English Language Arts

Selected major works of world literature, from Hebrew and Greek times through the Renaissance.

A study of the structure and usage of English, with attention to both traditional grammar and modern linguistic analysis and theory, including morphology, phonology syntax, and semantics. Students will be able to apply their understanding of the structure and usage of English. They will be able to recognize and apply both traditional grammar and modern linguistic analysis and theory, including morphology, phonology, syntax, and semantics, thereby strengthening their command of the English language.

Studies in American authors from Henry James to the present.

A study of Chaucer's work, its milieu, and of pre-modern English. By reading the complete Canterbury Tales in Middle English and by class study of pre-modern English, the student gains substantial familiarity with the history of the language as well as the world-view of an ancestral though different culture. Special emphasis is given to the classical heritage through the reading of Robert P. Miller's Chaucer: Sources and Backgrounds and to the history of English through W. Nelson Francis' The History of English and Knapp and Snortum, The Sounds of Chaucer's English.

A writing intensive course designed to enhance the quality of critical thinking and the knowledge of writing. A variety of texts are interpreted, and critical responses are written using one or more literary forms. The student increases breadth and depth of critical thinking and knowledge of writing. Prerequisite: The student must demonstrate adequate basic skills before enrolling in English 101.

Experience and instruction in writing poetry, short story, essay, and editorial, as suits the student's interest. Prerequisite: English 201 or permission.

A course focusing on the development of effective public speaking skills. Students completing this course will understand and be able to apply public speaking knowledge, including audience analysis, exigency analysis, research and critical analysis of content, organization of content in appropriate formats, presentational skills, and the linguistic requirements of effective public speaking. These skills will be demonstrated through several speech presentations including informative, persuasive, interpretive, and other styles.

This introductory course acquaints students with the history, nature and impact of media on individuals and society. Students who successfully complete this course will recognize and appreciate both historical and contemporary relationships between media and political, economic and social institutions, and the professional practices common to principal journalism and media industries. Students will also be able to demonstrate critical media literacy skills.

An introduction to the tools of acting, concentrating on the skills of voice, movement, and improvisation.

An introduction to the basic elements and strategies of directing through discussion and scene work. Prerequisite: Theatre 103, 108, or permission.

An examination of topics in the teaching and evaluation of the English curriculum. Students will explore writing for the secondary school English classroom. The major emphases include utilizing techniques of writing for multiple audiences, coordination and direction of curricular activities in journalism, and the evaluation and revision of writing and assessment techniques for writing. Students will also explore the Nebraska K-12 content standards for writing. Generally taken during the sophomore year. Offered spring term.

An examination of topics in the teaching and evaluation of English in the secondary school curriculum. Students will explore a variety of strategies for the teaching of literature. Class participants study the literary elements of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction writing and evaluate professional and non-professional writing found in secondary school classrooms. Students will understand and be able to apply the appropriate use of dictionaries and library resources, both print and non-print, in the study of literature for the secondary school classroom. Generally taken during the junior year. Prerequisite: English 324 or permission. Offered spring term.

Begins the transition from students of theatre and drama to teacher of theatre and drama, with emphasis on innovative methods for facilitating learning theatre and drama in the public and private schools and methods and procedures for evaluating student learning. Generally taken during the sophomore year.

An examination of topics in the taeching and evaluation of theatre and drama curriculum. Generally taken during the junior year. Prerequisite: Theatre 322, or permission.