English Language and Literature, General
Colleges › College Majors › English Language and Literature, General
About the English Language and Literature Major
Are you the type who doesn't dread reading assignments? Do you have a knack for finding the hidden meaning between the lines of literature? Are you great at organizing your thoughts and observations into interesting and poignant papers? Sounds like you'd make an excellent English major!
English majors study literature in all its forms, from short stories to novels and poetry to plays. They explore the meaning behind that literature and write essays that analyze and interpret it. English majors study literature from all historical periods and geographic origins, spanning from the earliest written English literature like Beowulf, to modern literature like the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Shakespeare is always a focal point in an English curriculum, and students often have the option of taking an entire class on the subject.
English majors also have the opportunity to take courses to improve their writing skills, such as creative writing, playwriting, poetry, and fiction.