English
Faculty
Chair: Hannah Zdansky
Professor: Farrell O’Gorman
Associate Professors: Svetlana Corwin, Erin Jensen, Joseph Pizza, Emily Ransom, Hannah Zdansky
Assistant Professors: Mary Jo Morgan
Department Mission: The English program at Belmont Abbey College offers students a literary education in the Catholic, Benedictine liberal arts tradition, providing them with an understanding of the complexities of human nature and a comprehensive grasp of Western civilization. Through intensive study and analysis of key works of British and American Literature, students nourish their minds and spirits, develop a deep understanding of the human person, and prepare themselves for a lifetime of intellectual and spiritual growth that will benefit them and others. They become skilled communicators in traditional media and in newer forms as well, responding to Ex Corde Ecclesia's special call for Catholic universities to "respond to the problems and needs of the age."
Departmental Goals: The overall goal of the Department of English is to help students develop both a life-long appreciation of literature and their verbal skills in speech and writing. To achieve this end, the department has the following goals for students majoring in English: (1) to become familiar with the significant classical, medieval, and modern literary works; (2) to know the major works of the traditional periods of British and American Literature; (3) to develop a cogent understanding of the theoretical principles underlying various interpretations of these works; (4) to master the critical skills necessary to engage in research, organize information, form conclusions, and express them persuasively in writing and in speech; and (5) to understand rhetorical situations and learn how to write with appropriate awareness of audience in a variety of settings.