BA English Language and Literature

The English major includes five main elements, which are together designed to introduce students: (1) to the basic approaches for studying literature, rhetoric, and media; (2) to the structures and effects of the English language; and (3) to theories and practices of writing from the creative to the professional. The major offers students a foundation in multiple scales of history, from the local to the global, and in forms, methods, and writing—all with a sustained focus on civic and cultural engagement. Students also develop their own area of specialization, choosing from: literary and cultural studies; creative writing; media studies; or language, writing, and rhetoric. The major’s flexibility lets students participate liberally in a wealth of experiential- or service-learning opportunities around the department, the university, and the D.C. metro area, as well as to pursue a sustained research or creative project as part of our English Honors Program. These elements and opportunities together allow students to prepare for careers in fields such as education, law, journalism, creative writing, communications, professional writing, game or film development, and information science. Courses offered by the English Department may be found under the acronyms ENGL and CMLT.