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The study of English is the study of some of the world's finest works of literature in their historical, artistic and cultural contexts. The Department of English offers a wide range of courses in British and American Literature, in the structure and history of the English language and in expository and creative writing. As an English major, you will develop superior communication skills and an excellent background in critical thinking. You will also learn to conduct research, analyze information and deliver effective arguments in writing.
Real World
Students who major in English have unlimited career options. Many students prepare for a career in teaching. The major also provides excellent preparation for professions that draw upon skills in verbal analysis, critical thinking and communication such as journalism, publishing, advertising, technical writing, library science, business and government. Others pursue graduate or professional degrees. Recent UC Davis graduates are attending law school, medical school or graduate school in English or related fields.
Major Requirements
As an English major, you will spend time learning about different forms of literature before shifting to a focus on historical periods and contexts. The flexibility of the major accommodates individual interests, and you may focus on critical histories and methods, major authors, ethnic and multicultural literatures or the relation of literature to complementary disciplines such as environmental studies or film criticism. You may also choose a course of study emphasizing teaching, creative writing or general literature.
Major Adviser
Name: Lynda Jones
Contact: lmjones@ucdavis.edu, (530) 752-7646
A Student Perspective
My favorite part of being an English major is that I get to study what I enjoy. At the end of each quarter I have a stack of books I've just used for my classes, and I look them over, knowing that they are books I'm glad to own. I'm going to have a degree for reading and discussing books I've loved.
~ Ryan Miller, senior
A Faculty Perspective
Our English department offers a rich mixture of historically based courses in English and American literature, combined with an unusual flexibility that allows students to pursue their own areas of special interest. We have particular strengths in gender studies, literature and the environment, creative writing and literary history and theory. Our students compete favorably in creative writing contests, enter into innovative internships in the community and in government and earn admission to top graduate programs.
~ Linda Morris, faculty adviser
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