English studies provide opportunities for students to learn more about themselves and their cultural environment by investigating literature and language of the past and present, and by improving ways in which they write in every part of their educational experience. From courses in Literature, Writing, Composition, and Film Studies, students can take one of four majors, two minors, and two certificate programs. They may also pursue an Africana Studies–English Literature joint major. If you are thinking about majoring in English, be sure to read our collection of news articles arguing that English majors are highly prized as employees.
Programs
Literature
The Literature Program offers opportunities to study traditional and popular literature and literary criticism, as well as various writing practices in their social and historical contexts.
- Literature program
- Major Requirements
- Minor Requirements
- Africana Studies–English Literature Joint Major
- Children’s Literature certificate
Composition
Courses in the Composition Program focus attention on students' own writing and on the diverse situations and uses of written discourse. Its offerings include introductory and advanced courses and specialized courses designed to serve specific career goals.
- Composition program
- Major in Public and Professional Writing
- Public and Professional Writing Certificate
Writing
The Writing Program, the oldest and largest creative writing program in the United States, offers concentrations in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction writing.
- Writing program
- Major requirements (fiction, poetry, nonfiction)
- Minor requirements
Film and Media Studies
The Film and Media Studies Program offers a series of courses in English that function as electives in the literature and writing majors. They also count for the interdisciplinary film studies major (see below).
- Major requirements (interdisciplinary)
- Minor requirements (interdisciplinary)
- Film and Media Production Track (interdisciplinary)