Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
Program(s) Offered: Major, Minor, Teaching Endorsement
What can you do with an English degree? Perhaps a better question is, what can't you do? Prepare for graduate school or a career as an author, screenwriter, entrepreneur, lawyer, politician, journalist, teacher — there are no limits! And while you're at it, gain essential insights into human nature and thought, and an appreciation of the written word as a mode of expression.
Immerse yourself in literature.
Whether you're embarking on literary tours of the United Kingdom, Europe or Latin America; catching some professional regional theatre; or hanging with some friends at a local coffeehouse reading — as an English major at Briar Cliff, you'll be part of a close family of faculty and students who support one another’s efforts to dream big and to achieve!
Personalize your degree.
Choose an emphasis, and we'll make sure your degree is tailor-made to fit your career goals:
English Teaching Endorsement
Carry your passion for language to the classroom. Learn more →
Law Emphasis
If you're going into law, you'll want to choose supporting coursework in philosophy, political science, and history.
Public Relations Emphasis
If you're interested in P.R., supplement your English major with additional coursework in journalism, digital media or graphic design.
Public Service Emphasis
If you're seeking a career in government, non-profit institutions or service organization, choose this track emphasizing the history and character of institutions.
Library Science Emphasis
If you're seeking a career in public, corporate or academic libraries, prepare yourself for graduate work in library science (focused on organization, management and information).
Get involved at The Cliff.
Are you interested in publishing? Help produce The Briar Cliff Review, an internationally acclaimed literary magazine created right here on The Cliff. For nearly 30 years, The Review has nurtured emerging writers and featured established authors from across the world.
Join the Writing & English Club (WREN), and spearhead poetry, fiction, and non-fiction readings where you'll get to bounce your ideas off of well-known regional, national and international authors.
Introduce Yourself → Schedule a Visit →
English Program Courses
ENGL 110 - Introduction to Literature
Students read short stories and poems for enjoyment, discussion and analysis. Learning literary terms and critical methods will be added course outcomes.
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ENGL 210 - Modern Fiction
American, British and world writers of novels and short stories from the 20th century. Authors include Conrad, Kafka, Joyce, Lawrence, Faulkner, Woolf, Heminway, O'Brien, Cunningham, Morrison, Proulx, and others. Prerequisite:WRTG 109 or equivalent skill.
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ENGL 243 - Shakespeare
Representative plays from the major types (comedy, history, tragedy) for reading and analysis. Students will appreciate the universality of Shakespeare's art: "He was not of an age, but for all time." Prerequisite:WRTG 109 or equivalent skill
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ENGL 275 - Independent English Study II
By arrangement with instructor only. Prerequisite:WRTG 109 or equivalent skill With departmental approval
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ENGL 340 - Nineteenth Century American Literature
Essays, short stories, poetry, novels, and memoirs are studied in the historical, cultural, and artistic context of the nineteenth century. Seminal works by Irving, Rowson, Poe, Emerson, Stowe, Fuller, Hawthorne, Whitman, Dickinson, James and others. Prerequisite:WRTG 109 or equivalent skill
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ENGL 360 - British Romanticism
Poetry, fiction and prose, including Blake, William Wordsworth, Dorothy Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Percy Shelley, Mary Shelley, Keats, and others. Prerequisite:WRTG 109 or equivalent skill
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ENGL 460 - Senior Seminar
Historical and critical overview of major developments in literature with comprehensive examinations. Intended primarily for last-term senior English majors
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ENGL 490 - English Internship
On-site professional work experiences; site and scheduling individually arranged. Prerequisite:WRTG 109 or equivalent skill and junior status. With departmental approval
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WRTG 159 - Contemporary Argument and Research
Our world is full of dialogue and debate, and those who want to make their voices heard must choose their words carefully. In this class, students will explore current events and discuss their own reasoned perspectives on contemporary issues. Read more »
WRTG 420 - Composition Seminar/Practicum
This seminar introduces students to the history of composition theory and the latest, most cutting-edge ideas in the field. Read more »
Additional Program Requirements
For additional requirements and curriculum information, download the latest University academic catalog.
