Register | Sign In


Understanding through Discussion


EvC Forum active members: 65 (9162 total)
4 online now:
Newest Member: popoi
Post Volume: Total: 915,815 Year: 3,072/9,624 Month: 917/1,588 Week: 100/223 Day: 11/17 Hour: 0/0


Thread  Details

Email This Thread
Newer Topic | Older Topic
  
Author Topic:   Major Counsel
BMG
Member (Idle past 208 days)
Posts: 357
From: Southwestern U.S.
Joined: 03-16-2006


Message 1 of 32 (475180)
07-13-2008 9:45 PM


Hello.
I have come, once again, asking EVC members for counsel on a very possible major choice: English. I enjoy reading and writing, look forward to honing my logic and critical thinking skills, very much enjoy some of the classics of literature, such as Crime and Punishment, The Great Gatsby, Walden and Civil Disobedience, and look forward to reading other greats and critically evaluating them. I also understand that English is broad, and literature is not the only focus. I see an education in English as intellectually stimulating, and as an important tool, a filter, if you will, that detects the plethora of useful, well-supported knowledge from the unsubstantiated rigmarole.
Just a week ago I spoke with a guidance counselor regarding majors, and he claimed that the major, with the exception of those with very narrow and specific fields, such as accounting or engineering, is not very important; rather, the skills that the major manifests and refines are what catches the eyes of possible employers.
In addition, he posited four other ideas he wanted me to accept: 1) the ability to write cogently and clearly is crucial, 2) public speaking or any oral communication is vital, 3) have your writing be seen by others, such as non-profit organizations or school newspapers, and, 4) obtain an internship, for this allows you a glimpse of the career-life you might have in your field.
I write this with the hope that some EVC members majored in English, and what experiences they garnered while in college. Furthermore, I ask for the evaluation of my guidance counselor's counsel. Are his statements, more or less, accurate?
Thanks in advance for any contributions you may have, assuming anybody responds.

Replies to this message:
 Message 3 by Coyote, posted 07-13-2008 10:11 PM BMG has replied
 Message 14 by Rrhain, posted 07-16-2008 3:20 AM BMG has replied
 Message 20 by Hyroglyphx, posted 07-21-2008 3:34 PM BMG has replied

  
AdminNosy
Administrator
Posts: 4754
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Joined: 11-11-2003


Message 2 of 32 (475182)
07-13-2008 9:54 PM


Thread moved here from the Proposed New Topics forum.

  
Coyote
Member (Idle past 2106 days)
Posts: 6117
Joined: 01-12-2008


Message 3 of 32 (475185)
07-13-2008 10:11 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by BMG
07-13-2008 9:45 PM


Degree in English
I ended up with a BA in English--switched from Chemistry.
Not much you can do with a BA in English; I ended up working in a sports shop.
But then I discovered the field I really liked, and that English degree came in handy. The education in reading and writing, along with a huge amount of good literature, was invaluable.
But the degree in English will most likely be a steppingstone, rather than a goal.

Religious belief does not constitute scientific evidence, nor does it convey scientific knowledge.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by BMG, posted 07-13-2008 9:45 PM BMG has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 4 by BMG, posted 07-13-2008 10:57 PM Coyote has replied

  
BMG
Member (Idle past 208 days)
Posts: 357
From: Southwestern U.S.
Joined: 03-16-2006


Message 4 of 32 (475190)
07-13-2008 10:57 PM
Reply to: Message 3 by Coyote
07-13-2008 10:11 PM


Re: Degree in English
I ended up with a BA in English--switched from Chemistry.
Where did you get your degree? Do you remember any of the specific courses you took to get your BA? Was there a focus, such as English or American literature? or is a BA more broad, and a masters and phd is where the field narrows?
Not much you can do with a BA in English; I ended up working in a sports shop.
I enjoy school, and will likely go for my masters and possibly phd, if funds and other hindrances don't stop me.
But then I discovered the field I really liked, and that English degree came in handy.
I cannot recall which is your field of expertise. I know you have mentioned it on previous threads.
The education in reading and writing, along with a huge amount of good literature, was invaluable.
Yes, this is why I am likely chossing it. Do you remember, off-hand, which authors' works you read? Was it mostly fiction? Nonfiction?

