BACHELOR OF ARTS IN EDUCATION
ENGLISH (5-9)

Mission Statement

The Division of Language and Literature holds that the ability to read, write, and speak well is fundamental to success in life. The Division is committed to developing this ability in all Glenville State College students, regardless of major field of study or professional objective, and educating them to be thoughtful, productive, engaged, and responsible citizens. (GSC Operating Principles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with a specialization in English (5-9) is designed to prepare teacher candidates to teach English in middle school.
(GSC Operating Principles 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8)

Goals

The Teacher Candidates will be:

1. Prepared to enter the public school classroom as a skilled and reflective teacher, thoroughly grounded in the content knowledge.
2. Certified to teach English in middle school, meeting all West Virginia Department of Education content objectives.
3. Eligible for licensure in the states West Virginia has certification reciprocity.
4. Prepared for graduate school programs in their content or related professional areas.

Objectives

The Teacher Candidates will:

1. Develop, and employ suitable strategies and materials for the delivery of a competent middle school English language arts program.
2. Identify and select content materials which promote multicultural understanding and diversity, and an understanding of special needs.
3. Become familiar with literary history through reading selected major works of world literature.
4. Interpret through written analysis and research American literature in terms of the respective historical, social, and economic background of the various periods and movements.
5. Evaluate and reflect on the literary expression of historically under-represented groups, particularly people of color, women, and native Americans.
6. Develop an informed awareness of the composition process and a mastery of traditional rhetorical strategies for written and oral expression.
7. Develop and implement interpretive strategies appropriate to the aims and standards of literary study.
8. Evaluate and interpret the current values and ethical standards which emanate from middle school adolescent literature, identifying appropriate criteria for selection.
9. Produce written and oral interpretation of literature that adheres to accepted principles of scholarly practice and integrity.
10. Evaluate and interpret the history of the English Language.
11. Master the conventions and practices of standard English grammar balanced with a sensitive awareness of grammar as a psycho-social construct and as a socioeconomic marker.
12. Develop critical thinking, writing, and assessment skills through a wide variety of writing and research projects.
13. Evaluate and utilize new technologies, multi-media applications, and other non-print resources that augment an effective middle school English language arts program.
14. Effectively review current assessment theory and practices, and develop instruments and procedures which meaningfully measure student progress and success.