An integrated set of courses in the common traditions and the new multicultural literatures helps students see relationships, tensions, common sources and diverse cultural imperatives which shape and reshape the English and American literary canons. This method of study fosters a holistic understanding of language and literature and nurtures a respect for linguistic and literary diversity, for difference and identity. Committed to the living spirit of literature and to the enabling possibilities of language, English Language Studies provides a variety of curricular and co-curricular projects to involve students in that discovery and development which mark the enlightened and lively study of literature. In addition to college-wide Literary Readings and Great Book Discussions, ELS maintains a Poetry Center for the study of poetry and the development of individual talent. An Annual Student Conference on Language and Literature encourages students to present their own papers.
Majors have opportunities to earn course credit as peer mentors and as peer tutors.
Majors may apply for paid positions as peer tutors in Language House, a language arts tutoring center administered by English Language Studies. Internships place students in legal, cultural and publishing venues under the supervision of professionals. Graduates of this program will be excellently prepared to enter graduate school in the proliferating field of Multicultural English Literature and related study. English continues to be one of the best preparations for law, business, and other professions. At this time, completion of the major requires daytime attendance.