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by Coyote, posted 07-13-2008 10:11 PM Coyote has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 5 by Coyote, posted 07-13-2008 11:27 PM BMG has replied

  
Coyote
Member (Idle past 2106 days)
Posts: 6117
Joined: 01-12-2008


Message 5 of 32 (475193)
07-13-2008 11:27 PM
Reply to: Message 4 by BMG
07-13-2008 10:57 PM


Re: Degree in English
Where: This was 40 years ago, so I don't think schools will be the same as they were then.
Courses: I did things a little backwards, being a transfer from another department. I started with the seminar courses (more interesting) and ended with the lower division mass-market courses (horrid). I took the courses I liked, all fiction, and ended up mostly with British literature. I avoided American literature completely as my ideas didn't match those of the professors. I still have never read anything by Faulkner or Hemingway.
My field: Archaeology. I also did a lot of evolution/osteology/human races/anatomy and related subjects in graduate school.
Learning to write well is invaluable. I have had a few chuckles because of it, such as the time I rewrote a lawyer's brief for him (we were working on a case together for a local non-profit). His original brief was horrible, and I really whacked it up for him. It ended up much better, and actually readable.
Hope this helps.

Religious belief does not constitute scientific evidence, nor does it convey scientific knowledge.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 4 by BMG, posted 07-13-2008 10:57 PM BMG has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 6 by BMG, posted 07-13-2008 11:46 PM Coyote has replied
 Message 12 by Brian, posted 07-15-2008 3:51 PM Coyote has replied

  
BMG
Member (Idle past 208 days)
Posts: 357
From: Southwestern U.S.
Joined: 03-16-2006


Message 6 of 32 (475194)
07-13-2008 11:46 PM
Reply to: Message 5 by Coyote
07-13-2008 11:27 PM


Re: Degree in English
I avoided American literature completely as my ideas didn't match those of the professors.
Sorry to pry, but if I may ask, which ideas in particular? Was it simply disdain for Faulkner and Hemingway?
And, yes, this helps. Thank you.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 5 by Coyote, posted 07-13-2008 11:27 PM Coyote has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 7 by Coyote, posted 07-14-2008 12:05 AM BMG has replied

  
Coyote
Member (Idle past 2106 days)
Posts: 6117
Joined: 01-12-2008


Message 7 of 32 (475199)
07-14-2008 12:05 AM
Reply to: Message 6 by BMG
07-13-2008 11:46 PM


Re: Degree in English
Sorry to pry, but if I may ask, which ideas in particular? Was it simply disdain for Faulkner and Hemingway?
My tastes in American literature ran to Steinbeck, Poe, Bierce and Lovecraft, as well as science fiction; definitely not the material to be appreciated by most academics back then. They preferred writers such as Austen and Alcott.
Edited by Coyote, : Spelling

Religious belief does not constitute scientific evidence, nor does it convey scientific knowledge.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 6 by BMG, posted 07-13-2008 11:46 PM BMG has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 8 by BMG, posted 07-14-2008 1:06 AM Coyote has not replied

  
BMG
Member (Idle past 208 days)
Posts: 357
From: Southwestern U.S.
Joined: 03-16-2006


Message 8 of 32 (475202)
07-14-2008 1:06 AM
Reply to: Message 7 by Coyote
07-14-2008 12:05 AM


Re: Degree in English
My tastes in American literature ran to Steinbeck, Poe, Bierce and Lovecraft...
I had never heard of Lovecraft. I only now, after reading a wikipedia article, possess a very basic understanding of this man.
Thank you, kindly.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 7 by Coyote, posted 07-14-2008 12:05 AM Coyote has not replied

  
Artemis Entreri 
Suspended Member (Idle past 4228 days)
Posts: 1194
From: Northern Virginia
Joined: 07-08-2008


Message 9 of 32 (475363)
07-15-2008 1:14 PM


if you are going to school for education, then go for it. if you are going for the greater chance of gainful employment, then i would advise against it. I cannot totally empathize as my degree is a BS in History, but i would consider History about as useful as English as far as getting a job is concerned.
In addition, he posited four other ideas he wanted me to accept: 1) the ability to write cogently and clearly is crucial, 2) public speaking or any oral communication is vital, 3) have your writing be seen by others, such as non-profit organizations or school newspapers, and, 4) obtain an internship, for this allows you a glimpse of the career-life you might have in your field.
the exact same thing applies for History as well. Though I am a plot reader, and can gain little from literature, as evidenced from my horrible grades and ability in literature classes.
Yes, this is why I am likely chossing it. Do you remember, off-hand, which authors' works you read? Was it mostly fiction? Nonfiction?
mostly non-fiction, but i have recently gotten into more fiction.
my favorite american writers: Robert E. Howard (Sword and Sorcery), Robert A. Heinlein (Science Fiction), Mark Twain (19th Century America), R.A. Salvatore (Fantasy), Wies & Hickman (Fantasy), Jean M. Auel (Historical Fiction), and Anne Rice (Gothic).
good luck in your choice.

