The English department is one of the university's largest departments. In addition to its majors, the department serves many other students who take English courses to improve their writing, to develop a minor or double major field, or to pursue interests in some aspect of literature, language, or creative writing. English is the field most frequently chosen by students combining fields of study in an interdisciplinary major - for example, literature and sociology, literature and history, literature and art, linguistics and psychology.
Students who wish to major in English may choose one of three plans, each of which provides a coherent program with a particular emphasis. After a core of required courses, students will follow programs leading to a major in English and American literature, creative writing or secondary teaching, which prepares students to enter post-baccalaureate teacher credentialing programs.
Students who have majored in English work in business, public relations and advertising, broadcasting, journalism, law and government service, as well as in elementary, secondary and college teaching. All of these fields require an understanding of human motivation and of the conflicts and dilemmas that people face. Our graduates enter those fields able to express themselves clearly, logically, and with passion. They understand the relationship between language and authority.
The English department publishes the following professional and student publications: Virginia Woolf Miscellany, Zaum, and Volt, A Magazine of the Arts. Students wishing to participate in the production of these publications should contact the English department office.