Department of English, Literature and Languages

What is the value of language?

The question doesn’t get old, for we know there is inexhaustible wealth in how a thing is said. As language and literature majors and minors, we know deep within our hearts and minds that there is infinite value in words, in sentences, in books, and in libraries. Each time we ask this question, we come up with more answers. We know that the world was formed in the beginning with words: “And God said, ‘Let there be light.’” We know that at the end, our Creator is understood as our Alpha and Omega. These are meaningful letters! We see that sustained engagement with language and literature, story and lyric, brings about human flourishing in every area of life. Our programs foster critical thinking, creative expression, and a deep appreciation for the diversity of human cultures, histories, and experiences as reflected in written and spoken language. Through the study of language and literature, students in our courses encounter the complexities of the human condition while recognizing the ways all people reflect the image of God. No matter what career path you pursue, we know that the beauty of studying language, especially of story and lyric, will be important to you, helping you achieve higher and deeper. We are here to help you better read and write and even to craft your own way of saying things.

English and Journalism Modern Language Program Interdisciplinary Studies Program

Not All Learning Happens in a Classroom Dr. Fawcett converses with a student. The big world to which you are entering is not contained in a classroom setting. This is why many professors offer lunch options. They can be found in campus dining, engaging with their students outside of the classroom. The old adage is true. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. Grace professors understand that caring is most often communicated in that which isn't expected. Opening their homes to host a movie discussion in a relaxed setting. Office hours that happen outside on a beautiful day. Stopping to pray for a need outside the context of the class subject. To teach business principles in an interactive way, professors have brought several copies of the board game Monopoly. No information was found about whether the Star Wars or Pokémon editions were used. But we trust learning was fun on that day.

Created for More Careers

The Department of English, Literature and Languages is the heart of Grace College’s intellectual community and comprises three interrelated programs: English and Journalism, Literature, and Modern Languages. With 13 majors and minors ranging from French Education and Creative Writing, our academic programs prepare students for successful careers and Christ-centered global industry. In addition, our department houses the Interdisciplinary Studies major, a flexible option for students with unique interests.

Students in our department benefit from small, interactive classes with dynamic scholars at the top of their fields, mentoring relationships with faculty, and hands-on learning experiences and internships. We sponsor many opportunities including a student-run newspaper and literary magazine, guest authors and speakers, language clubs and field trips. In addition, our department is home to Grace’s Institute for Global Studies, an innovative living-and-learning community that connects students with opportunities for intercultural communication on campus and around the world.

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Lila Carson Lecture Series

The Lila Carson Lecture Series is supported by Mr. Allen Carson of Lubbock, Texas, in honor of his mother. The series promotes the understanding and beauty of literature by bringing writers of national/international repute each spring semester to Grace College. The funds will be used primarily for the visiting writers’ honorarium, travel, and housing while visiting Grace College.

Professor John Poch in coordination with the Humanities faculty will steward the allocation of these funds each year.

Lila Carson Lecture Series