English, Speech and Journalism
The English Department includes faculty and adjunct faculty members teaching cross-field and interdisciplinary courses in literature, creative writing, cultural studies, and literary theory. Our mission is to help students develop their analytical and critical skills; to enhance their ability to explore, organize, and articlaute their ideas through writing; and to deepen their understanding of literature and language as significant cultural phenomena that are shaped by particular historical and cultural contexts. We broadly conceive "literature" to include fiction, poetry, drama, non-fiction prose, and film. It is part of our land-grant mission to make the traditions of world literature in English inclusive of those who have typically been left out; our approach to the teaching of English is both synchronic and diachronic: we examine works as both occurring at a certain point of time and as revealing the dynamics of historical and cultural processes over time. Our students go onto careers in writing, editing, business, and professional and graduate studies, as well as many other career options that demand the critical and analytical skills that success in the English major imparts. The English major offers an especially rich and exciting area of study for undergraduates at Northark.
Speech assists students through an integrated study of theory and practice to be more competent in oral communications situations. It emphasizes student preparation and presentation of various types of speeches. Discussion of communication theory and participation in classroom experiences develop the student's ability to function more effectively in a variety of communication situations. Students also study communication theories and practice skills in interviewing, public speaking, group work, and organizational communications.
Journalism courses are a survey of the mass media – newspapers, magazines, radio, television, public relations, and advertising – covering the media's history and pioneers in the field, the problems and future of the varying media, professional ethics, and the theory of mass communications with emphasis on evaluating the media's effect on society. It helps acquaint students with techniques of photo craftsmanship and graphic techniques, cameras, lenses, exposure, focus, film development, printing, and lighting.