English Literature...not for me??

<p>English is my major because I love interpretation (of words, situations and the like), not because I make sense grammatically or in any other way.</p>

<p>I just got a paper back from an English professor (not an english course) about a political topic. I tend to wane from specifics. I got a C+, she left all negative criticism (my inability to use semi-colons, I am too general...) and now I am thinking: is English really for me? Maybe it is something I would be better doing in my room with spilled tea on the pages...I lack any knowledge of proper grammar and structure, and even if I did I do not know how to make a logical argument. (I went to the writing center the night before the paper was due and thought it helped me a little with organization.)</p>

<p>So what I really want to know is it worth having such ambition if my "masterful" english professor thinks I am mediocre...I mean, I think I get some good ideas when I mull something over on my own, however, I do not think this is enough.</p>

<p>Let it be known I will start writing my papers way ahead of time after this...I got a C on a history paper once in college and went to an A...but I just do not know if it could happen with this class...</p>

<p>I am so confused. Any English Majors or English Graduates?????? What should I expect...I am willing to put in the work to become better at making sense, but is it really possible??? I am JUST realizing that literature goes well beyond the formalist critique I am comfortable with, but I like that if I have a good teacher.</p>

<p>Okay, one more question, according to psych stuff I am right-brained dominant, I am sure I can work hard to get some left-brain in there...but, is it really a good idea for me to emerge myself in scholar work when it goes against all my natural abilities taht I am fond of, maybe I am just an idiot going overboard for her love of analysis.</p>

<p>Your English professor doesn't think you're mediocre. She is trying to improve your writing. If she thought you were a lost cause, then believe me, she wouldn't bother drowning your paper in red ink. If you ignore her attentions then you will prove you are mediocre, not willing to put in the effort to become a better writer. However, if you follow her advice, and if you finish your next assignment in enough time to bring it to her office hours to get suggestions before you turn it in, you will show that your goal is to improve yourself as a writer, and I guarantee you that she will reckon that into your final grade.</p>

<p>If your goal isn't to improve yourself as a writer, I suggest you ask yourself, "What am I doing here [in college]? What do I want out of my degree?" However, I strongly suspect you are just having a gross overreaction to the first bad grade you've gotten in a long while. Consider yourself lucky to be held to such high standards. Buy a book on grammar. Seriously, you are still in control of this situation and you shouldn't assume you can't improve.</p>

<p>P.S. - That right-brained/left-brained stuff is bulls**t. Assume responsibility for your failures and successes in the classroom now.</p>

<p>I've always been criticized for using semicolons in general; they always say that the semicolon is dead.</p>

<p>Well, Kurt Vonnegut said he had never used a semi-colon once in his entire career; however, I like to use them. I would not say it's a necessity though.</p>

<p>Is his a graduate class? I have a PhD in English and could advise better if I understood more of the specifics involved.</p>

<p>Hi, I don't know how relevant this might be to you: I grew thinking that I would become a scientist of one sort the other, and spent the first two and and half years as an undergraduate studying chemistry and comp sci. I have never been a good writer, nor did I ever think that I could make a profession in which it is important to write well.</p>

<p>After taking a history class for a degree requirement, I fell in love with it. I decided to change my major and gave it a try. My professors were very supportive and encouraging, although when I read my papers which I wrote then, they are rather embarrassing. Now I am in my first year as a History grad student and could not be happier elsewhere.</p>

<p>I can see how your professors' comments can be discouraging. But I think it all depends on their pedagogy. My professors thought it would help me by complimenting (while making constructive comments) my worse-than-mediocre writing; your professors seem to think that their corrections and harsh grading will help you improve.</p>

<p>After all, you only have one life to live and should by all means do what you love. My personal opinion: I don't think it's too late to change your mind after giving it a serious try. But I hope you will consider your professors' comments and actually use them to your benefit, so you can see if you can correct your mistakes and come to discover your hidden talents.</p>

<br>


<br>

<p>Those are three individual skill sets, each easily learned. Head back to the writing center with the marked paper and see what the tutor says. It may be that you just need to learn a few basic structural tricks. At worst, you'll be spending weekends with Strunk and White for while.</p>