English (BA), English with a Writing Emphasis (BA)

The major in English provides the following:

• An opportunity for all students to develop expertise and depth in reading, writing, speaking, and research.
• Undergraduate majors in English and English with a Writing Emphasis through both the Day Program and the Pathways Program.
• Undergraduate minors in English and English with a Writing Emphasis.
• Graduate courses and seminars in the M.A. Humanities Program in English and Creative Writing.

The English Program engages students in understanding and creating well-crafted writing through an intensive study of literature and creative writing. Under the tutelage of scholars and writers from the Bay Area’s renowned literary arts communities, students hone their skills in critical analysis, literary interpretation, and the broad range of writing modes. The program’s rich array of courses enables students to investigate the cultural and artistic spectrums of American, British, and world literatures as well as explore the art of writing. Such scope and depth of knowledge prepare students for careers in communications, creative writing, editing, education, journalism, law, marketing/advertising, multimedia writing, public relations, radio/TV production, research, speechwriting, and a host of other fields.

Major: English

Literature comes to life through the major in English, where students explore the linguistic, cultural, and personal meaning of epics, poems, novels, and plays. Through studies in literature’s diverse texts—from Shakespeare to Toni Morrison, and world literature to Western classics—students investigate the cultural significance and literary craft of many texts and contexts. This diverse canon trains students to read critically, comprehend contextually, and write analytically, as they bring their own interpretations and ideas to their critical work.

The senior experience for this major involves researching and writing an extended analysis of a literary topic. Students present a summary of this advanced work for members of the University community and invited guests toward the end of the semester at a reading that culminates and celebrates their accomplishment.

Major: English with a Writing Emphasis

The major in English with a Writing Emphasis enables students to draw from literatures of the world and of many traditions, and to work under skilled writers to germinate their own creative talents. It joins the disciplined reading, writing, and literary explorations of the English major with the students’ own creative writing from among several genres.

The senior experience for this major involves developing a portfolio of writing in a chosen genre or genres, together with an introductory essay discussing the portfolio in its literary and creative context. Students read from their portfolios for members of the University community and invited guests toward the end of the semester at a presentation that culminates and celebrates their accomplishments.

Minors: English and English with a Writing Emphasis

The minor in English and the minor in Writing form excellent additions to majors in other disciplines, both for the of students’ development, and also for their future study and employment. These minors complement majors in art, art history, history, humanities, international studies, politics, and psychology, preparing students to analyze carefully and write clearly in fields such as communications, education, environmental studies, law, and public relations.

Pathways English Majors: Intensive Evening/Weekend Program for Adult Learners

The Department of Literature and Language offers a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Writing Emphasis through the Pathways Program, in which courses for the major are offered in the evening and/or weekends. The Program is designed for adults who work inside or outside the home, and is intensive and accelerated. It recognizes the needs, experience, and skills of adult learners. In the Pathways Program the requirements for the English majors are similar to those in the Day Program. Please refer to the Pathways section of the Catalog for details regarding the eligibility requirements, major and degree requirements, policies, and procedures for Pathways students.