The core of the major remains literary studies, but the department also offers courses in advanced composition, creative writing, ethnic literature, film studies and women's literature. In addition to preparing future teachers of English on the secondary and college level, the major serves as a preprofessional program for students interested in careers in law, medicine, and business. Students with special interests in creative writing, ethnic studies, film studies, Great Plains studies, and women's studies have found the English major a base for beginning study of these areas. The English major is also a classic liberal education major for students who are interested in developing the analytic and communication abilities that underlie many professions.
All majors take a senior capstone course.
Students interested in teaching may seek an English endorsement through Teachers College or through a joint Arts and Sciences and Teachers College program. These students have a somewhat more restrictive set of requirements designed to prepare them for teaching English in secondary school. Classes in English are small so that they can include frequent writing assignments and class discussion. In addition to regular English courses, you may wish to participate in a variety of internships or write a supervised Honors Thesis during your senior year. As the largest department in Arts and Sciences, English offers you an opportunity to study with a variety of nationally recognized experts in literature, ethnic studies, writing, film studies and women's studies.