Constantly changing rules and regulations over the past couple years in the English department are frustrating many WC students.
"It's just difficult to keep up sometimes," proclaimed an anonymous junior. "The rules change and you don't know whether you fit under one set of requirements or another."
The first and most recent of the major changes was redefining the basic requirements for English majors. This has left many unsure of what classes they need to take in order to graduate.
Last year, it was declared that all majors must take the introductory Forms of literature and Compostion unit.
This year, however, that requirement has changed. Now majors can choose between taking the Lit. and Comp. sequence, a history of English literature sequence, or a combination of Introductory American culture classes and African-American literature courses. Now, in order to graduate, majors must follow one of the above sequences.
The second significant change for majors are the divisions that were established about three years ago. These require students to take courses ranging from before the 1800's to present day. This allowed students to receive a broader education by exposing them to different forms of literature and culture.
Also, last year the English Department, headed by Dr. Gillin, opened up the senior writing obligation. Before this transition took place, students were required to possess a 3.5 GPA in order to write a thesis. If this was not the case, students had no choice but to take the Senior Comprehensive exams. All English majors now have the option of taking Comps, writing a thesis, or putting together a creative writing portfolio if they have a Creative Writing minor.
Katie Smuckler, a Senior English major and Creative Writing minor, stated, "I'm really happy that putting together a portfolio is now an option. However, I think it should be available to all English majors, regardless of whether or not they are a Creative Writing minor."
Arguably the biggest change of all has just occurred in the past semester. According to Dr. Gillin, the English Department recently received an outside review, a process that takes places every five to seven years. Faculty, staff, boards, and students are interviewed in order to present an objective viewpoint on the department's current status. Suggestions are made concerning how to improve the curriculum and provide the most opportunities for students.
"This review session gives us something to bounce ideas off of and is truly very helpful, for professors and students alike," said Gillin.
This past year, it was suggested that English Introduction courses be required for every student. Unfortunately, Washington College does not have sufficient faculty to provide the Forms of Literature course to all students. Instead, as of this semester, four courses are available to fulfill the requirement. Students may take Forms of Literature and Composition, History of English Literature, Introduction to American Culture, or African American Literature for their distribution. Students may take a sequence in any one, or mix and match two different courses.
Dr. Gillin does not find fault in the new requirements. He said, "We hoped to provide as many choices as possible," stated Gillin, "and give students the opportunity to explore different areas of interest."
300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782