Department of English & Philosophy
English
Use analysis, discussion, and writing to explore the great literary classics and discover how they shape the modern world.
Discover the World as an English Major.
MC’s English Degree concentrations empower you to write your own story.
Immerse yourself in the great heritage of Western literature, placed in context with classical and Christian humanism. Explore the obstacles faced and the impact made by African American and women authors. Discover how great literature not only teaches us about the human condition but is essential to developing the reading, writing and critical thinking skills necessary to flourish.
First year (law school) is challenging, but I can sincerely say that MC did well in preparing me. I am honestly a little shocked about how many of my classmates have no idea how to study, write, or analyze what they read.
— Caroline, ‘21
Whether your goals are in the classroom or the boardroom, MC’s English and Philosophy Department’s Bachelor of Arts in English offers concentrations to fit with your particular needs and career goals.
Areas of Concentration For English Majors
Your new Literature major builds a framework with three courses. The introductory courses emphasize reading, writing, and research. The program culminates in a capstone course where you engage in original research and build a portfolio of your writing throughout the program.
Along the way, you will learn how literature works by exploring periods, figures, and genres. You will synthesize those contexts with a keystone Shakespeare course.
Your new Writing major builds a framework with three courses. The first provides an introduction to collecting and analyzing research data. The second emphasizes broad textual analysis, and the third serves as a capstone where you complete a primary research project of your own design.
Along the way, you learn how language works by exploring functional grammar and language diversities within your writing.
If you’re anticipating law school, both the literature and writing programs can be modified through consultation with your advisor to fastrack you to MC Law. With this approach, you complete three intense years of undergraduate study before applying to become an L1 and begin your juris doctorate.
MC Spotlight
Elizabeth Moore graduated with her BA in English and minor in Communications in 2015. Elizabeth lives in New York City and works for Vintage & Anchor Books at Penguin Random House. She graduated from the Columbia Publishing Course at Oxford University. Prior to her time at Oxford, she worked as a writing consultant, content manager, and virtual assistant to bestselling authors. Elizabeth is the co-author of Liturgies for Hope (Waterbrook).
| Requirement | Class Name | Hours |
| University Core | 51 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| ENG 270 | Literary Thinking & Research | 3 |
| ENG 370 | Analysis of Literature | 3 |
| ENG 404 | Shakespeare | 3 |
| ENG 470 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Any two of the following Literature classes (core curriculum requirement) | ||
| ENG 211 | World Masterpieces | 3 |
| ENG 212 | Survey of British Literature | 3 |
| ENG 213 | Survey of American Literature | 3 |
| Choose 12 additional hours from 300-400 level English courses in writing or literature | 12 | |
| Choose one of the following Communication courses: | ||
| COM 203 | Professional Communication Skills | 3 |
| COM 304 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Minor Requirements | A typical minor consists of 18 semester hours; however, some department minors may vary in terms of required semester hours. The minor should be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor. | 18 |
| General Electives | Sufficient elective hours must be taken to meet the minimum hour requirement for graduation in this program. Electives should be chosen in consultation with an advisor. | -- |
| Total Hours | 130 | |
| Requirement | Class Name | Hours |
| University Core | 58 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| ENG 271 | Introduction to Research Methods | 3 |
| ENG 321 | Sentence Grammar & Style | 3 |
| ENG 322 | Language & Diversity | 3 |
| ENG 371 | Analysis of Discourse | 3 |
| ENG 471 | Advanced Research & Composition | 3 |
| Choose one of the following courses: | ||
| ENG 350 | Introduction to Creative Writing | 3 |
| ENG 370 | Analysis of Literature | 3 |
| ENG 391 | Special Topics in Writing | 3 |
| ENG 398 | Practicum in Writing Consulting | 3 |
| ENG 450 | Advanced Creative Writing | 3 |
| ENG 452 | Professional Writing | 3 |
