The Department of English and Languages provides a variety of learning opportunities for its students. Our students engage not only in classroom lectures and discussions, but are involved in reading, writing, and research activities, field trips, and teaching experiences. They participate in publications practicums and internships as editors of the student publication Originals, and work with the Oklahoma Literary Arts Festival, the Scissortail Creative Writing Festival, and ECU SCREENS.
Our Degree Programs
The Department offers majors in English and English Teacher Certification along with minors in English, English as a Second Language (ESL), Humanities, and Spanish.
Language Courses - In addition to Spanish, the Department offers basic courses in French, German, Latin, and Russian. All foreign language studies provide awareness of the culture of the language and insight into the unique world view of different languages.
English & Languages Department Goal
In a culture that relies on a literate citizenry, the need for training in skilled language comprehension and usage continues to increase. The outstanding English & Languages Department faculty at East Central University are committed to fostering such a citizenry, as well as achieving the department's program goal of preparing students for employment as teachers, writers, editors, or for liberal-arts positions in business and industry. Students who study English, humanities, and languages enhance their reading and writing skills important in a variety of careers. They absorb the cultural understanding necessary for success in a diverse society, and develop the critical thinking skills which will lead to professional and advanced academic success.
English and Languages Departmental Opportunities
ECU SCREENS
ECU SCREENS was founded by faculty members and students representing the Departments of English and Languages, the School of Fine Arts, and the Linscheid Library. Its mission is to bring memorable cinematic experiences to ECU, Ada, and the surrounding communities. See ECU SCREENS for more information on current screenings and events.
Oklahoma Literary Arts Festival
The Oklahoma Literary Arts Festival, held annually in November, is an exciting departmental event designed to stir the love of literary arts by hosting authors such as Pulitzer Prize winner N. Scott Momaday and Slam Poet Taylor Mali. Through various workshops and activities taught by ECU faculty and upper-level English and Language students, local students and teachers explore the many facets of literary arts. For more information, contact department faculty Dr. Jennifer Dorsey at 580-559-5439, or see the link Oklahoma Literary Arts Festival.
Originals
ECU’s literary magazine is housed and published annually by our department. Submissions are accepted in the form of plays, poems, short stories, or essays. Contact department faculty Dr. Mark Walling for more information at 580-559-5440.
Scissortail Creative Writing Festival
The Scissortail Creative Writing Festival, a three-day event, celebrates published, established and emerging authors reading from their creative works. It annually attracts over 50 local and international authors. Contact department faculty Dr. Ken Hada for more information at 580-559-5557.
Study Abroad
The World Is Yours! ECU offers study abroad opportunities through its sister institutions in Ukraine and Russia. ECU also offers study abroad programs in Spain and France. Students spend a semester traveling, learning and earning college credit. Limited scholarships are available and financial aid may apply. Our own Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya sponsors this amazing opportunity! Contact her at 580-559-5293. See the links Study Abroad or Global Education for more information.
Meet our Students
English & Languages Department student-produced video.
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Recently, four of our graduating seniors made the top five candidates for the George Nigh Award. Congrats to Noelle Hurt-Bryan and Emily Davis for receiving this honor in back-to-back years: 2014 and 2015.
ECU Mission Statement
East Central University's mission is to foster a learning environment in which students, faculty, staff, and community interact to educate students for life in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse society. Within its service area, East Central University provides leadership for economic development and cultural enhancement.
ECU Mission in Russian - Миссией Центрального восточного университета является созддание такой обстановки для обучения, при которой преподаватели, студенты, а также жители города будут иметь возможность сообща готовить студентов к жизни в стремительно изменяющемся и мультикультурном мире. В своём регионе Цетральный восточный университет признаётся неоспоримым лидером в области экономического развития и в культурного обогащения. Translated by Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya
ECU Mission in Spanish - La misión de la Universidad Central de East Central es albergar un ambiente de aprendizaje en el que los estudiantes, los profesores, los empleados y los otros miembros de la comunidad interactúen para así educar a los alumnos para una vida en una sociedad que cambia con rapidez y que es culturalmente diversa. En este contexto de servicio, la Universidad Central de East Central provee liderazgo para el desarrollo económico y el enriquecimiento cultural. Translated by Dr. Yolanda Forero-Villegas
Minors
- Minor in English as Second Language
- Minor in English
- Minor in Humanities
- Minor in Spanish