The English department offers courses intended to help students write clearly and effectively and to read literature with critical appreciation.
All students take courses in expository writing and selected literary works.
Students may select a major in English studies or professional writing, an optional journalism concentration, and an English minor. Students may not major in both English studies and professional writing but are encouraged to complement either with the journalism concentration. English Studies A major in English studies provides students with a strong liberal arts preparation for a variety of careers including business, law, ministry, research, library science, civil service and administration, as well as writing, editing, and publishing. The English studies major is designed to be pragmatic. While retaining the essential components of a traditional English major, it seeks to prepare students for professions that require strong communication skills, proficiency in written and spoken English, and the ability to think critically.