English/Communication

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Welcome

 

Faculty members in the Department of English/Communication provide students with the opportunities and skills they need to pursue their future professional goals. In the close-knit environment of the beautiful Immaculata campus, students and professors work together in making a student’s vision become a reality. We pride ourselves in what our students accomplish in their time at IU and in their ongoing contact with our department.

The English major acquaints students with major literary works, theories of literary criticism, and the skills needed for advanced undergraduate research. Advanced literature and writing courses build on the liberal arts course in developing proficiency in written and spoken English and providing effective communication tools. Working with the same academic advisor for four years enables students to feel confident in their academic choices while in college.

The Communication major prepares students for career opportunities by ensuring their ability to communicate effectively both in speech and in writing and by providing them with hands-on experiences in their chosen area of emphasis. While continuing Immaculata's long standing emphasis on the importance of the liberal arts, the major in communication provides a broad foundation for advanced study and for employment in the areas of communication.

 

Mission

 

With belief in the core values of Immaculata University, the English/Communication Department will:

 
  • Remain faithful to the Christian values espoused by the University;

  • Demonstrate ongoing care in respect to one another and to our students;

  • Provide service to the University through courses provided for majors and non-majors and through our extra- and co-curricular activities;

  • Maintain integrity in the quality of our programs and courses;

  •  Remain current in our field as both learners and teachers;

  • Hold teamwork as an integral value within our department.

 

We will continue to produce excellent writers, teachers, professionals, and graduate students. We will enhance the way we teach students to write and communicate through new programs, services, and course offerings.

 

IU Core Values: Faith..Care..Service..Integrity..Learning..Teamwork

 

Some Highlights:

 
  • Small classes and frequent contact with professors create a non-threatening, yet challenging atmosphere.
  • Working with the same academic advisor for four years enables students to feel confident in their academic choices while in college.
  • Students are encouraged to complete at least one internship while at IU and preferably two. Some recent internships have been completed at Philadelphia Magazine, the Philadelphia Phantoms, the Chester County Hospital Development Office, and the IU Sports Information Office.
  • English majors can complete secondary certification in English in accordance with the requirements of the PA Department of Education.
  • Immaculata shares an affiliate agreement with the College of Arts and Sciences of the Dublin Business School, where students may study for a semester or complete an internship in Ireland.
  • IU now has a graduate program in Public Relations through which students can further their professional education.

 

“Every time I come back to visit, I feel like I’m returning home. Immaculata is really my second home.” Julie Castner ‘07
 

“The size of the department is a great asset. Students never have to make an appointment to see their professors.” MaryBeth Gallagher '00, ABD, Morgan State University

 

Please feel free to explore our website to learn more about our programs. If you have any additional questions, please contact us.

Dr. Melanie Kisthardt mkisthardt@immaculata.edu
Chairperson

Immaculata University is a Catholic, comprehensive, coeducational institution founded by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.