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Department of English

Undergraduate Program

• The major
• Courses
• Honors

The Department of English Language and Literature provides distinctive opportunities for the development of writing skills, increased sensitivity to language, awareness of the aesthetic and intellectual enjoyments of literature, and an understanding of the cultural values reflected in literature.

The department meets several specific obligations within the liberal arts program of the College. On behalf of the faculty as a whole, it provides formal instruction in English composition. The department offers courses which provide a broad program of electives for students who are not English majors. Requirements for an interdisciplinary major or minor in linguistics are listed here.

Specific requirements of the School of Education for English majors also pursuing certification in Secondary Education are listed here.

In its major program the department serves students who are seeking to teach in the public schools; students who are preparing for graduate study in English; students who desire a rich intellectual and esthetic experience in advance of professional study in fields such as law, medicine and business; and students who choose English simply because they enjoy the disciplined study of literature and language. In order to satisfy these needs, the department has devised a comprehensive major that also affords the student unusual freedom in choice of courses. During the senior year a student who qualifies may pursue an Honors degree in Literature or Creative Writing.