Undergraduate Program
Majors
Overview
English majors become better writers and speakers. English majors develop their capacity to express ideas clearly and powerfully.
This ability is valued above all others in almost every profession. When surveyed, employers rate “good writing skills” as the most sought–after quality of the college graduates they interview.
English majors learn to analyze and produce complex arguments. English majors learn to interpret and construct complex arguments and texts. One measure of this aptitude is that humanities majors outperform business majors and social science majors on the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT).
English majors can choose from an unusually diverse array of careers. Because they are valued for their intellectual independence and flexibility, English majors become artists, broadcasters, editors, journalists, lawyers, public relations specialists, teachers, multimedia designers, writers—and other professionals.
English majors lead others. English majors learn to question, unmask, and challenge the complex messages of today’s media. This critical habit of mind helps to safeguard a healthy society.
Why Major in English?
The Life of the Mind
We believe that ideas matter, that they shape the reality of our world, and that their depiction in literature, film, and other media is a vital subject of inquiry. We strive to cultivate habits of mind that will allow you to respond to challenges with understanding, skill, sophistication, and originality.
Intellectual Inquiry
As an English major at Miami, you will read and discuss each other’s work. In literature classes, you will enter a dialogue with your instructors and other students. Throughout your studies you can expect to read widely, participate in lively classroom discussions, shape your own intellectual inquiry, conduct research, write extensively, and develop close working relationships with faculty.
Expressive Excellence
A central goal of the English major is to help you become an outstanding writer and speaker. You will write regularly and for diverse audiences and purposes; you will revise your writing in response to detailed commentary from instructors and peers; and you will present your ideas orally to others. Above all, you will be immersed in a rich variety of important texts from different periods, places, and genres—including emerging electronic media.
Cultural Analysis
You will be introduced to many modes of inquiry and asked to reflect on a wide array of social and human relations. Our faculty have links to other programs, and our courses investigate literature in relation to the insights of economics, law, sociology, psychology, politics, and conscience. As a result, English majors gain a broad understanding of the arts and sciences.