted Thorne-Murphy. “Our world needs careful, responsible, and passionate thinkers who are willing to lead out.”
An informational webinar giving more details about the redesign will be held on February 26th from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The link for that meeting is https://byu.zoom.us/j/92078151348?pwd=TTkwejZpN0R6NnNZcHVZWkcxQnl6UT09
—Heather Bergeson (English ’22)
