Communication, Language, and Literature

Faculty

Erin Sadlack, Ph.D., Chair, English

Helen Bittel, Ph.D.

Deborah E. Brassard, Ph.D.

William Conlogue, Ph.D.

Joshua Deckman, Ph.D.

Lauren Esposito, Ph.D.

Douglas B. Lawrence, Ph.D.

Paola Marrero Hernández, M.A.

Ernest Mengoni, B.A., Coordinator of Broadcast Operations

Sr. Christine Mihelich, IHM, Ph.D.

Kimberly Anne Petro, M.A.

Frances M. Zauhar, Ph.D.

Goals

Read on. Write on. Speak up. Because words have power.

This motto reflects our department’s conviction that words and narratives can shape thinking, inspire action, and evoke emotion. Those who are most engaged with words can harness this power to make a positive difference in their own lives and in the lives of others. More than ever, students who are able to communicate effectively—especially in multiple languages—are well prepared to succeed in the careers of their choosing. Through such coursework, students think critically, improve written and oral communication, and develop an increased historical and cultural awareness that fosters understanding and social concern, all of which enhances their ability to achieve both civic and professional goals.

General Program Overview

The Department of Communication, Language, and Literature therefore offers a variety of programs of study, including majors in:

• Multimedia Communication
• English/Literature
• English/Secondary Education
• English/Writing
• Spanish
• Spanish/Secondary Education

The department offers a 4+1 Master of Arts degree and a traditional Master of Arts degree in Professional Writing. We also partner with the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics to offer an 18-credit Spanish track for Nutrition majors and with the School of Business and Global Innovation to offer the 21 credits in language needed for the International Business major.

For all students, we offer minors in:

• Caribbean, Latinx, and Latin American Studies
• English Literature
• Multimedia Communication
• Spanish for Professionals
• Writing

English and Language Core Requirements for All Undergraduate Students

All undergraduate students are required to take 9 credits of English courses and 3-6 credits of Modern Language as part of the general education requirements. Final approval of all transfer credits rests with the department chair.

For English, all students must take (or satisfy) the following required courses:

ENGL 160 Composition and Rhetoric

This course lays strong foundations for college-level argumentative and inquiry-based writing by increasing rhetorical awareness, analytical skills, and research proficiency. Through guided practice with process-based academic writing, students produce original arguments that employ research to engage in ongoing academic conversations. A minimum grade of “C” is required in order to fulfill the University’s requirement of writing competency, and the course can be retaken only once at Marywood.

ENGL 180 Introduction to World Literature

This course surveys western and non-western literature of the world. Students will read texts in several genres. Course content will vary by instructor. Prerequisite: ENGL 160.

Any course from ENGL 300 or above

Students may select any upper-level Literature or Writing course at an advanced level to hone further their critical reading, thinking, and writing skills.

Note: English 160 and English 180 are prerequisites for all literature courses. ENGL 160 is the prerequisite for all writing courses.

Modern Language Requirements for All Undergraduate Students

For modern languages, all students must take 3-6 credits of modern language as outlined here. To enable each student to continue progressing in a second language and to achieve the highest possible proficiency, the Department offers an online placement test, the results of which determine the level at which the student will begin study. The results of the language placement test are received by the department, and shared with both the Registrar’s Office as well as the student’s advisor, who ensures that the student takes the appropriate level class/es as required prior to the student’s sophomore year. We strongly encourage students to continue the same language they studied in high school and to continue that study as early as possible in college.

Students who place beyond the 212 level:  

Students with four years of the same language study should consult with the Modern Languages Coordinator to confirm their placement result because they may be eligible to complete the language requirement with only one 3 credit course provided that the course taken is BEYOND THE 212 LEVEL. 

Students who place below the 212 level:

These students are required to take six credits in sequence in  the same language at the course level indicated by the placement test. Test scores can be accessed in the MarywoodYou Portal in the student's file under the "Test Scores" tab. Courses taken below the level indicated by the student’s placement exam will not count toward fulfillment of the language requirement. Exceptions to a student's placement level can only be granted by the Modern Languages Program Coordinator, not academic advisors.

