English Teaching Emphasis
Minimum GPA for Admission: 2.5 USU cumulative (including courses taken for another USU major); 2.5 career total (including transfer credits) for new transfer students
Minimum GPA for Graduation: 2.75 within major courses; 2.0 USU cumulative (3.0 USU cumulative required for admission to STEP); 2.75 career total (for licensure)
Minimum Grade Accepted: C (no pass/fail) in major courses; C in STEP courses
Number of Required Credits: 47
Credits in Residence: Students must complete 21 credits of major-applicable coursework at Utah State University.
Other Requirements: STEP (typically requires three semesters; see TEAL website and advisors for STEP advising) required for licensure, and ENGL 1410 .
This emphasis, leading to professional licensure in the teaching of secondary-level English, prepares prospective English teachers to participate actively in the many communities related to the profession. Students become well-versed in their academic subject matter (language, writing, literature, and multimedia); skilled in the methods of teaching the various components of the English curriculum and in classroom management techniques; and committed to the achievement of all students regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic standing.
In addition to the required Exploratory courses, students take 18 credits in literature courses in order to acquire an understanding of the traditional literary canon, literary diversity, and current theoretical approaches to understanding literature. Students take 16 credits in pedagogy to learn about curriculum, planning, instructional delivery, assessment, and related topics. ENGL 3500 and ENGL 4520 require admission to the STEP program. Students take three credits of an English elective, allowing them an opportunity to explore an area of personal interest.
Students are urged to complete the required Exploratory courses and an additional six credits of English prior to taking ENGL 4500 and ENGL 4510 . When possible, students should complete all of their required 3000-level courses before taking 4000-level courses.
To obtain professional licensure at graduation, students must fulfill the requirements of the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) prescribed by the Secondary Education Program of the School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL).