Studying English at Bryn Athyn

Majoring in English at Bryn Athyn is about exploring the beauty and power of thought and language through written texts. As an English major, you'll read, analyze, and write about a wide variety of literature, from various cultures and historical periods up to modern day.

Meet the Major Head

Rev. Dr. Thane Glenn

Glenn, Rev. Dr. Thane, Assistant Professor of English and Religion

B.A. Washington College, M.A. University of Pittsburgh, Ph.D. Temple University, M.Div. Academy of the New Church Theological School
267-502-4844, thane.glenn@brynathyn.edu

Rev. Dr. Glenn specializes in the fields of rhetoric and composition, as well as late medieval/early modern literature. He is particularly interested in the effect of the intangible elements of language in communication—the spirit within the words we read, write, and speak. He also teaches religion courses at the College.

Program Strengths

Our English courses range from classical, medieval, Renaissance, and Shakespearean literature to creative writing, mythology, poetry, and film. More specialized courses focus on Elizabethan literature, Victorian literature, poetry of devotion, novels, and the writing of Henry James.

Our program emphasizes the importance of writing, clarity of thought and expression, and sharp analysis and synthesis of ideas. Our faculty specialize in writing, literature, and rhetoric.

English Majors can select from three different tracks:

  • Language and literature
  • Writing
  • Teaching English at the secondary education level

Hands-On Learning

At Bryn Athyn, hands-on learning is built into the English major. You can choose to undertake an off-campus internship working for a publishing house, dedicate your free evenings to help staff the Writing Center, write scripts for tours at Glencairn Museum, or become a staff writer for the Bryn Athyn Beacon.

Some of our experiential education opportunities are well-established and clearly structured, while others are tailored more specifically to meet individual interests.

On-Campus Internships

  • The Development Office for Bryn Athyn College offers internships in print and web-based publishing, media management, and marketing.
  • The General Church Office of Outreach provides students with opportunities to explore the various avenues of printed media.
  • Education Interns at Glencairn Museum learn and guide tours of the museum, create and script tours of the museum, and assist with press releases and museum publications.
  • The Bryn Athyn Beacon our campus newspaper, provides opportunities for students interested in journalism, copy editing, typesetting, and staff writing.

Off-Campus Internships

For internship credit, English students have done many projects, including:

  • Teaching English at an elementary school in Michigan.
  • Teaching English as a Second Language to students and community members in Ghana.
  • Working for a Magazine in New York City.

Contact:

Rev. Thane P. Glenn, PhD, Head of English Major
267-502-4844, thane.glenn@brynathyn.edu

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