For students whose primary interests are in literature and language, the Department of English offers a major based on a broad familiarity with literature in English, a firm grasp of historical and critical principles, and skill in using the written word. The department also offers a wide range of courses in literature and in writing to students majoring in other disciplines.
The educational goals of the program in English are central to the ideals of a liberal education: to understand works of literature in their historical and cultural contexts, and to examine the values expressed in literature as a means of expanding insight, compassion, and an awareness of the human condition across the divisions of culture, race, gender, and class; to develop powers of textual analysis and a precise critical vocabulary; to acquire a familiarity with research methods and a written style that is clear, accurate and graceful; to examine the structure of language; and to place the study of literature in relation to other fields of learning.
To achieve these goals, the department offers courses in the English language, in the genres, historical periods, and major authors of British and American literature, and in expository, professional, and creative writing. In cooperation with the School of Education, the department also offers a program to prepare students interested in teaching English at the secondary level. Finally, the department offers minors in literature, in creative writing, and in professional writing for students majoring in other disciplines.
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Programs of Study 
