Students studying in Copley Library

College of Arts and Sciences

English Learning Outcomes

Global citizens start here

English at USD prepares the next generation of global citizens to rise above. To learn the complexities of our past, then create a better future.

Learning outcomes

  1. Employ critical reading as an effective basis of literary inquiry, through close reading of form and discourse, and through engagement with literary contexts.
  2. Employ a strong understanding of the contexts of literature as a basis of literary inquiry. These contexts include:
    • the influences of culture, race and gender
    • genre, literary traditions and historical periods
    • literary production
    • the insights of literary theories
  3. Develop strong writing skills relevant to literary inquiry. These skills include clear expression and sound mechanics, and are productive of critical insight. They can be practiced in creative writing, research and critical argument.

Note: In the English curriculum all of the above outcomes are also developed through class discussion; literature takes many forms, including film and visual media and performance.

For the most updated curriculum and course information, go to the catalog of record.