BA in English

On the Humanities

The humanities train students to navigate the complexities of interpersonal interaction and their ethical implications, to relate the micro to the macro and texts to contexts, to historicize encounters, to communicate accurately and effectively across a variety of media, and to engage in creative analytical thinking.

The undergraduate major, combined major, half-major, and minors in the English Department

Words matter. Public, private, past and present. The English Department challenges you to discover how and why. Learn how all forms of texts shape the way we view the world and make our way through it.

Together we explore how literary expression and rhetorical action shape and are shaped by the worlds in which they were created. Literature, language, and rhetoric offer powerful tools for understanding the ideas and beliefs that construct our lives, including present and historical formations of aesthetics, race, gender, sexuality, disability, class, colonialism, health, and the environment across a wide variety of media. We are committed to the ongoing process of teaching and study driven by a commitment to justice, anti-racism, and equity, as well as strategies for imagining and constructing a just future.

Whether you choose an English major, combine the English major with another area of study, or opt to pursue a minor, in the Department of English at Northeastern you join a community in which you can

learn about the literatures and cultures of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the English-speaking world, past and present
investigate the rhetorics and literacies of local and global communities by using a variety of methods, including community-based, historical, and justice-based approaches
develop varieties of creative expression
engage meaningfully and generously with others through writing and discussion in our classrooms, workplaces, and communities
examine the power of language and rhetoric to effect action, shape knowledge and identity, and constitute communities
uncover how language operates through the lens of linguistics
explore Englishes and the way that language shapes our communities and ourselves
discover how knowledge is produced through language and material forms, including digital forms
hone critical and analytic strategies and skills
balance theoretical perspectives with experiential practices
undertake independent research

In summary, the English Department is committed to the following learning outcomes:

students will read and analyze a wide range of texts, images, and other cultural artifacts
students will apply analytic and creative writing strategies in a variety of contexts
students will develop their understanding of the role that literature, literary study, writing, and rhetoric plays in shaping culture and society
students will advance their research skills

By combining courses that suit your interests and aims, you will acquire the experience in critical thinking and writing necessary to become responsible national and global agents and to succeed in advanced studies and in a broad range of professional careers.

See the current Undergraduate Catalog for complete information about major program requirements.