What it’s about:

English majors read, discuss, and write about literature. Literary works include poetry, prose, and drama but may also be drawn from film, journalism, and television. Study focuses on the critical, historical, linguistic, and cultural contexts of these works. In addition, you practice your own writing, developing your languages-use and composition skills.

What the study of this major is like:

An almost universal first-year requirement of this major is a semester- or year-long chronological (or thematic) survey of English and American literature, which lays the groundwork for further courses in particular genres or literary time periods. Classes are usually small, and you are expected to contribute to class discussion and to write term papers-usually two per course.

Upper-level courses present a more formal study of literature. You learn how to read critically, how to determine the contexts of literature, and how literature creates and reflects the culture from which it springs. In addition, you study point of view, explication, tone, irony, metaphor, image, structure, and allusion. You also explore the way in which texts affect audiences’ beliefs and emotions, and the ways in which literature sheds light on our lives.

Beside the core courses, most programs offer a broad selection of electives focusing on genre study, critical theory, individual authors, and other topics. Courses in writing encourage you to practice the techniques you learn by reading the works of others. You’ll become increasingly sensitive to the subtleties of language and to the influences of what you read and hear. In both literature and writing courses, you will examine the logic of an argument, the ways experiences are organized, and reactions to psychological and emotional persuasion. Your studies may conclude with a seminar on a particular theme or subject approached from a variety of directions. And there will likely be a lengthy term project for that seminar.

In addition to classes, most programs provide opportunities to attend readings presented by guest speakers, topical seminars, and more formal lectures given by faculty members. It is also common for English majors with similar interests to meet informally outside of class (usually at the local watering hole) to discuss their work nd to exchange ideas and opinions.

Career options and trends:

Elementary, middle, or high school teacher, college professor; editor; journalist; technical writer.

The English major also prepares you for broad career options, including opportunities in publishing; radio, television, and online communications; social work; and management. With graduate or professional study, you can pursue a career in law, medicine, or other field.

A state certificate or license is required for teaching in public schools. College-level teaching positions in English are few and difficult to obtain.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors