Enrichment Opportunities
Writing Center
The Writing Center at Saint Joseph's University offers free writing assistance to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff and alumni. Tutors help writers identify the best strategies to achieve rhetorical success and improve their skills.
Due to COVID-19, all Writing Center appointments are done virtually through the end of the spring 2021 semester.
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Many English majors or minors apply to become a Writing Center tutor. Both undergraduate and graduate students who are strong writers and enjoy helping others are encouraged to apply. Students get paid as a tutor and gain professional experience that they can add to their resume.
Undergraduate students can learn more about joining the Writing Center by visiting their website. Graduate students who are interested in working as paid tutors should contact Jenny Spinner, Ph.D., director of the Writing Center. Graduate students who are in the Writing Studies program should contact Professor Tenaya Darlington, program director, to learn about graduate assistantships in the Writing Center.
Programs
Summer Scholars Program
Saint Joseph's University's Summer Scholars Program supports currently enrolled undergraduates and students in the 5-year B.S./M.S. programs to engage in faculty-mentored research, creative writing and other scholarly endeavors during the summer months. This program allows students to engage in experiential learning within an area of their interest.
English majors who are interested in applying and participating should come up with a specific project proposal and meet with a suitable faculty member to determine if they will be able to mentor the project. Faculty areas of expertise and research interests can be found on faculty bios. You may also contact the departmental chair, Thomas Brennan, S.J., to request a list.
Study Abroad Programs
Saint Joseph's University offers a robust study abroad program for English students to enhance their personal, professional and academic skills while living in a different country. Students have the option to choose from a wide range of programs including studying abroad for a semester, year or on a summer or winter study tour to the country of their choosing.
Studying abroad offers an intellectually challenging experience that helps increase fluency in a foreign language. Students become acquainted with a new culture and way of life and have the opportunity to share their love for the English language with those in other countries.
Saint Joseph's University offers study abroad opportunities in North America, South America, Latin America, Central America, the West Indies, Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania, offering a wide range of travel possibilities for English majors and minors.
Internships
The English Department internship course is designed to help guide students of all majors who wish to earn credit for professional work experience in writing, editing, social media management or journalism, to name just a few. Possible venues include, but are not limited to, newspapers and magazines, academic journals, publishing companies, television stations, radio stations, public relations firms and communications departments, online media outlets, advertising agencies, governmental and university departments, nonprofit organizations, and private and public schools.
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- Strengthen writing and related communication skills through work-related tasks and classroom assignments
- Explore a job or area of expertise in the field of English/communications
- Enhance workforce skills
- Utilize networking skills and tools
- Reflect critically about professional experiences and personal career goals
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Students must log a minimum of 112 hours (based on eight hours per week in a 14-week semester) during a single semester (fall, spring, or summer). Please note that many internship sites require a minimum of 10 to 15 hours per week, so a site’s requirements may well exceed the department’s.
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ENG 492 is open to students of all majors who have completed the second semester of their sophomore year and have an overall GPA of 3.0. Any exceptions to semester standing or GPA policies require permission from the English Department chair.
All students interested in registering for the internship course must complete the Internship Form and submit it to the course instructor for approval.
Washington Media Institute
Interested in working at a media organization in Washington D.C. for a semester and earning 15 credits toward your English major or minor?
Saint Joseph’s University is a partner institution with the Washington Media Institute (WMI), which offers students intensive coursework in journalism and entrepreneurship along with a media internship in one of the best media markets in the nation.
For more information about the Washington Media Institute, check out the Institute’s website or contact Dr. Jenny Spinner.
Student Organizations
The Hawk Student Newspaper
The Hawk is Saint Joseph's University's weekly newspaper that is fully managed and edited by students. It appears in print and online and includes news, opinion, lifestyle and sports sections.
Crimson & Gray Literary Magazine
Crimson & Gray is Saint Joseph's University's literary magazine. Students are invited to submit poetry, prose, photography, traditional/digital art and sculptures and 3D art to the magazine for submission consideration.
SJU Theatre Company
The SJU Theatre Company is the premier theatre producing organization at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. It has produced plays and musicals on campus for over 80 years. The theatre company is supported by the Department of Music, Theatre and Film, which offers performance, music and film courses. It is also supported by the Department of English, which offers courses in dramaturgy, playwriting and dramatic literature. A faculty member from the English department also directs one production each academic year.
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Tau Delta is the official international English honor society. It was founded in 1924 and currently holds 880 active chapters worldwide.
As stated on the national organization's website, Sigma Tau Delta works to “foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing.” This mission, and the constitution of Sigma Tau Delta, drive our Saint Joseph's Omicron Phi chapter to pursue academic excellence and incorporate the honor society’s values into all that we do.
Our chapter offers membership to students majoring or minoring in English annually every spring based on academic excellence. Our chapter currently holds 49 members who participate in monthly meetings, on- and off-campus events and complete 10 hours of service each semester.
Membership to the organization provides a lifelong connection to scholarship and fellowship, ultimately benefiting the English department at large at Saint Joseph’s University. For more information please contact Paul Patterson, Ph.D., the chapter adviser.