As an English and Communications double major, it is important for me that I am able to connect my classes back to my main discipline. In order to do this I will be looking at one of the English learning outcomes and discussing it in relation to what I learned from this class. The English outcome I chose states that I will be able to “demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of literature in English with special attention to theory and criticism as a field.” As this is an English course, it is very easy to see the ways our assignments influenced the work I will do within my discipline (reading, writing, and analysis). I feel that I have learned the ways that theory can influence the creation and perception of writing, thus meeting this outcome. As I am geared towards a job in journalism, understanding the influences behind literature/writing is important. Although more difficult to visualize theory within it, journalistic writing cannot be free of theory. This is especially important because it identifies possible bias, which is one of the biggest problems in our news today. One of the course goals was to “provide practical steps for approaching literary texts and interpreting their social and cultural significance.” I feel that I have learned, though work and practice, various steps for approach and application of theory; this essay is a written example of some of the concepts I have learned about theory and criticism within English literature.