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The '''English Major''' (alternatively "English concentration," "B.A. in English") is a term in the United States and a few other countries for an ] ] degree focused around the consumption, analysis, and production of texts in the ]. The term may also be used to describe a student who is pursuing such a degree.

Students who major in English reflect upon, analyze, and interpret ] and ], presenting their analyses in clear, cogent ]. Although help-wanted postings rarely solicit English majors specifically, a degree in English hones ] skills essential to a number of career fields, including ], ], ], ] and ], ], ], ], and ].

== History ==

The English major rose into prominence in ] colleges shortly after the introduction of the ] system{{when}}. It provided an opportunity for students to develop skills in analytical reading with the aim of improving their writing, as well as exercises in rhetoric and persuasive expression that had been traditionally only taught in ] and available to the very few due to language barriers and a shortage of professors who could actively engage students in the humanities. Outside the United States (originating in ] and then rippling out into the English-speaking world) the English major became popular in the latter half of the 18th century during a time when religious beliefs were shaken in the face of scientific discoveries. ] was thought to act as a replacement for ] in the retention and advancement of culture, and the English Major thus provided students with the chance to draw ], ], and ] qualities and meanings of older studies from a richer and broader source of literature than that of the ancient ] and ] classics.

== Skills acquired ==

In the past an ] in ] usually meant an intensive study of ] and ] literary masterpieces. Now, however, an English Major encompasses a much broader range of topics which stretch over multiple disciplines. While the requirements for an English Major vary from university to university, most English departments emphasize three core skills: analyzing literature, a process which requires ] and reflective analysis; creativity and imagination with regards to the production of good writing; and an understanding of different ], ], and literary styles from various time periods. Prospective English Majors can expect to take college courses in ], ], ], ] and ], multicultural literature, several literary genres (such as ], ], and ]), and a number of elective multidisciplinary topics such as ], courses in the ], and studies in a foreign language. To the end of studying these disciplines, candidates for a Major in English attain skills in ], ], an appreciation for the diversity of cultures, and an ability to clearly and persuasively express their ideas in writing.

== Examples of courses ==

Most English courses fall into the broader categories of either Literature-based studies, which focus on classical authors and time periods, or Rhetorical studies, which concentrate on communication skills in preparation for specialization in a variety of professional fields. While specific graduation requirements vary from university to university, students can expect to study some of the following courses.

'''Courses in ] and ]''': such as Academic and Professional Writing, which stress analytical writing and train students to produce clear, cohesive arguments; and Creative Writing workshops.

'''Courses in ]''': Depending upon the university, these courses can either be broken down by time period, such as Nineteenth Century ]; authors, such as classes on ], ], or ]; or Literary schools and movements, such as ] or ].

'''Courses in ]''': Like ], courses may focus on time periods, authors, genres, or literary movements. Examples include ]'s Tragedies, History and Theory of British Drama, Medieval English Literature, the Victorian Novel, and ]'s ''].

'''Courses in Multicultural Literature''': The value of bringing a range of cultural and multidisciplinary perspectives to the study of ] is being increasingly recognized in a number of universities. Examples include Multi-cultural Literatures in Medieval England, Latina Narratives, and Studies in Jewish Literature.

'''Rhetorical Courses''': Focus on techniques of persuasive arguing in the written form, as well as skills which involve the analysis of written texts.

== Career opportunities ==

A major in English opens a variety of career opportunities for college graduates entering the job market. Since students who graduate with an English degree are trained to ask probing questions about large bodies of texts and then to formulate, analyze, and answer those questions in coherent, persuasive ]—skills vital to any number of careers—English majors have much to choose from after graduation. The most obvious career choices for English Majors are ], ], ], ], and ]. However, other less intuitive job options include positions in ], ], ], ], ], ], and directing.

== See also ==
*]
*]
*]

== References ==
*O'Hara, Shelly. ''What Can You Do with a Major in English.'' Hoboken: Wiley Publishing Inc., 2005. ]
*The University of Chicago ''Courses and Programs of Study'' The College 2006-2008.
*de Vane, William Clyde. ''The English Major.'' ], Vol. 3, No. 1 (Oct., 1941), pp. 47-52
*On the History of the English Major,

==External links==
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