English and Language Arts Majors
Do you love to read and write? Do you enjoy the art of communication? Our English program provides you with a solid foundation in English and American literature, creative writing and technical writing. Our small classes include traditional literary surveys in everything from the contemporary American novel to Shakespeare to African-American literature.
Within our program, you will take pop-culture courses and explore such topics as the roaring Twenties, graphic novels and gothic literature. You will work closely with professors to develop strong writing and critical thinking skills that will prepare you for your graduate studies or professional career as an author or editor, or in various communications fields such as public relations or marketing.
There are several tracks offered within the English program, including Creative Writing, Publishing and Language Arts Teacher Certification.
Curriculum
- American Literature
- Southern Literature
- Literary Theory
- Popular Culture
- Technical Writing
- Advanced Composition
- African American Literature
- English Literature
- Women’s Literature
- Teacher Education
- Creative Writing
- Advanced Grammar
- Contemporary Fiction
Extra-Curricular Activities
- The Sucarnochee Review—work with our national undergraduate literary journal
- The Livingston Press—learn first-hand about book publishing muse—write for our campus newspaper
- The Reed Literary Odyssey—take a literary road trip every summer
- Poetry at the Lake—participate in the twice yearly poetry reading and cookout at Lake LU
- Sigma Tau Delta—join our literary honor society
Job Placement and Career Preparation
An English major serves as excellent preparation for careers in at least four areas. Many of our majors pursue a career in teaching, particularly secondary education. Some of our majors choose further graduate study in English, leading to an academic career as a literary scholar and university professor. Aside from teaching, the English major is a superb preparation for a career in law, since the skills in communication, interpreting texts, and critical thinking that one develops in literary studies are essential. Outside of the most apparent career possibilities, English majors also find work in library science, advertising, public relations, and other writing fields, especially technical writing.
Department of Languages and Literature contact english@uwa.edu | (205) 652-5492
