As a student studying English at University of Jamestown, you’ll dissect poetry, prose, and everything in between. You’ll learn from four full-time professors who represent a range of areas of expertise and approaches to writing and literary study.
As a result, you’ll be able to explore many subjects – academic, creative, and professional writing; English grammar and the history of the English language; British, American, and world literature of various periods and genres – while still getting to know, and be known by, each of your professors on an individual basis.
Our goal is to give students a broad education so they can graduate with vast knowledge of literary history—from the ancient to the modern world—and experience writing in a number of different genres. Part of the strength of the English major is its malleability. Because English focuses on soft skills, it makes graduates adaptable in fast-changing job markets and graduate school, including:
These concentrations are available in English
English: Writing Concentration requires the following coursework:
| Course | Title (credits) | |
|---|---|---|
| Engl | 201 | Introduction to Literary Study and Analysis (3) |
| Engl | 210 | World Literature to 1500 (3) |
| Engl | 230 | English Literature to 1785 (3) |
| Engl | 231 | English Literature since 1785 (3) |
| Engl | 250 | American Literature to 1865 (3) |
| Engl | 251 | American Literature since 1865 (3) |
| Engl | Electives (9) | |
| Engl | Upper Level Writing Elective (3) | |
| Engl | 331 | Shakespeare (3) |
| Engl or Engl |
351
401 |
History of the English Language (3)
English Grammar (3) |
| Engl | 497 | Writing Portfolio (1) |
| Total Semester Credits Required: 37 | ||
Graduates are prepared for a wide variety of careers and educational experiences.
From day one, each student gets a faculty advisor. Someone who’s available to help you register for classes and secure a job after graduation—as well as everything in between.
Obtain work experience and make informed career choices through internships of a semester or more in length.
Publish fiction, non-fiction, and poetry in Plainsong, UJ’s annual literary journal. For those who are more journalism oriented, UJ’s student newspaper, The Collegian, is always looking for fresh writers.
“My time as a student was spent in an environment that prioritized learning, provided by knowledgeable and available professors who gave us the tools to grow as young professionals. Each course taken in my time has been one that has served me well, and in turn, it has served the students that I work with every day.”
“My English degree helped me develop as a well-rounded professional who has an appreciation for many different areas of interest and created an ability to have discussions and critical conversations about a multitude of subjects in our interconnected world.”
“I think studying literature is significant for anyone because it is a subject that at once teaches practical skills that are useful in everyday life and in any given job, such as critical thinking and clear expression in writing, and it makes us unfold as humans because it teaches us empathy, to be open to new ideas we might otherwise have never considered, and to keep asking more and better questions. The professors at UJ and the courses offered allowed me to do all that.”
“The education I received through UJ’s English and biology departments continues to support my professional life. I’m now a Clinical Quality Consultant with a podcast about literature – neither of which would be possible without the teachers at UJ.”
“An undergraduate degree in English is a solid foundation for the practice of law. An English major develops clear and concise writing, as well as critical and considered reading, and both skills are used daily in understanding and interpreting the law.”
“The communication and writing skills I learned are an invaluable skill in my role as a cybersecurity professional. Outside of work, I have also been able to leverage my English background to write and publish fantasy adventure novels, which has been one of the great enjoyments of my life.”
“A UJ English major is intrinsically valuable and is worth pursuing solely because it will make you a better human being. If, however, you want to consider the practical advantages that an English degree can bring, then consider that I was offered a senior executive position at a Fortune 100 company in large part because I could think clearly, analyze an argument, and write well. I developed those critical skills in the UJ English Department.”
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Engl 201 |
Introduction to Literary Study and Analysis |
3 |
Engl 210 |
World Literature to 1500 |
3 |
Engl 230 |
English Literature to 1785 |
3 |
Engl 231 |
English Literature since 1785 |
3 |
Engl 250 |
American Literature to 1865 |
3 |
Engl 251 |
American Literature since 1865 |
3 |
Engl |
Electives |
9 |
Engl |
Upper-Level Writing Elective |
3 |
Engl 331 |
Shakespeare |
3 |
Engl 351 or Engl 401 |
History of the English Language
English Grammar |
3
3 |
Engl 497 |
Writing Portfolio |
1 |
Total Semester Credits Required: 37
Ready to Take the Next Step?
