English
Make meaning of the human condition through careful textual encounters. Learn to craft a lucid, critical response to any text.
Make connections and think critically within a literary community.
Analyze and compose texts across genres — and wrestle with some of life’s greatest questions — alongside knowledgeable professors who genuinely care about your personal and academic growth. Learn to skillfully utilize the English language to communicate complex concepts through writing. As an English major, you’ll connect with peers through in-class discussion and off-campus gatherings. Your exploration of the liberal arts at SAU will enrich your literary adventures within the English major.
English Major: Alex Anhalt
Before college, Alex knew that he wanted to choose a major that would challenge him to think critically. “I wanted to learn how to think, not just how to write,” he says.
As an English major, Alex enjoys learning from professors who encourage him to think deeply about texts and ideas while allowing him to come to his own conclusions. “The English professors have a way of challenging your perspective that is rooted in how we use language and tell stories,” says Alex.
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VisitThe courses for this 36-hour major include such subject areas as:
- ENG 112 World Literature
- ENG 208 Creative Writing
- ENG 220 Introduction to Literary Study
- ENG 333 Bible as Literature
- ENG 361 English Language
Choose one American literature course from the following:
- ENG 322 19th Century American Literature
- ENG 350 20th Century American Literature
- ENG 352 American Literature: World War II – Present
Choose one British literature course from the following:
- ENG 329 Early British and Continental Literature
- ENG 360 19th Century British Literature
- ENG 362 20th Century British Literature
View the course requirements and layout, course descriptions, a sample four-year plan, as well as learn more about the program at Spring Arbor University in the undergraduate course catalog.
The English major prepares students for careers in all aspects of word delivery (i.e. writing and editing). Once you receive your English degree, you’ll be equipped to immediately enter into a variety of entry-level positions across a breadth of professional fields. You’ll also have the option of continuing your education through graduate school programs, including those related to philosophy, theology, English as a second language (ESL) and law. 93 percent of SAU’s English majors who graduated between 2015 and 2018 were employed or enrolled in graduate school programs within nine months of graduation.
Your studies in English will prepare you to pursue careers in the following fields:
- Advertising
- Broadcasting
- Business
- Education
- International Relations
- Journalism
- Law
- Library Science
- Marketing
- Management
- Ministry
- Museums
- Public Relations
- Publishing
- Writing (Creative, Freelance, Technical, etc.)
During your studies at SAU, you’ll have opportunities to make practical application of what you’re learning in class through on (and off) campus programs. Where will you find your niche?
Oxford Scholar’s Semester: Follow the footsteps of C. S. Lewis and the other Inklings while engaging in rigorous study with an Oxford tutor. The Oxford Scholar’s Semester could fulfill your Cross Cultural Studies requirement.
The Pulse: Practice your free speech and show off your writing, editing and/or graphic design skills by joining “The Pulse,” SAU’s student-led news magazine.
Research Assistants: Aid a member of the English department faculty in his or her research endeavors through one of these limited, paid positions.
The Writing Center: Nestled in White Library, The Writing Center offers space for students to engage in conversations about all aspects of writing and critical thinking. Serve as a tutor, or stop by to improve your latest essay.
At SAU, you’ll find professors who care about you personally. As an English student, you’ll learn from the following experienced faculty members:
- Rachel B. Griffis, Associate Professor of English