English 149-1 - Winter, 2020

Topics in Literature

Topic: Career Decision-Making and English: Designing Your Life

Class Information

Instructor: Marx, John
CRN: 55330
Time: MW 12:10-1:30
Location: 108 Hoagland

Description

This class will help provide answers to the perennial question: "What can you do with an English major?" In particular, the focus will be on career exploration and decision-making. Using the design thinking process, characterized by curiosity, trial & error, and collaboration, students will have an opportunity to explore a variety of traditional and innovative career paths and think critically about this process. While developing their own career narrative, students will research the career paths and decision-making of others. Students will prototype and refine career tools including networking, writing for the job search, and interview skills. Additionally, students will take self-assessments, read scholarly materials about the workplace today, and write critical reflections. Using such techniques, this class aims to help students in English understand and articulate the application of their major to the world of work.

Texts

Designing Your Life, Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
Educated, Tara Westover