| ENG 455 | Methods of Teaching Composition & Grammar | 3 |
| ENG 457 | History of the English Language | 3 |
| JOU 333 | Journalism I | 3 |
| JOU 434 | Journalism II | 3 |
| JOU 453 | Writing for Periodicals | 3 |
| Choose nine semester hours from 300-400 level English courses in writing and/or literature | 9 | |
| Choose one of the following COM courses: | ||
| COM 203 | Professional Communication Skills | 3 |
| COM 304 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Minor Requirements | A typical minor consists of 18 semester hours; however, some department minors may vary in terms of required semester hours. The minor should be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor. | 18 |
| General Electives |
Sufficient elective hours must be taken to meet the minimum hour requirement for graduation in this program. Electives should be chosen in consultation with advisor. |
-- |
| Total Hours | 130 |
| Requirement | Class Name | Hours |
| University Core | 51 | |
| ENG 213 | Survey of American Literature | 3 |
| ENG 370 | Analysis of Literature | 3 |
| ENG 404 | Shakespeare | 3 |
| ENG 470 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| PHI 211 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| HIS 407 | American Constitutional Development I | 3 |
| HIS 408 | American Constitutional Development II | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| PLS 201 | American National Government | 3 |
| PLS 202 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| Choose one class (3 hours) from the following: | ||
| COM 202 | Interpersonal Communication | |
| COM 203 | Professional Communication Skills | |
| COM 304 | Public Speaking | |
| Choose three classes (9 hours) from the following: | 9 | |
| AJU 332 | Criminology | 3 |
| or | ||
| SOC 332 | Criminology | 3 |
| AJU 409 | History of Crime in America | 3 |
| AJU 350 | Critical Thinking and the Law | 3 |
| COM 442 | Communication Law | 3 |
| GBU 358 | Business Law and Ethics | 3 |
| MLG 205 | Cross-Cultural Understanding | 3 |
| Any upper-level PHI of PLS course | -- | |
| Electives to bring total hours to 100 | -- | |
| Law school coursework credits | 30 | |
| Total Hours | 130 |
| Requirement | Class Name | Hours |
| University Core | 51 | |
| ENG 271 | Introduction to Research Methods | 3 |
| ENG 321 | Sentence Grammar and Style | 3 |
| ENG 322 | Language and Diversity | 3 |
| ENG 371 | Analysis of Discourse | 3 |
| ENG 471 | Advanced Research and Composition | 3 |
| PHI 211 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| HIS 407 | American Constitutional Development I | 3 |
| HIS 408 | American Constitutional Development II | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| PLS 201 | American National Government | 3 |
| PLS 202 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| Choose one class (3 hours) from the following: | ||
| COM 202 | Interpersonal Communication | |
| COM 203 | Professional Communication Skills | |
| COM 304 | Public Speaking | |
| Choose three classes (9 hours) from the following: | 9 | |
| AJU 332 | Criminology | 3 |
| AJU 350 | Critical Thinking and the Law | 3 |
| AJU 403 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| COM 442 | Communication Law | 3 |
| GBU 358 | Business Law and Ethics | 3 |
| Any upper-level PHI of PLS course | -- | |
| Electives to bring total hours to 100 | -- | |
| Law school coursework credits | 30 | |
| Total Hours | 130 |
See the MC Catalog for the most up-to-date curriculum listings.
Writing at MC was one of my most impactful decisions. The faculty goes beyond teaching the skills of grammar and syntax. They nurture an environment that educates how to navigate the complexities of communication. The Writing program enhanced my ability to be intentional, which is a skill that I wield every day as an attorney. The lessons learned in the program are timeless, and I carry the love poured into me during my time there daily.”
— Brianna Caldwell
Attorney, Butler Snow
English Degree Jobs: Far More Than You Think.
A bachelor’s degree in English opens a wider variety of career opportunities to choose from than you ever imagined.
Lawyer
An English degree prepares you for law school by honing analytical skills and improving your ability to prepare written arguments.
Content Manager
Today, more than ever, companies need creative content for websites and social media. An English degree is the perfect launching pad for the creativity needed.
Business Strategist
Business strategists must be able to analyze, comprehend and communicate. English is the perfect major for developing the tools needed to succeed.
