English Major

English as a discipline of thought and study is fundamentally concerned with literacy. Critic and teacher Robert Scholes helpfully defines what such literacy means: "the ability to understand and to produce a wide variety of texts that use the English language-including work in the traditional literary forms, in the practical and persuasive forms, and in the modern media as well." English is, then, a wide-ranging field of study. Historically, it gives attention to the great variety of texts that diverse human cultures have produced over centuries. Conceptually, it aims at developing deep abilities in reading and writing-again of a great variety of texts.

The Department has carefully designed its program of study to develop useful skillsets and to build toward an integration and mastery of literary study, analysis, and writing across many genres. We reflect this in the diverse range of courses in a coherent progression from cornerstone 200-level introductory classes, to a range of literary histories at the 300-level, culminating in intensive seminars at the 400-level. The major also allows students to explore both Creative Writing and Film courses. In working through the variety of courses, students in English may expect to find themselves engaged in the reading of novels, short stories, poems, creative nonfiction, plays, films, and graphic novels, among other texts.

The deep literacy and applicable skills that one can achieve through careful work in the major prepares the student for a range of post-graduate opportunities. Not only does it give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of literature and refine their interpretive techniques, but it also enables them to develop critical thinking and communication skills they can apply to good effect in any occupation. Naturally, one can pursue the discipline further, through graduate study in English. But the major in English can lead also to a wide range of professional opportunities. Graduates will find themselves qualified to work in such fields as law, journalism, banking, finance, publishing and editing, advertising, medicine, management, public relations, insurance, teaching, grant and proposal writing, non-profit work, and academic administration. They will also be prepared for graduate study in such areas as library science, institutional technology, technical and scientific writing, and most all humanities disciplines.

Academic Policies for Majors and Minors:

1. The General Education courses (ENGL 101 and ENGL 200) do NOT count as part of a student's curriculum in the English Department. English majors take ENGL 205 and/or 206 rather than ENGL 200.

2. While we prefer ENGL 205 or 206 be taken first, a student may enroll concurrently in a 300- or 400-level course with ENGL 205 or 206.

3. Students are encouraged to take at least one 300-level Literary History course before moving into 400-level ENGL seminars.

Department Activities for Students:

1. Students majoring and minoring in English are encouraged to involve themselves in Ariel, the department's literary society. To strengthen their writing, students are also encouraged to write for the literary magazine, Ariel. This student-run organization offers many opportunities for students to enhance their writing and editing skills, to make social and professional connections, and to celebrate reading and writing.

2. Our students have been very successful in the Metroversity Writing Competitions, which are held every spring. Our students fare well in these competitions, and our majors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to hone their writing skills. Work on the school newspaper and yearbook represents another valuable avenue for students interested in writing.

3. English students are encouraged to apply for the annual English-Speaking Union Scholarship, in support of summer study in Great Britain.

4. English majors entering their junior or senior year are encouraged to apply for the annual Elizabeth Norton Hagan Scholarship, which provides a substantial cash award for that academic year.