Replies to this message:
 Message 10 by BMG, posted 07-15-2008 2:13 PM Artemis Entreri has replied

  
BMG
Member (Idle past 208 days)
Posts: 357
From: Southwestern U.S.
Joined: 03-16-2006


Message 10 of 32 (475376)
07-15-2008 2:13 PM
Reply to: Message 9 by Artemis Entreri
07-15-2008 1:14 PM


if you are going to school for education, then go for it. if you are going for the greater chance of gainful employment, then i would advise against it.
Well, I'm going to school to further my education, sharpen my critical thinking skills, and read from and analyze some of the greatest works from some of the most revered authors. The greater chance of gainful employment I see as an added benefit. Unfortunately, I don't believe my posts have conveyed this very well, and that's my fault, obviously.
I cannot totally empathize as my degree is a BS in History, but i would consider History about as useful as English as far as getting a job is concerned.
Why, may I ask, did you choose history? Did you have a specific goal of becoming a history professor, becoming published, or was it simply a love of the subject? Which area of history did you specialize?
my favorite american writers: Robert E. Howard (Sword and Sorcery), Robert A. Heinlein (Science Fiction), Mark Twain (19th Century America), R.A. Salvatore (Fantasy), Wies & Hickman (Fantasy), Jean M. Auel (Historical Fiction), and Anne Rice (Gothic).
Wow, I think the fact that I can only recognize two of the authors on your list (Twain and Rice) suggests, to me, just how much I want/should expand my horizons.
good luck in your choice.
Thanks. And thank you for your reply.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 9 by Artemis Entreri, posted 07-15-2008 1:14 PM Artemis Entreri has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 11 by Artemis Entreri, posted 07-15-2008 3:00 PM BMG has not replied

  
Artemis Entreri 
Suspended Member (Idle past 4228 days)
Posts: 1194
From: Northern Virginia
Joined: 07-08-2008


Message 11 of 32 (475381)
07-15-2008 3:00 PM
Reply to: Message 10 by BMG
07-15-2008 2:13 PM


Why, may I ask, did you choose history? Did you have a specific goal of becoming a history professor, becoming published, or was it simply a love of the subject? Which area of history did you specialize?
I listened to my liberal professors and pursued an education over a job. I really love history though. I specialized in South West Asia, my 1st two years then switched to Colonial Africa my last two years.
Wow, I think the fact that I can only recognize two of the authors on your list (Twain and Rice) suggests, to me, just how much I want/should expand my horizons.
well most are not what i would consider big time literature authors, but im sure you have hear of more than those two if you knew the works they were famous for.
Robert E. Howard: the author of Conan
Robert A. Heinlein: the author of Starship Troopers
RA Salvatore: the auther of Drizzt Do'Urden (and Artemis Entreri)
Margaret Wies and Tracy Hickman: the co-authors of the Dragonlance World
Jean M. Auel: the author of Clan of the Cave Bear
Edited by Artemis Entreri, : typo

This message is a reply to:
 Message 10 by BMG, posted 07-15-2008 2:13 PM BMG has not replied

  
Brian
Member (Idle past 4959 days)
Posts: 4659
From: Scotland
Joined: 10-22-2002


Message 12 of 32 (475393)
07-15-2008 3:51 PM
Reply to: Message 5 by Coyote
07-13-2008 11:27 PM


Re: Degree in English
Where did you get your archaeology degree from Coyote?

This message is a reply to:
 Message 5 by Coyote, posted 07-13-2008 11:27 PM Coyote has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 13 by Coyote, posted 07-15-2008 9:31 PM Brian has not replied

  
Coyote
Member (Idle past 2106 days)
Posts: 6117
Joined: 01-12-2008


Message 13 of 32 (475440)
07-15-2008 9:31 PM
Reply to: Message 12 by Brian
07-15-2008 3:51 PM


Re: Degree in English
I would prefer not to specify on the web, but it was a major university in the western US. And it was several decades ago.
The emphasis was on what I would call hands-on archaeology, with at least introductory training in all of the related fields (including soils, pollen, bones--both human and animal, stone tool making and technology, paleoenvironmental analysis and several others).

