General Discussion

GreenEyedLefty

(2,116 posts)

1. Proud holder of an English degree here...

Sun Apr 6, 2014, 11:46 AM

Apr 2014

The necessity of seeking extra coursework or a master's degree speaks to the "corporatizing" of higher education. It doesn't seem to be about education for education's sake, so much as the almighty dollar.

At my university (University of Michigan-Dearborn), it was not only about critical thinking and analysis, but understanding the works in terms of their social and historical context. I took creative writing, screenwriting and film courses as electives. I believe I received an excellent education and never felt shortchanged in any way. My only regret was not taking one or two courses in linguistics...however, I can always return to UM-D and audit those classes if I wish.

With all that said, I withstand a lot of sarcastic and condescending remarks regarding my degree. It gets tiresome having to defend a non-STEM education.

Sigh...

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The Death of the English Degree, Brought on by Critical Analysis [View all] TheBlackAdder Apr 2014 OP

Proud holder of an English degree here... GreenEyedLefty Apr 2014 #1

+1000 Tom Ripley Apr 2014 #16

Yes, "corporatizing" does seem to be a factor. nt TheBlackAdder Apr 2014 #28

+1... Blue_Tires Apr 2014 #37

"What are you going to do with that?" deutsey Apr 2014 #43

Bravo!!!! Well said!!! BIG K&R!! riderinthestorm Apr 2014 #2

That's a function of the AP curriculum, though. knitter4democracy Apr 2014 #32

That same mindset permeates the N.J. Collegiate English Departments. TheBlackAdder Apr 2014 #35

I disagree. knitter4democracy Apr 2014 #42

R#1 & K for, I are an English (lit) major, & when *was* it not a poor choice for the marketplace?!1 UTUSN Apr 2014 #3

If you want a useful resource for grammar and usage, you could visit tblue37 Apr 2014 #7

Thanks. I "get" lie/lay and those basics. I wanted (back then) to be grammatically worthy of UTUSN Apr 2014 #10

I have a Masters in English. MineralMan Apr 2014 #4

Actual writing of poetry and plays would be in the Fine Arts FarCenter Apr 2014 #5

True. MineralMan Apr 2014 #6

Real and useful writing can be taught directly, without an English Departments many detours FarCenter Apr 2014 #8

During my graduate studies, MineralMan Apr 2014 #15

IIRC, the only time freshmen saw an English professor was a once a week lecture in the auditorium FarCenter Apr 2014 #29

With the exception of playwriting and music, most BFA & MFA limit Creative Writing skills. TheBlackAdder Apr 2014 #11

I'm of the opinion that writers and other artists don't have LuvNewcastle Apr 2014 #9

College provides an environment where artists/writers can interact with one another KittyWampus Apr 2014 #20

Got my degree in literature. Igel Apr 2014 #12

One of my goals, as a continuing education student, is to obtain your skill level or higher. TheBlackAdder Apr 2014 #18

You make some good points rjsquirrel Apr 2014 #13

Thanks. TheBlackAdder Apr 2014 #17

What misspellings do you find? uppityperson Apr 2014 #19

Great post TransitJohn Apr 2014 #14

Thanks John. TheBlackAdder Apr 2014 #22

Great post! I'm not an English major and I think it shows. :) However... Sarah Ibarruri Apr 2014 #21

Most University English Departments MineralMan Apr 2014 #23

Yes, I read the OP and that's what it said, but that's why I asked the why of it. Sarah Ibarruri Apr 2014 #24

The publication they require is academic publication. MineralMan Apr 2014 #25

Bingo! I couldn't have written it better. nt TheBlackAdder Apr 2014 #27

As an English novice, a continuing ed student, I'll give it a shot... TheBlackAdder Apr 2014 #26

Thank you. Very interesting explanation of how English departments tend to go nowadays Sarah Ibarruri Apr 2014 #30

What an excellent post. idendoit Apr 2014 #31

A few thoughts from this high school English teacher: knitter4democracy Apr 2014 #33

A few retorts: TheBlackAdder Apr 2014 #34

My replies to your retorts. ;) knitter4democracy Apr 2014 #41

I was a literature major, but this is an example of why I chose a creative writing emphasis. nomorenomore08 Apr 2014 #36

Um, an English Literature degree is not the same thing as a creative writing degree. 6000eliot Apr 2014 #38

Many people who obtain English degrees are not doing so to get some crappy job. bemildred Apr 2014 #39

Media & Communication also rank in the bottom tier of paying professions. nt TheBlackAdder Apr 2014 #40

Right, but you can get a job. nt bemildred Apr 2014 #44

They're at least partly right... Orsino Apr 2014 #45