English - A.B.

The major in English is designed to provide students with a broad, liberal arts background, an in-depth study of literature and language, a developing understanding of the human condition, and proficiency in effective communication, both written and oral. The major leads to a wide variety of professional opportunities, whether the graduate looks toward business, industry, government, law, medicine, social service, or editing. It is an excellent basis for graduate studies not only in English but also in other areas, particularly when combined with a second major such as philosophy, history, or religion. The teaching major in English is further designed to add training and specific professional experience to the liberal arts major.

Degree

The A.B. degree is required for all English majors. It implies a thorough liberal arts underpinning and is the traditional degree granted English majors.

Foreign Language Requirement

All majors will achieve intermediate competency in an ancient or modern foreign language in one of the following ways: 1) completing with a grade of C or above, eight high school semesters of a single foreign language 2) earning a passing grade at the Intermediate II university level 3) passing an intermediate-level competency exam approved by the coordinator of the foreign language department (usually a CLEP test). The requirement may be waived if English is not the student's first language. Foreign language is not required for the minor in English.