ENGLISH
WHAT IS ENGLISH?
The study of English as a major discipline is composed of two different areas of concentration: literature and composition and writing. Literature explores the fiction, drama, and poetry of different cultures. It involves criticism of the literature being studied. Literature majors can study writings from a number of different time periods and cultures or can concentrate on a deep understanding of just one area, such as Renaissance poetry or 20th-century French novels. Literature can be studied as a source of psychological and social insight as well as an art.
Composition and writing deals with the mechanics of language, the structure of compositions, grammar, rhetoric (theory behind the composition), and creative writing. Courses in these areas deal not only with subjects but how to teach them.
WHAT COURSES DO YOU NEED TO TAKE?
Typical requirements and electives for a B.A. in English are as follows:
LITERATURE MAJOR
- Contemporary World Literature
- Critical Writing
- English Renaissance Literature
- English Romanticism
- History of American Literature
- History of British Drama
- History of English Novel
- History of the English Language
- Medieval Literature
- Shakespeare
- 20th Century Fiction
There are two ways to approach a literature major. You can become a generalist, taking a wide variety of courses to become well rounded in the field, or you can specialize in one segment of literary spectrum, for example, African American literature or early American authors. The trend is toward a broad approach because specialization narrows your marketability.
COMPOSITION MAJOR
- Advanced Composition
- Creative Writing
- Intro to Literary Studies
- Teaching Composition
- Technical Writing
- Topics in Rhetoric
- Topics in Writing
- Writing Project
Skills in computer technology are essential for the English major today, as many career paths increasingly require competence in this area.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A DEGREE IN ENGLISH?
Many who major in English also have a degree in education and plan to teach, but an English major is also excellent preparation for careers in the legal profession, business administration and management, mass communication, journalism, and advertising and public relations. Careers in journalism include writing, editing, and publishing. Designing your undergraduate degree program to include courses to target other areas increases your marketability in business employment.