English

The English Department prepares Providence students for the next phase of their lives, whether it is the university, military, or the workforce. We inculcate much-needed communication skills, both oral and written. Our mission extends far beyond merely developing skills. A primary role is to foster our students’ appreciation of literature as an expression of the human condition, of the human spirit. It is through our understanding of great literary works – from both the past and the present – that we come to a better understanding of ourselves. It is through reading these works that we can touch other minds, transcending both time and distance.

Goals

Our students will develop a life-long enjoyment of reading.
Students will appreciate literature as an expression of the human spirit.
Students will understand and appreciate various literary genres.
Students will understand and appreciate our literary heritage – and the literary heritage of other cultures.
Students will see the connections between culture, history, and literature, and students will see the relevance of these connections to their own lives.
Students will develop critical thinking and reading skills through literary analysis, research, and composition.
Students will develop their use of language (oral and written) as a means of effective communication (for a variety of purposes and audiences).
Students will develop the effective use of language (oral and written) as means of critical analysis and reflection.