Traci Caldwell, literature and language arts department chair, says literature covers all disciplines.
“Literature and language arts get to cover a variety of everything because in literature we study psychology, history, diversity, different cultures, as well as writing styles and literature itself,” Caldwell said.
Caldwell, who has taught at CBC for four years, says she has a passion and love for literature and teaching.
The department offers a degree for those who want to advance their knowledge of communication through writing, speaking, reading and teaching others, according to Caldwell.
An English degree can also give someone an edge when it comes to applying for jobs, Caldwell said.
Junior Hannah Work said she always had a love for English and a passion for teaching.
“My favorite class so far has been Modern Grammar with Ms. Caldwell. I have enjoyed getting to break down basic rules of grammar and learning new things I haven’t learned before,” Work said.
The department also offers Spanish classes. Sophomore Gracie Sparks has been enrolled in three Spanish courses.
“By far, my favorite classes are my Spanish classes!” said Sparks. “When I started taking them, they were difficult, and I felt like I was going to struggle throughout them. However, I’ve grown to love the language and being able to learn it.”
Alumnus Philip Fulmer graduated from CBC in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in English.
“I really enjoyed being in the literature and language arts department. Most of the classes are built around critical thinking and group discussion over the literature you’re studying, which are two things that I love doing. The department is also pretty small, so it makes for a very tight-knit class environment and gives plenty of opportunity to really connect with classmates and professors,” said Fulmer.
Fulmer is now pursuing his Master of Divinity degree at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. Not only is he a student but he is also working for the advising department on campus and part-time at his church.
“As a graduate student hoping to become a pastor, my background in literature and language arts is extremely useful in regard to reading material quickly and effectively, knowing how to convey my thoughts and write papers on both a devotional and academic level, and grasping and connecting concepts from a wide range of sources,” he said.
