English language and literature/letters

English Language and Literature, General: English Language and Literature, General

English Composition

Creative Writing

American Literature (United States and Canadian

English Literature (British and Commonwealth)

Speech and Rhetorical Studies

Technical and Business Writing

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies: Creative Writing; Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing; Rhetoric and Composition; Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies, Other; Writing, General

Literature: American Literature (United States); Children's and Adolescent Literature; English Literature (British and Commonwealth); General Literature; Literature, Other

English Language and Literature/Letters, Other: English Language and Literature/Letters, Other

English literature

Description

The largest body of literature written in a modern language, English literature has developed over fifteen centuries from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present. As an undergraduate study, this major includes in-depth and broad-ranging exposure to literature from both British and American contributors. The major requires extensive reading of the greatest contributions, as well as a familiarity with the works of lesser known authors, including poets, essayists, playwrights, novelists, and historians.

Plan of study

The plan of study begins with survey courses in topics such as medieval literature, nineteenth-century poets, or twentieth-century British plays. The student then takes full courses about individual authors, such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, T.S. Eliot, Joyce, Keats, and Shelley or topics such as Beowulf, 18th century British novel, African-American literature, or women’s literature. Finally, courses in literary theory, literary research, problems of modern literature, and independent study complete the major.

Expect to take

Survey of literature, medieval literature, seventeenth-century literature, modern drama, history of literature, women in literature, seminar on problems in literature, research in literature.

Suggested high school subjects

Advanced English (AP preferred), history, foreign language, computer literacy.

General interest areas

Literature, reading, writing, research.

Some career possibilities

Actor/actress
Librarian
College professor
Researcher
Consultant
Secondary school teacher
Editor
Social worker
Freelance writer
Stage director
Lawyer

Some related majors

Advertising
Foreign languages
Classics
History
Communications
Journalism
Comparative literature
Secondary education
English

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