Professor Naomi E. Hahn
Professor Jim L. Kerbaugh
Professor Robert C. Koepp
Associate Professor Cynthia A. Cochran
Assistant Professor Beth W. Capo
Assistant Professor Nicholas P. Capo home page
Assistant Professor Lisa J. Udel
Instructor Betsy Hall
What is distinctive about an English major at Illinois College?
The English department is designed to provide training in correct, effective writing – expository and creative – and to foster an appreciation of the aesthetic, intellectual, and social values of literature and rhetoric. With courses in the English department ranging from historical surveys to special topic seminars, the Illinois College English curriculum significantly extends students’ literary experience and sharpens the critical analysis and interpretation skills. Students majoring in English choose either the department’s literature or writing concentration. English majors who choose to undertake a program in secondary education coordinate their studies in English with the coursework required for teacher certification, as outlined by the Education Department.
What opportunities are available for students?
Sigma Tau Delta is the international English honors society. The objectives of the society are to confer distinction for higher achievement in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies in English language and literature, to foster community interest within English departments, to encourage creative and critical writing.
Students in all academic disciplines are strongly encouraged to acquire practical experience by completing an internship. The Career Center, located in Baxter Hall, is Illinois College’s main resource for matching a student’s interest with their field of study. English majors have completed internships at the Springfield Magazine, New Salem, and Illinois College Public Relations Office. Students can also gain experience working in the Campus Writing Center, located in Kirby 104. The Campus Writing Center offers peer tutoring, faculty assistance and a number of other support services to all writers at Illinois College.
The English honors program is open to all English majors entering the second semester of their junior year. The program involves a project to be developed by the student in consultation with a member of the English department and to continue for four semesters. The project stresses both research and integration of sources. Creative writing projects may also be undertaken. The goal of the program is to give students a taste of graduate school and to produce a published paper.
What options are available after graduation?
Often students recognize that English is a discipline that will prepare them well for graduate study, professional school or for a particular vocation in law, education, journalism, or business. Students entering into the work force are employed in library science, teaching, various levels of government, and business areas. English majors have pursued graduate work at Washington University, University of Illinois, Kent State, University of Kentucky, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, St. Louis University, and University of Illinois at Springfield.
Faculty Members in the English Department
Beth W. Capo
Assistant Professor of English
Nicholas P. Capo
Assistant Professor of English
B.A.,
Cynthia A. Cochran
Associate Professor of English
A.B., M.S.,
Naomi E. Hahn
Professor of English
Betsy Hall
Instructor in English
B.A.,
Jim L. Kerbaugh
Professor of English
B.A., M.A.,
Robert C. Koepp
Professor of English
Lisa J. Udel
Assistant Professor of English
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (excluding Holidays)
Contact Us
1101 W. College Ave.
Jacksonville, IL 62650-2299
Phone: 217-245-3010
1101 West College Avenue
Jacksonville, IL 62650
217.245.3030
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