Religious belief does not constitute scientific evidence, nor does it convey scientific knowledge.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 12 by Brian, posted 07-15-2008 3:51 PM Brian has not replied

  
Rrhain
Member
Posts: 6351
From: San Diego, CA, USA
Joined: 05-03-2003


Message 14 of 32 (475460)
07-16-2008 3:20 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by BMG
07-13-2008 9:45 PM


Avenue Q writes:
What do you do with a B.A. in English,
What is my life going to be?
Four years of college and plenty of knowledge,
Have earned me this useless degree.
I can't pay the bills yet,
'Cause I have no skills yet,
The world is a big scary place.
But somehow I can't shake,
The feeling I might make,
A difference,
To the human race.
I come from the other side of the spectrum: My undergrad degree is in Mathematics and as everyone asks, "What do you do with a degree in Math?"
Well, you fake being everything else. Now, I went to Harvey Mudd which requires you to take a third of your coursework in the Arts and Humanities beyond the core and your major.
Yes, a good liberal arts education can teach you how to think. And yes, outside of specific fields, your degree is more a reflection on your ability to carry a task through at (what is supposed to be) a high level of detail. The vast majority of professional jobs (even in technical fields) require skill at language: At the very least, you need to be able to read complex materials and synthesize the information. Writing is right up there, too. But as an example of how it is often more important that you have done the work than what the work is: The contract I am currently on has different staffing levels depending upon your education and experience level. I was able to be slotted into the position that I have because I have a Master's degree. It did not matter what the degree was in, only that I had the degree.
A broad exposure to literature is not dependent so much upon the specific works as it is the variety of them. This makes you consider other opinions, explore them for content, and relate them to other opinions.
Now, if you do plan to go into academia, then the specifics of your degree become more important.
Like most things in life, there are good and bad reasons to do it. What is it you want out of it? Is the program you are going to go into provide what you want? Answer those questions, and you'll know where to go.

Rrhain

Thank you for your submission to Science. Your paper was reviewed by a jury of seventh graders so that they could look for balance and to allow them to make up their own minds. We are sorry to say that they found your paper "bogus," specifically describing the section on the laboratory work "boring." We regret that we will be unable to publish your work at this time.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by BMG, posted 07-13-2008 9:45 PM BMG has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 15 by BMG, posted 07-16-2008 4:07 AM Rrhain has replied

  
BMG
Member (Idle past 208 days)
Posts: 357
From: Southwestern U.S.
Joined: 03-16-2006


Message 15 of 32 (475464)
07-16-2008 4:07 AM
Reply to: Message 14 by Rrhain
07-16-2008 3:20 AM


Exposure
Hi Rrhain,
Now, if you do plan to go into academia, then the specifics of your degree become more important.
If academia means professorship, then probably not. I don't see myself as an authority on anything, and even assuming I get an advanced degree (masters, phd) I still don't see myself being able to teach. Obviously, I lack confidence, and, more than likely, intelligence.
Like most things in life, there are good and bad reasons to do it. What is it you want out of it?
Hmm, I'm going to come clean here; I have tentatively chosen English, but my first love, my first choice was anthropology. I took a community college course and simply fell in love with the subject. I find people intriguing. The study of human origins, social and cultural civilizations, linguistics, and archaeology are fascinating, but I just don't see it panning out into a career.
My initial calling was a degree in anthropology, and to work for a human rights organization, or possibly the U.N. But I know that competition will be fierce, and fear that if between me and someone else with a similar degree, I will likely not be chosen, for finances are a hindrance that I will struggle greatly with,(I'm planning on working full-time and going to school, full or part, I'm not sure) and an ivy league contender will very likely win a bout against me.
Archaeology also seems very provocative. I researched the degree a bit last night and many, if not all, of the required courses from a few universities seem right up my alley of interests. I love history, working outdoors, being transported to a different age, learning of ancient civilizations and juxtaposing them to the present ones, and analzying whether we can learn, not just about our ancestors, but from them, as well. But, again, this Ivy league vs. state college has me a bit dispirited. I see myself waxing archaeological exhibits in a museum, and would much rather partake in digs (If I have offended you coyote, my apologies).
Is the program you are going to go into provide what you want? Answer those questions, and you'll know where to go.
It's difficult to put into words, but I want to better understand this world that we inhabit, this universe we exist in, and the people that have risen to dominance. To do this, I want to be equipped with a sharp mind, a tool saturated with knowledge, and a keen allegience to critical thinking. English is one of these majors, but so is anthropology...I have some more research to do on a major choice, and a great deal more introspection...
Thank you, Rrhain.
AbE: My apologies for the tirade.
Edited by BMG, : No reason given.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 14 by Rrhain, posted 07-16-2008 3:20 AM Rrhain has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 16 by Rrhain, posted 07-21-2008 12:19 AM BMG has replied
 Message 17 by Coyote, posted 07-21-2008 12:40 AM BMG has replied
 Message 24 by Brian, posted 07-22-2008 5:05 AM BMG has replied

  
Newer Topic | Older Topic
Jump to:


Copyright 2001-2023 by EvC Forum, All Rights Reserved

™ Version 4.2
Innovative software from Qwixotic © 2024