Overview
The Department of Literatures in English fosters critical analysis and lucid writing. We teach students to think about the nature of language and to be alert to the rigors and pleasures of reading texts of diverse inspiration. Students taking courses in the department engage with British, American, and Anglophone literature of an astounding historical span and global variety, and are trained to respond to what they read in a rich and complex variety of ways—from expository essays and scholarly inquiries to class discussions and creative writing.
Whether considering English as a major, a minor, or simply a field to explore, students are encouraged to consult with the department’s Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS).
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English Courses
What Kind of Classes Do We Offer?
Shapes of Meaning Our courses examine the many shapes that meaning can take across aesthetic forms (poetry, short stories, novels, plays, films) and genres (comedy, horror, science fiction, memoir). Examples include:
- ENGL 2240 Comedy: Renaissance and Now
- ENGL 2785 Comic Books and Graphic Novels
Intersections of Thinking Interdisciplinary thinking is encouraged with courses that bridge literary studies and the fields of law, medicine, political theory, environmental studies, digital studies and more. Examples include:
- ENGL 3762 Law and Literature
- ENGL 2350 Literature and Medicine
Writing for Ourselves and Our World We ask students to consider: what kind of change can writing inspire? Our curriculum helps students develop their reading and writing skills and emphasizes the art of persuasion, the call to action, and the power of language to influence change. Examples include:
- ENGL 1100 FWS: How Reading Changes Your Life
- ENGL 3795 Communicating Climate Change
A complete list of literatures in English courses is available in the university’s Courses of Study.
Major & Minors
The department welcomes majors and minors at any time in their academic career. There are no prerequisites to declare, and English is a flexible option for double majors.
Additional Resources
- Publications & Activities
- How to Obtain Transfer Credit
- Writing Prize Competitions
- Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Research
- Arts & Sciences Career Development
- Arts & Sciences Academic Advising
For more information, contact the Undergraduate Coordinator (english_dept@cornell.edu)