SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES
AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
English Major (ELISH)
Program Chair:
Dr. Dean Baldwin
814-898-6214; dxb11@psu.edu
English is among the most
versatile of majors. The ability to read,
think, and reason critically, write cogently, construct and
deconstruct ideas and arguments, verbalize thoughts, opinions,
and judgments - all are the
product of an education in English.
English majors have the choice of several degrees, depending on their interests and career goals: a BFA in Creative Writing, or a BA in English with a concentration in either Literature or Professional Writing. The BFA in Creative Writing features courses in the writing of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as in literature. Many students work on the editorial staff of Lake Effect, the college's literary journal. The BA in Literature includes courses in American, British, and post-colonial literature, literary theory, and cultural studies (e.g., pop culture, film, literature and society). The Professional Writing option prepares students for careers in writing for the workplace. It features courses in editing, writing for the web, and advanced business or technical writing.
For students in the BFA Program or BA in Literature Option, the major culminates in a senior thesis. This is an extensive research or creative project that involves close interaction with a mentoring professor and the creation and defense of the student's project. Students in the BA in Professional Writing Option complete an internship.