English

“Literature is full of God’s glory if we learn how to read it Christianly.” – Dr. Ryan Stark, Humanities Department Chair

As an English major, cultivate your love of language and literature in the company of other avid poets, novelists, scholars, artists, and literary entrepreneurs. Refine your analytical skills, and further develop your ability to write well and with Christian discernment.

We aim to prepare students for a life of professional excellence in the creative arts—and for a life that glorifies God. If this sounds appealing, then consider yourself warmly invited to join our eclectic community.

Is English the right major for you?

Yes, if:

You find the deeper truths in books, movies, songs, and advertisements.
You’re interested in human behavior and what motivates people.
You’re a self-starter, enterprising, resourceful, able to accomplish tasks independently.
You enjoy communicating with others in various modes and genres.
You realize that great books are not an escape from reality, but an escape to reality.

Concentrations

Major in English, with flexibility to customize your degree through electives, or choose one of these four concentrations:

Career Options

English majors at Corban are prepared for careers in various fields, such as:

Publisher, writer, editor
Professor, teacher
Journalist, blogger, reviewer
Film, television, or theater producer and director
Information curator, information specialist, librarian
Novelist, poet, non-fiction essayist
YouTube content developer
Corporate or nonprofit institutional researcher
Marketer, designer, creator
Entrepreneur

What You’ll Learn

With a wide range of courses, every major’s experience in the program is distinctive—tailored to your interests and career goals. Classes you might take include:

Masterpieces of Christian Literature
20th Century American Literature
Shakespeare in Film and Performance
C.S. Lewis
Literary Criticism
Diverse Authors
Devotional Poets
Flash Fiction
19th Century British Literature
Fantastic Literature and Lore
Narrative Theory

Learn what courses you’ll need to complete your degree.

English Faculty

Dr. Ryan Stark – Professor of English, Chair of the Department of Humanities
Dr. Felicia Squires – Professor of English
Dr. Marty Trammell – Professor of Humanities
Dr. Colette Tennant – Professor of English and Humanities
Tamara McGinnis – Associate Professor of English, Director of Theatre Arts
Gina Ochsner – Associate Professor of English, Writer in Residence
Naomi Yanike – Assistant Professor of Media Arts

Study Abroad

Corban’s English major is well-suited for students interested in study abroad, particularly CCCU’s GlobalEd program at Oxford University, England. Corban faculty also lead study tours to Great Britain where students can earn academic credit while exploring the land of C.S. Lewis, Jane Austen, Shakespeare and more.

Theatre

For more than 25 years, Corban’s Theatre Arts has taken center stage with its superb productions. Students from all majors have the opportunity to express their creativity and flair for the stage through dramas, tragedies, comedies and even musicals.

Many Corban alumni who were active in Corban Theatre are now teaching theater in schools, directing drama groups in churches, acting in theater troops, and writing scripts for both church and community projects.

Fusion Art Show

Every fall students interpret English majors’ poems as paintings and photographs. The photographers and painters work independently and do not consult each other. The result is a wonderful mixture of poetry, painting, and photography. It is fascinating how art can beget art. Their work is displayed in a gallery here on campus, they participate in a reading, and their work is showcased in a professionally designed book. The Fusion Art Show is a meaningful way to celebrate God’s abundance on Corban University’s campus.

Honors Program

For those who wish to participate, Corban also houses an honors program, which any student from any major is welcomed to pursue. Learn more.