About the English Major

The English major is designed to suit the needs of UW-Parkside's heterogeneous population of traditional and non-traditional-aged students and their varied career paths and goals. Often combined with other major and minors, it can become a valuable tool for students to achieve a traditional liberal education, helping them acquire a broad view of human experience, a critical approach to cultural traditions, and more complete self-understanding.

Each of its three concentrations, while offering a solid grounding in literature and communication skills, emphasizes a distinct area of expertise and understanding.

The Standard Major is especially appropriate for those planning further graduate or professional study or literary careers, and offers the opportunity to explore the traditions of British and American literature in depth.

The Writing Concentration enables those who envision careers in business, industry, or public service to sharpen their communication skills in both general and specialized areas.

The Language Arts Concentration focuses on the needs of education professionals, fulfilling the state of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction requirements for teacher-training; it is also appropriate for students generally interested in linguistics and language studies.

The department has an active English Club open to majors and other interested students, and a chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, a national English Honor Society.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ENGLISH MAJOR

The major in English consists of a minimum of 36 credits (for the Standard and Writing Concentrations) or 42-45 credits (for the Language Arts Concentration) in courses in English and related disciplines beyond the required freshman composition sequence and recommended Introduction to Literature course. Students are encouraged to consult English department faculty advisers before choosing a concentration and during its completion to fulfill their program of study most expediently and comfortably.

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENT

At the beginning of their last semester, English majors must submit for approval a portfolio of written work that they have done in English courses at UW-Parkside. Unapproved portfolios must be revised and successful completion of this requirement a condition for eligibility to graduate.

PROFESSIONAL WRITING CERTIFICATE

Degree-seeking and non-degree students who want to specialize in writing for career enhancement but do not intend to major or minor in English should consider the Professional Writing Certificate, which consists of 15 credits.