BA in English

Courses in English improve the reading, writing, and analytical skills of students, offer insight into the structure of the English language, explore film as an art form, and develop an appreciation for great literature. English majors enjoy professional readiness in essential skills, such as writing, editing, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, team work, and research. As such, an English major is excellent preparation for the graduate study of literature and communication, for medical school, law school, and secondary education. It opens the way to many positions in government, NGOs, and private industry, including editing and technical writing. The English BA is an excellent choice as a double major with other degrees at JU and increases students marketability in advertising, public relations, communication, sales, marketing, personnel management, systems engineering and programming. Within the major, in order to provide a firm foundation for more advanced study later, students take four broad-range survey courses, preferably early in the program. Additionally, in order to acquire range and balance, majors take one course in the English language, chosen from Linguistics or Grammar. English majors are also required to take a varied selection from other English courses, including period surveys, literary genres, film, major authors figures, and writing courses.Because of the wide diversity of offerings and the expectation that English majors should improve their intellectual background and flexibility, students are encouraged to broaden their experience with additional courses beyond the minimum required for the major. English majors are encouraged to pursue double majors and/or minors in other fields on campus.The English major is offered as a Bachelor of Arts degree only.