Program Description
The English major provides a balanced program of introductory and advanced work in English and American literature, world literature in English, English language and linguistics, and writing. The program offers students the chance to engage in a major humanistic discipline, the study of literature, which is challenging and enriching in itself. The English major also provides sound professional training for those interested in high school or college teaching, the teaching of English as a second language, business or technical writing, or graduate work. And the program is an excellent background for students entering professional schools or planning business careers.
The English major offers four concentrations, which have been designed to meet the needs of students with a general interest in literature and of those with special interests in writing or teaching. Students seeking a strong background in literature, history, theory, and analysis should take the general concentration in English, which combines the historical and critical study of literature with innovative approaches to critical methods, women’s studies, nontraditional literatures, and non-Western literature in English.