English

The English major promotes understanding, analysis, and evaluation of a wide range of authors, characters, themes, plots, and styles in world literature. Through varied approaches to literary criticism, students learn to appreciate the ways in which creative writing can capture the essence of the human condition. They are encouraged to relate literary insights to their own lives as they become productive, sensitive, and ethical problem-solvers. Students reflect on their values and discover what it means to be a socially responsible citizen. They are exposed to varied world views and learn to respect diversity and the opinions of others. By identifying the techniques and impacts of successful writers, students develop their expressive abilities, identify important personal issues, increase empathy for others, and discover their own voices and styles through the written word. The study of literature, composition, and linguistics is an important component of a liberal arts curriculum. English graduates may apply their abilities to a broad range of careers in law, journalism, advertising, public relations, publishing, communications, library science, technical writing, government, business, and education.