Objectives:

Through the study of seminal literature and the practice of both academic and pre-professional writing, the minor in English hones the skills that people in every discipline use daily when they read, write, converse, and assert their independent ideas and opinions through these self-actualizing activities. Literature illustrates the rich interrelatedness of cultural, historical, economic, political, scientific, philosophical, and religious concerns, while encouraging individual creativity and serving as a model for cogent, graceful writing. The minor in English thus complements academic work in almost every other field, positioning the student for success in either civilian or military life.

Competencies, Knowledge, and Skills to be Achieved:

The English minor trains students to read analytically, synthesize information quickly, think critically, and write persuasively. These crucial transferable skills equip students to navigate an ever-changing and frequently uncertain job market. They also provide a foundation for graduate work in the humanities and for a range of pre-professional advanced degrees in fields such as business, divinity, education, law, library science, museum work, public policy, and social work. The minor in English also exposes students to a range of important literary texts, the canon of imaginative writing often called “the best that has been thought and said in the world.”

Through the close analysis of literature, the minor also enables students to generate original arguments and ideas, to appreciate the nuanced range of perspectives on cultural and socioeconomic issues, to evaluate competing viewpoints, and to value diversity in an increasingly global society.