The English department believes that the study of literature, language, and writing elevates our minds, enlarges our capacity to understand and communicate, and integrates liberal learning. Our curriculum includes courses in British, Irish, American, and postcolonial literatures; film, the history and structure of the language; and creative writing.
Good readers make good writers, creative thinkers, and responsible citizens. Students in the English Department participate in incisive, well-researched, and thoughtful study of literature as well as reflective, innovative, and skillful development of critical and creative writing. Our courses are characterized by frequent discussion, prioritize original analysis, and emphasize independent research.
The English literature major exposes students to a variety of ways of reading, understanding, and writing about literature. Our courses are characterized by frequent discussion, and most emphasize original analysis and independent research. The requirements for the major ensure that each student will have a grounding in literary history, as well as many opportunities to choose courses that reflect and develop their particular interests. Students majoring in English Literature choose from an array of courses organized according to period, genre, survey, theme, and authors.