English
Who Majors in English?
If you like to read, write, and think, English is the major for you. English
majors develop a sense of the past, an analytical edge, a grasp of critical
thinking, and an appreciation of literature and language. As an English
major, you’ll read a wide range of literature, then analyze, discuss, and
write about what you read. You’ll learn how poetry, drama, fiction, and
argumentative prose work to tell stories, explore emotions, and exploit
the resources of language. The major offers a variety of language-based
areas: composition/literacy studies, creative writing, editing and publishing,
and linguistics.
What Can I Do with an English Degree?
Many lawyers, journalists, writers, and business people prepared for their
careers with studies in English. An English major will provide the humanities
and communication background sought by thousands of employers.
What About an English Minor?
A minor in English provides an abbreviated version of the major, with elective
courses in British and American literature, creative writing, modern literature,
film, technical writing, linguistics, and literary editing.
A minor in creative writing gives you an opportunity to study the tradition
and craft of poetry, fiction, and drama in writing workshops and modern
literature classes.
A minor in linguistics provides a foundation for the study of languages;
the human language capacity; the relationship between language, culture,
and society; and the acquisition of English as a second language.
Interested in Teaching?
The Single Subject Teaching Credential Pattern offers pre-professional
preparation for those considering teaching English and language arts at
the junior high and high school levels. Advising is mandatory.
Honors in English
If you perform well in the major courses and are motivated, you may pursue
an individual research project with a faculty member whose area of expertise
matches the topic you wish to study.
Certificate Programs
Certificate in Literary Editing and Publishing offers training in editing,
selection standards, publishing procedures, graphics, printing technologies,
and marketing/distribution of literature. Students edit Watershed literary
magazine and First Hand, the Literacy Project’s magazine, and serve as
interns with various publishers.
Certificate in the Theory and Practice of College Composition offers high
school and college composition teachers new approaches to the teaching
of writing and theories of rhetoric, linguistics, and composition. Program
includes practicums in teaching college-level basic writers, and optional
practicums in ESL, literary editing, and secondary teaching.
Internship Program
Internships help students prepare for jobs in business, industry, and government
by providing practical experience that sharpens communication skills and
establishes contacts in the local business community. Interns work with
local newspapers, radio stations, journals, newsletters, publishers, and
non-profit associations.
Faculty and Facilities
The English department has a nationally acclaimed faculty with teaching
and research specialties in every area of the discipline. The department
maintains a computer laboratory and administers the university’s Writing
Center. Because class sizes are small and the campus is residential, you
have the opportunity to work closely with faculty in courses and on special
projects.
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