English
Deepen your analytical reading, writing and critical thinking skills
In the English program, you’ll study the major authors, works, genres and literary movements in the British and American traditions, approaching these texts both analytically and historically. As an English major, you’ll develop your skills in analysis, interpretation and writing by studying British and American literatures, as well as important works in English from around the world.
Our program provides English majors with a well-rounded education where you’ll develop critical and creative thinking skills by examining texts analytically, historically and from multiple points of view. You’ll also develop a unique voice, express yourself clearly in speaking and writing, and become an articulate interpreter and contributor to your culture.
If you are interested in becoming a teacher, the English department partners with the College of Education to award teaching degrees.
In addition to a variety of combined degree programs for English majors, we offer a combined bachelor’s + master’s degree in English as well as a combined bachelor’s + master’s degree in English and Secondary Education English degree. Both programs allow you to complete a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree in as few as five years.
We also offer the 3+3 BA/JD Program, which allows high-achieving first-year undergraduate students to be admitted simultaneously to the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (LAS) and the College of Law (LAW). You’ll complete your first three years in LAS and your final three years in LAW.
Classes
Coursework
- Reading and Writing Poetry
- The American Novel
- Studies in Shakespeare
- Writing in the city
- Latino/a Literature
- Major Authors: Jane Austen
- Popular Literature: Harry Potter
- Science and Nature Writing
Resources
Concentrations/Tracks
- Creative Writing
- Literary Studies
- Creative Writing minor offered
- Literature minor offered
- Combined bachelor’s + master’s degree offered
Career Options
Common Career Areas
- Advertising
- Business
- Creative writing
- Editing
- Education
- Law
- Publishing
- Research
90%
of English graduates were employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment after graduation.
Major Requirements
Course Requirements
All English majors must complete the following core courses early in their studies:
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE | 4 |
| or HON 101 | WORLD LITERATURE | |
| ENG 205 | LITERATURE TO 1700 | 4 |
| ENG 206 | LITERATURE FROM 1700 TO 1900 | 4 |
| ENG 207 | LITERATURE FROM 1900 TO THE PRESENT | 4 |
| Select one course focused on Race, Ethnicity, and Sexuality (RES) from: | 4 | |
| GRAPHIC NOVELS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE | ||
| LITERATURE ACROSS CULTURES | ||
| AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE | ||
| GLOBAL ASIAN LITERATURE | ||
| LATINX LITERATURE | ||
| LGBTQ LITERATURE | ||
| POSTCOLONIAL LITERATURE | ||
| GLOBAL ENGLISH LITERATURE | ||
| TOPICS IN GLOBAL ASIAN LITERATURE | ||
| STUDIES IN LITERATURE ACROSS CULTURES | ||
| TOPICS IN AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE | ||
| MULTIETHNIC LITERATURE OF THE U.S. | ||
| NATIVE LITERATURE | ||
| TOPICS IN LATINX LITERATURE | ||
| TOPICS IN LGBTQ LITERATURE | ||
ENG 101/HON 101, ENG 205, ENG 206, and ENG 207 are prerequisites for many of the 300-level literature courses in the major.
Concentration Requirements
English majors should declare a concentration in Literary Studies or Creative Writing by the time they complete the English core courses. All further course requirements are listed within the two concentrations.?
