The Major in English aims at developing a heightened appreciation of language through a close study of literature and greater facility in expression through regular written and oral presentations. The program seeks to develop powers of observation and discernment and to broaden awareness of the world, of our common humanity, and of the self. The English Department offers courses in speech, theatre arts, writing, and film, in addition to those emphasizing historical, generic, or thematic approaches to English and American literature. Students also have opportunities to develop their talents in creative and professional writing in many forms of media. Every course in the department, whether nominally emphasizing literary study or communication skills, constantly seeks to reinforce the relationship between reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking.
Traditionally, the major in English has prepared students for graduate school and law school, and for careers in creative and professional writing, in advertising, in non-profit organizations, in journalism and publishing, in public relations, and in teaching. Today, the great need for able writers provides opportunities for English majors virtually everywhere, especially if they supplement the major with selected study in foreign languages, art, computer science, the natural sciences, economics, management, or psychology, to cite a few of the obvious examples. The study of literature and language, however, is broadly humanistic and not narrowly pre-professional; accordingly, the department urges its majors to pursue the traditional liberal arts as the context of their pre-professional education.
- Although 10 courses are required for the major, students may take up to 14 courses designated ENG.
- Students entering with Advanced Placement credit for Language and Composition and/or Literature and Composition should take ENG 201 Argument and Persuasion and/or another 200-level ENG course during the first year.
- Students may explore the major by taking a 200-level genre course such as ENG 231 Introduction to Poetry, ENG 233 Modern Short Story, ENG 235 Introduction to Theatre, or ENG 240 Gothic Literature, or by taking a 200-level writing course such as ENG 201 Argument and Persuasion or ENG 209 Creative Writing.
- Some English courses have no prerequisites; for example, ENG/SOC 225 Literature of Social Responsibility.
- Remember that English majors must complete at least five courses at the 300- or 400-level.
- Remember that at least three of the four electives in the major must be literature courses, one of which must focus on literature written by historically under-represented groups.
- English majors are encouraged but not required to complete an internship.
Required Courses (5 Courses)
Gateway to the Major (1 Course)
Historical Perspective (3 Courses)
The following courses are required but need not be taken in the sequence in which they are listed or numbered, although it is preferable to take Literature Survey I before Literature Survey II:
Writing Unit (Choose 1 Course)
Elective Courses (Choose 4 Courses)
At least three of the four electives should be literature courses (ENG 225-295, ENG 320-395). One course must address writing by historically under-represented groups, such as ENG 287 American Women of Color, ENG 379 Post-Colonial Literature, or ENG 387 Survey of African-American Literature. These elective courses may not double count.