English (BA), English with a Writing Emphasis (BA)

English courses offer all students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of literature and to write critically and creatively.

Major: English

Through the critical reading of a diversity of texts—ancient to contemporary—from the United States, Britain, and around the world, English majors further their understanding and appreciation of the literary craft and cultural significance of works of fiction, poetry, drama, and creative non-fiction, and they learn to incorporate their own interpretations and creativity into writing analytically about the works they have studied.

As seniors, under faculty guidance, English majors undertake an extensive research project on a literary topic.  Students present summaries of their theses at an English Department reading which takes place toward the end of each semester.

Major: English with a Writing Emphasis

In addition to the in-depth study of literary texts experienced by all English majors, majors in English with a Writing Emphasis take courses, taught by skilled writers, aimed at developing and honing their own skills in creating original fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction.

As seniors, under faculty guidance, English with a Writing Emphasis majors develop portfolios of writing in a chosen genre or genres.  Each portfolio includes an introductory essay which discusses genre, influences, and other contexts of the student’s work.  The student presents a selection from the portfolio at the English Department reading which takes place toward the end of the each semester.

Majors in both English and English with a Writing Emphasis develop a breadth and depth of knowledge that prepares them for careers in editing; creative, technical, and multi-media writing; education; marketing/advertising; public relations; and a host of other areas.

Minors in English and English with a Writing Emphasis

The minors in English and in Writing, with their emphasis on careful analysis and clear writing, are valuable complements to majors in any discipline; they prepare students for further study and for employment in fields such as politics, education, environmental studies, public relations, and law.