English

Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs. –Pearl Strachan

The English language is the most widely used across the globe, and being able to use it well is a powerful tool. Students of English learn how to communicate well in writing, as well as the art of effective argument, critical thinking and reasoning. The ability to persuade or engage a variety of audiences effectively is a vital professional and personal life skill. English students also become adept in the varied venues of visual communication in our technological age. Skills in using the English language well offer a variety of creative outlets for stylized expression and influence, from crafting engaging poetry, fiction and drama that reflects and speaks into the culture, to communicating organizational or technical information for specific audiences. To major in English in the new millennium is to do more than select a profession; it is to identify one’s vocation. Whether you decide someday to specialize in rhetoric and composition, literary criticism, or creative writing, or to become a journalist, songwriter, screenwriter, or teacher of English, you will learn to promote literacy and thoughtful dissent in contemporary society. You will learn that connections between life and literature are basic to living in and understanding a complex global community. Want to find out if this program is for you? Check out potential careers on the web at www.acinet.org or www.bls.gov/oco.

AA/AS Degree

The Associate of Arts degree is designed to give you a traditional liberal arts education that will transfer to a four year college or university. The AA provides a solid foundation of study in the areas of arts and humanities, communication, or social sciences. Click here for track specific information.

Program Description

As a student in the English program at PPCC, you will develop skills in critical thinking; persuasion and argument; writing clearly, purposefully, and meaningfully; reading attentively for detail and depth, and writing about ideas that connect us as individuals and as members of society. You will develop an understanding of how others think about those issues and conditions we share as participants in the civilized world. You will learn how to perform critical research, then summarize and synthesize your findings, as well as various forms of creative self-expression, composition and style.

In addition to composition and rhetoric, English majors can pursue an emphasis in creative writing, technical writing, journalism, literature or education. Work closely with your faculty advisor to make sure you take the right courses to transfer to the university of your choice.

"60+60" Transfer Guarantee

Spend two years at PPCC, earning your Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree, and we’ll send you off with half the credits you’ll need for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Guaranteed. If you sign up for the 60+60 Bachelor’s Degree Transfer Program, we guarantee that the credits you’ve earned at PPCC will automatically be accepted by any four-year, public institution of higher learning in the state – providing, of course, you follow a few simple rules. For instance, you have to maintain at least a “C” in each of your 60+60 courses. And only approved 60+60 courses apply. But other than that, there’s hardly anything difficult about it. If you think you might want to move on to a state college or university after completing your two years at PPCC, ask one of our advisors about the 60+60 program. Find out more at www.ppcc.edu/60plus60.

Employment Opportunities

A major in English will prepare you for diverse employment opportunities, whether continuing your education in graduate school or entering the professional world. English majors have a variety of career options that require strong communication and critical thinking skills. Employers continue to rank writing skills and critical thinking skills as key for employment and promotion. English majors will find career options in technical writing, grant writing, creative writing, marketing and promotion, editing and publishing, public relations, community affairs, and corporate training to name a few. Many English majors also pursue careers in mass communications or education. An English major or minor is also a good combination with a variety of other fields such as law, natural science, the social sciences, human communications and the arts.

Career Path Notes

The majority of our English courses are guaranteed transfer to any state 4-year college or university. We recommend that you consult with your faculty advisor to choose the English courses that fit the emphasis you are interested in, i.e. composition and rhetoric, creative writing, technical writing, English secondary education, literature, or journalism. If you plan to become a teacher, you must work closely with your faculty advisor to make sure you choose the right courses for a smooth transfer! Teacher preparation programs have specific course requirements which vary by four-year college and university. Pikes Peak Community College participates in a statewide articulation agreement for the guaranteed transfer of an Associate of Arts degree in Elementary Teacher Education.

Advising

www.ppcc.edu/Advising

Transfer Opportunities

www.ppcc.edu/Transfer

Financial Aid

www.ppcc.edu/FinancialAid

Apply

www.ppcc.edu/Apply

For More Information

Call the Division of Mathematics & Languages at 719-502-3500

Minimum Recommended Basic Skills

Recommended basic skills standards are •ENG 090 •REA 090 Find Out What You Can Do With This Degree Contact Career Services at (719) 502-3232 www.ppcc.edu/Careers