Department of English & Modern Languages
School of Humanities
Contact:
Department of English & Modern Languages
School of Humanities
Houston Baptist University
7502 Fondren Road
Houston TX 77074-3298
English
To study Literature at HBU is to join the Great Conversation that has been going on since Homer and the Bible.
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The English language and literature courses are designed to help students to
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develop proficiency in the English language through the study and practice of grammar, reading, criticism, and analysis.
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develop a knowledge of and appreciation for the masterpieces of world literature.
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instill an appreciation and understanding of British and American authors.
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understand how the literary arts relate to the Christian faith.
WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE AT HBU?
An English major at HBU will study life's greatest questions—Who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose?—and the manifold responses found in poetry, drama, and fiction from a Christian perspective.
Our classes are small and taught by professors who are both distinguished scholars and devoted teachers. To study literature at HBU is to join a family, to meet and know other lovers of literature, and to participate in various aspects of departmental life.
WHAT ABOUT CAREERS?
While many English majors go on to teach at secondary or post-secondary institutions, college graduates with the ability to think critically, analyze ideas, and communicate effectively in writing are in great demand in today's marketplace.
Because of this, English majors have also found jobs in journalism, law, management, marketing, sales, technical writing, copy editing, museum curating, literary and film criticism, library science, research analysis, public relations, communications, consulting and nonprofit organizations.
English majors are familiar with good literature, they have a strong foundation for creative work in screenwriting, drama, poetry, prose, fiction, and nonfiction.
Read more about the
English Major program at HBU.
Modern Languages
The department of Modern Languages offers students of any discipline the opportunity to experience the intellectual and personal enrichment that learning a second language provides. The advantages of being bilingual are countless, such as opportunities to be more successful in a global job market and the ability to experience other cultures.
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Throughout the world, knowing more than one language is the norm, not the exception. It is estimated that between one-half and two-thirds of the world's population is bilingual. People who know more than one language have advantages that will continue throughout their lives.
WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE AT HBU?
Courses in modern languages at HBU develop proficiency in the language by developing skills in reading, writing, and conversation. They foster an understanding of other people and their cultural and literary traditions. They instill an appreciation and understanding of the major literary works in these languages. They prepare students to use these languages in their careers and increase their marketability in a worldwide society.
WHAT ABOUT CAREERS?
Students who study a language other than English often find careers in education. In the United States the study of languages is part of the curriculum in middle school and high school. In many states of the country there are bilingual classes of elementary students.
The knowledge of a modern language is useful in the professional careers of media and advertising. Employers in the fields of journalism, publishing, and public relations are all interested in the unique skills and knowledge that your study of modern language and culture would bring to their interactions with an increasingly diverse public market.
An essential skill in global business and in the medical fields is to be able to translate another language into English or vice versa.
Government and Foreign Service are career fields where language study is a tremendous preparation.
As business and industry becomes ever more global, the need for employees with a background in modern language study is increasingly important.
If you want to have more qualifications as a professional in any field, consider studying a modern language. Being bilingual will expand your career opportunities in your future.
Read more about the
Spanish Major program at HBU.