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 creative writing to students majoring in other disciplines.
The educational goals of the program in English are central to the ideals of a liberal arts education: to understand works of literature in their historical and cultural contexts; 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 structure and history of English; in the genres, historical periods, and major authors of British and American literature; and in expository 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 and creative writing for students majoring in other disciplines.
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Programs of Study 
