Overview
As one of the core disciplines of the liberal arts, English promotes an understanding of the way language functions and provides all students with fundamental skills needed to succeed in college, at work, and as citizens. Courses in the department prepare students to communicate effectively, fostering critical thinking, leadership ability, and democratic engagement. English courses are part of the university requirements for all students. In addition, students may take English courses as elective credits or as part of the undergraduate major or minor in English or Technical Communication. Similarly, English or Technical Communication majors commonly complete minors and/or second majors in other departments. Students seeking licensure to teach English may obtain secondary endorsements in other subjects.
As part of commitment to interdisciplinary study and cultural inclusiveness, English also has strong ties with African American Studies, American Indian Studies, Classical Studies, Latina/o Studies, Linguistics, Speech Communication, and Women's Studies. In addition to course offerings in literature, creative writing, linguistics, speech communication, rhetoric, and technical communication, the field of English studies features strong connections with the technical, scientific, and environmental work that distinguishes
Because of international stature, the Intensive English and Orientation Program in the department offers special courses in English for both undergraduate and graduate students who are native speakers of other languages.