English Major
B.A. Degree (Major in English)
OverviewThe B.A. program in English offers courses that enable students to develop skills in written discourse, to comprehend the defining traits of major literary genres, to understand the history of literature, to interpret texts in light of pertinent critical perspectives, to acquire proficiency in scholarly research, and to relate the facts and ideas of the discipline to other fields, particularly within the context of Western intellectual history.
For those preparing for graduate school or careers in professional writing, specialized courses are available in literary studies and writing. Many of the advanced electives within the program are appropriate choices for such interdisciplinary minors as American Studies, Classical Studies, and Women's Studies.
Advanced Preparation for Careers in Many Professional Fields
English majors receive advanced training in various modes of writing and rhetoric, professional text editing, literary analysis, cultural and historical studies, and critical thinking. While other majors may provide you with vocational skills related to one specific vocation, English majors are trained to be sophisticated reader, writers, and editors of texts, and they are equipped to be adaptable for work in many career fields. Recent graduates in English have been admitted into law school and graduate schools in English, Professional / Technical Writing, and Education. English majors secure jobs in a variety of fields, including all areas of business (such as marketing and communications), computer-related fields, editing and publishing, public and private education, library sciences, and creative writing. Instead of teaching you vocational skills, the major in English prepares you for the real world where the demand is for individuals who can read and write effectively, learn and adapt to changing situations quickly, and work creatively and intelligently on their own.
Program Highlights
- Study with faculty from nationally-recognized universities who possess excellent teaching credentials and publication records. Class sizes in our upper-division classes are generally small and allow students to receive individual mentoring as they strengthen their writing and critical thinking skills.
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- Participate in a variety of exciting, thought-provoking courses, ranging from traditional courses in literary history to others that focus on specific authors, literary genres (poetry, fiction, film, etc.), regional literatures (Irish literature and Southern literature), and ethinic or minority literatures (literature by Women and African American literature). Further enhance your writing skills in courses like Professional and Technical Writing and Editing and Publishing.
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- Minor in Creative Writing or simply elect to take courses in writing that include intermediate and advanced creative writing workshops in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and screenwriting.
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- Become a published author! The senior seminar allows students to work collaboratively with faculty in writing, editing and publishing a collection of critical essays of their own design.
- Participate with English faculty and other English majors in a variety of educational and social enrichment events outside the classroom. Students can works as writers and editors for Eclectic (UWG's nationally award-winning journal of the arts) and LURe: Literary Undergraduate Research, a national journal that publishes undergraduate research in the literary studies. Students can also join Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honors Society or the Creative Writing Guild. Readings, visits by outside writers and scholars, and even trips are planned every semester.
- No minor is required, so you can use your electives to strengthen your career goals. You can take additional English courses or courses from other departments as general electives to complete your degree.
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- Optional minors are available in a variety of areas. Minors in Creative Writing, Film Studies, Africana Studies, American Studies, and Gender Studies complement your coursework in English. Minors in other areas (Philosophy, Religion, Mass Communications, or Business) allow you to combine your major in English with other career or intellectual interests.
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- Complete your Discipline Specific Writing Requirement (DSW) with English courses.
Stop by the English department office, located in TLC 2255, call 678-839-6512, or email engdept@westga.edu for more information.