Undergraduate Programs

The English undergraduate program offers a diverse curriculum--with courses in literature, creative and expository writing, linguistics, and film--in a department known for its energetic and dedicated teaching.

Students learn to analyze literary and non-literary texts within cultural and historical contexts, to think critically, to write clearly and persuasively, and to understand ideas different from their own.

English majors take three sophomore-level prerequisites: ENGL 287, American Literature, and ENGL 288 and 289, English Literature I and II. The major requirements then consist of 27-33 hours at the 300-500 level. The 300-level courses are broad-based studies of literary movements and topics; the 400-500 level courses include more specialized, in-depth studies of specific authors and periods as well as courses in writing, film, and linguistics. Recent special topics courses at this level have included “Caught in the Creative Act,” “Slave Narratives,” “Shakespeare at the Movies” and “The South on Film.”

With this solid academic background, graduates pursue careers in traditionally popular fields like teaching, publishing, public relations, and management. Many continue their studies in graduate and professional schools, earning degrees in law, business, and other related fields.