English Major

The English Major has been carefully designed as one of the most flexible and collaborative programs at UD. ​

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The innovative approach of the English major encourages students to network with a variety of mentors and advisors to design a unique course of study and to develop a competitive portfolio. Our courses include a broad range of topics including business, publishing, fiction, editing, American literature, medical writing, poetry, travel writing, British literature, drama studies, magazine writing, World literature, science/tech writing, gender studies, screenwriting, environmental studies, grant-writing, blogging, vlogging, disability studies, African American literature, legal writing, podcasting, writing for games, creative non-fiction, and film studies. Students learn how to create, analyze, contextualize, and explain texts, from classic literature to the documents that drive the corporate world. They learn about the diverse cultural traditions that are fundamental to American history, and they acquire the knowledge and skills to thrive as global citizens.

The English major prepares students to adapt to an ever-evolving workplace where professional skills change rapidly. The ability to read and write effectively, to analyze and disseminate information, to gauge and act on the validity of rhetoric, to interpret complex narratives, and to shape new possibilities — these skills will always be in demand.

Of the 36 ENGL credits required for the major, 9 credits cover three categories — Literary History, Textual Analysis and Production, and Cultural Diversity — as well as a 3-credit capstone experience which could involve either an internship or research or experiential learning connecting with professionals in a wide variety of fields. The remaining 24 ENGL credits are tailored to meet the unique interests and needs of individual students.

Have questions about the English major? Contact our Academic Advisor, Mr. Jordan Moses at jsmoses@udel.edu​.​

Students must choose one course from each of the following three categories:

1. Literary History (one course required):

• ENGL202 – Biblical and Classical Literature
• ENGL204 – American Literature
• ENGL205 – British Literature to 1660
• ENGL206 – British Literature 1660 to Present
• ENGL216 – African American Literature Survey

2. Textual Analysis and Production (one course required):

• ENGL215 – Introduction to Ethnic and Cultural Studies
• ENGL217 - Introduction to Film
• ENGL222 – Introduction to Professional Writing
• ENGL225 – Introduction to Rhetoric and Writing Studies
• ENGL227 – Introduction to Creative Writing
• ENGL294 – English Language: Grammar and Usage
• ENGL300 – Introduction to Literary Criticism and Theory
• ENGL361 – Studies in Literary Criticism and Theory
• ENGL394 – English Language: Rhetorical and Cultural Contexts

3. Cultural Diversity (one course required):

• ENGL214 – Literature and Gender
• ENGL278 – Studies in Diversity
• ENGL344 – African American Literature I
• ENGL345 – African American Literature II
• ENGL348 – Contemporary Jewish-American Literature
• ENGL350 – Studies in Jewish Literature
• ENGL376 – World Literature
• ENGL378 – Caribbean Literature
• ENGL381 – Women in Literature
• ENGL382 – Studies in Multicultural Literature in English
• ENGL390 – English Linguistics

Taking elective ENGL courses, students build a competitive portfolio of writing samples and research experience. With an impressive portfolio, students can demonstrate their skillsets on the job market or as they apply to graduate school. When choosing electives, students take:

• Two courses of ENGL at the 200-level or above (6 credits)​
• Six ENGL 300- or ENGL 400-level courses (18 credits).
  

In their senior year, students complete a capstone experience by choosing one of the following options:

• ENGL462 - Experiential Learning (special topics vary each semester)
  
• ENGL464 - Internship in Professional Writing
• ENGL480 - Literary Studies Symposium (special topics vary each semester)