Any student seeking a waiver of the modern language requirement must receive a passing score on the CLEP exam or bring in AP college credit.

Bilingual students

• Native speakers of a commonly taught modern language other than English may take one course beyond the 212 level as recommended by the Modern Languages Program Coordinator in that same language either at Marywood (if offered) or elsewhere (with prior approval of the department), or they must take and pass an advanced level CLEP exam in that language.
• Native speakers of a lesser taught modern language may find that no CLEP exam or advanced level college course in that language exists. In this case, the student may take one upper level course taught in the English language as determined and approved by the Modern Languages Program Coordinator. NOTE: This course may not be concurrently used to fulfill any other requirements in the Core Curriculum.
• Should it be determined that a native speaker of a modern language would benefit from additional English language study, LANG 101 and 102 would be required to fulfill the modern language requirement. NOTE: This sequence may not be concurrently used to fulfill any other requirements in the Core Curriculum.

Any student wishing to begin study of a modern language not previously studied must take two elementary level courses (101 and 102) in that new language in order to fulfill the language requirement.

Communication, Language, and Literature Programs Special Features

All department programs offer students a number of opportunities to enhance their education. These include professional internships, independent studies, study abroad, research assistantships, work study, and membership in honor societies such as Lambda Pi Eta (Communication), Sigma Tau Delta (English), and Phi Sigma Iota (Languages); and the Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ). Our majors get hands-on professional experience via practicum experiences, which are supported by student organizations, broadcast outlets, and publications. The department also supports its activities through its own contemporary teaching facilities including a television station, radio station and numerous production facilities with state of the art equipment.

Student Organizations

The Languages & Literatures Club

All department majors are invited to join the Languages and Literatures Club, which organizes activities devoted to the love of language and literature, such as story and poetry slams, film festivals and discussions, poetry and book clubs, community outreach, social activities and holiday celebrations, creative writing workshops, regular language conversation hours, fundraisers, and excursions to cultural events.

Marywood Media Group

This student organization brings together all of the student media organizations (91.7 VMFM, TV Marywood, The Bayleaf, The Wood Word, and the Society for Collegiate Journalists) under one umbrella. The leaders of these groups plan special events, organize fundraisers, and advocate for students’ needs with faculty and administration. 

Broadcast Outlets and Publications

91.7 WVMW-FM

Our award-winning radio station is equipped with cutting-edge technology and a PC-based music system for on-air stereo radio broadcasting. It also is licensed by the FCC. The studio is set up for interview programs, a digital delay for talk shows, and a sound booth. A student staff manages and operates the station’s daily broadcasting schedule with a coverage area that encompasses northeastern Pennsylvania and is streamed globally online; the station is affiliated with the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS).

The Bayleaf

Each semester, students publish an art and literary magazine showcasing creative work by students from across the university. A student editorial staff solicits and selects submissions and publishes and distributes the volume, giving students practical editing and publishing experience and leadership opportunities.

TV Marywood

Our digital TV studio is equipped with innovative technology and has full audio and video production capabilities, including electronic field, graphics, and post-production facilities. Students have ready access to computer-based audio labs, nonlinear editors, and a comprehensive television control room and studio. The studio functions as a soundstage for digital filmmaking, audio recording, and virtual set design and implementation. Professional audio and lighting kits complement sophisticated digital field production systems. Student management and operational staff direct live and taped programming via regional facilities of Comcast Cable and internet streaming; programming and films may also be produced for internal and external clients.

The Wood Word

Students publish news and other editorial content daily, including photographs and video reports, at our award-winning, online student news source. Student positions range from editors to photographers to writers to graphic designers. Students have access to a virtual as well as a physical office and newsroom equipped with computers and a collaborative work space.

Facilities 

Audio and Video Labs

These spaces are dedicated for instruction and student work- spaces, including audio and video editing.

Newsroom

Our newsroom is equipped with 16 Mac computers programmed for word processing, desktop publishing, 3D graphics, screenwriting, and multimedia productions. Students have 24-hour card swipe access to these facilities.

• Multimedia Communication Degrees
• English Degrees
• Spanish Degrees