English

Have you ever argued with a friend about the meaning of a poem or stayed up late discussing the characters in your favorite book?  Have you ever wanted to travel to a place you’ve read about in a novel or wished you could ask the author about what they wrote?  Do you write poems or stories of your own? 

If so, the English program at Young Harris College might be for you. Our program is designed for those who love books, ideas, language, debate, deep thought and creative expression. 

The Bachelor of Arts degree in English program prepares students to read literature in depth, understand its cultural context and write about it thoughtfully. The major prepares students for graduate study in English and related disciplines and helps them to develop skills essential to a variety of professions, including close analysis of difficult texts, advanced research methods and the art of persuasive writing.

Students who major in English will be thoroughly prepared for graduate study needed to pursue careers in college teaching or creative writing. A major in English also provides excellent preparation for other professions such as marketing, public relations, law and research-based opportunities.

Literature and Creative Writing Tracks

English majors may specialize in one of two tracks: Literature and Creative Writing. Students in the Literature concentration study masterpieces of American, British and World literature through survey courses as well as special topics courses in narrow fields of literary study that relate to our faculty members’ scholarly interests. Within the Literature concentration, students learn how to read and analyze literary works, how to engage in dialogue with literary theory and criticism and how to produce arguments that are not just obvious or correct, but offer critical insight. Students in the Creative Writing concentration study literary works as models and inspiration. They will learn to write poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction and drama that speaks with an original voice and fresh language through working with faculty members who are published authors.

Teaching Certification Programs

Students are able to add on initial certification while completing a bachelor's degree in English. In addition to the degree with certification program, a post-baccalaureate program is available for those already holding a bachelor's-level degree to pursue a certification area in English. These certifications may be completed in three semesters. Find out more about the Teacher Preparation Program at YHC.

A Tradition of Excellence

By enrolling in the program, students join a rich tradition in literature: Byron Herbert Reece, a graduate and faculty member of the College, was a nationally recognized poet and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Dr. Bettie Sellers, who taught English at Young Harris College for 32 years, was named Poet Laureate of Georgia in 1997. Several of the current faculty members are published writers as well.

The English Program offers: