Why Major in English?
English majors revel in reading and writing as acts of love and creativity, of imagination and the human need to communicate. Offering both Literature and Writing tracks, Belmont's English majors experience dynamic, interactive courses that provide ample preparation for a variety of personal and professional aspirations. The curriculum covers the gamut of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, writing and rhetoric with specific courses on everything from Arthurian Romance to African American Literature to Creative Writing to the Art of the Essay.
Best of all, the English major or minor is both flexible and practical. Graduates of Belmont’s program are now authors, business executives, lawyers, university professors, teachers, reporters, public relations consultants, singers, songwriters, ministers, technical writers and consultants, TV and film producers and freelance writers. It's education for living.
Opportunities abound for students to share their work as they pursue their degree. Outstanding papers are presented annually at the Belmont Undergraduate Research Symposium, and students can demonstrate their scholarship and creativity via numerous other outlets, including campus media, literary journals, internships and blogs.
Taught by dedicated professors who take the time to get to know you, courses in the English major will challenge you to expand your appreciation for the variety of human experience and the richness of the written word.
What You'll Learn
- Reading and interpreting poetry
- Crafting powerful essays and nonfiction
- Effective written communication
- Cultural and historical traditions in American, British and world literature
- Critical thinking skills
- Utilizing language to understand and express diverse experiences and stories
Program Details
Curriculum
The English major leads to a bachelor of arts degree. It requires 128 hours of coursework:
- BELL core requirements: 53 hours
- Major requirements (including concentration): 37-39 hours
- Minor requirements: 18 hours
- General electives: 23 hours
Courses You'll Take
- ENG 1050 Reading and Writing for English Studies
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In this general education English course, students will focus on the craft of reading and understanding texts in variety of genres such as poetry, fiction, drama and the essay while developing the technical literary and rhetorical vocabulary required to write about them. Students will learn to perform close readings of texts and should thereby gain a heightened appreciation of connections, patterns and themes. Students will also be introduced to the study of grammar, syntax and etymology.
- ENG 1900 Introduction to English Studies
This course is a survey of the history and current state of English Studies as a set of related disciplines, and an orientation to the areas of English Studies offered at Belmont. Weekly speakers include faculty, English majors nearing the end of their undergraduate career and alumni.
- ENG 2000 Critical Reading and Writing About Literature
A close analysis of several major literary works from a variety of critical approaches. Writing-intensive. Required of all English majors, who are expected to take this course in their sophomore year.
- ENG 3000 Junior Seminar in English
This requirement for all English majors, though open to English minors as well, is designed to be taken late in the junior year or early in the senior year. Students prepare for their future, considering such issues as preparation for graduate school, teaching and other professional tracks. Guest speakers and graduates of the program will help introduce students to a variety of career paths.
- ENG 4900 Seminar in English Studies
Required of all English majors in their senior year. Each offering of the course will focus on a specific literary problem; students will synthesize their experience as English majors by engaging the current critical conversation surrounding the chosen topic and by completing a researched project. Students will also complete their major portfolio as a requirement of this course.
- ENG 3960 Internship
A formal intern education assignment with a publisher or other organization involved with the production of writing. (Students who work on the staff of the Belmont Literary Journal or another Belmont publication are eligible to register for and count their service as an ENW 3960 internship.) As a final assignment, internship students will produce a written reflection assessing the value of the learning experience.
Literature Concentration
- ENL 2110 British Literature I
A survey of representative works through the 18th century in the first semester. The second semester studies the literature of the 19th and 20th centuries.
- ENL 2120 British Literature II
A survey of representative works through the 18th century in the first semester. The second semester studies the literature of the 19th and 20th centuries.
- ENL 2210 American Literature I
The first semester surveys representative works from the colonial period to the Civil War. The second semester includes readings from the Civil War to the present.
- ENL 2220 American Literature II
The first semester surveys representative works from the colonial period to the Civil War. The second semester includes readings from the Civil War to the present.
- ENL 2310 European Literature I
In the first semester, a study of masterworks of the ancient world, the medieval world and the Renaissance. In the second semester, a study of masterworks of neo-classicism, romanticism, realism and the twentieth century, excluding Anglo-American literature.
- ENL 2320 European Literature II
In the first semester, a study of masterworks of the ancient world, the medieval world and the Renaissance. In the second semester, a study of masterworks of neo-classicism, romanticism, realism and the twentieth century, excluding Anglo-American literature.
- ENL 2330 World Literature I
In the first semester, this course presents important works of literature of the world from their earliest beginnings to 1650. Content may vary, but these courses establish a historical perspective while seeking to encourage both comparative perspective and common ground among works from European tradition and several non-Western cultures.
- ENL 2340 World Literature II
In the first semester, this course presents important works of literature of the world from their earliest beginnings to 1650. Content may vary, but these courses establish a historical perspective while seeking to encourage both comparative perspective and common ground among works from European tradition and several non-Western cultures.
Creative Writing Concentration
- ENW 2430 Intermediate Creative Writing: Multi-Genre
Introduces students to theory and practice of writing in different creative genres, including fiction and poetry. Students will craft their own works in each genre, using multiple drafts.
- ENW 3410 Craft of Fiction
This course is developed to studying the craft of fiction through close-reading of short stories and intense practice of related craft techniques.
- ENW 3420 The Craft of Poetry
This course is devoted to studying the craft of poetry through close-reading and intense practice of craft techniques.
- ENW 3510 Creative Nonfiction
As readers and writers, students will be introduced to the still-evolving genre of creative nonfiction, including such subgenres as the memoir, literary journalism and cultural critique, among others. This course aims to be both theoretical and practical in that students will alternate between learning about the genre, reading in the genre and writing extensively in the genre.
- ENW 4410 Advanced Fiction Workshop
An intensive workshop-style course devoted to reading, writing, discussing and critiquing contemporary fiction and student work.
- ENW 4420 Advanced Poetry Workshop
An intensive workshop-style course devoted to reading, writing, discussing and critiquing contemporary poetry and student work.
- ENW 4510 Advanced Creative Nonfiction Workshop
An intensive workshop-style course devoted to reading, writing, discussing and critiquing contemporary creative nonfiction and student work.
Writing and Rhetoric Concentration
- ENW 2100 Digital Literacies: Composing for On-line Environments
This course explores a variety of digital literacies. Students will critically analyze and compose within a variety of multimedia genres. In addition to learning industry-standard publication and design software and HTML/CSS code, students will work with many modes (words, image, sound, hypertext, arrangement) of texts to investigate the process and the rhetorical consequences of authoring in these digital environments - from conception to publication to distribution.
- ENW 2210 Writers in Context: Conversations in Composition Studies
Designed as an introduction to composition studies, this course offers insights into how this field of study informs our identities, shapes our uses of language and aids in our communication. Students will examine core conversations in the field and apply foundational texts as interpretive frameworks while building a critical awareness of writing.
- ENW 2310 Introduction to Rhetoric
This class introduces students to the history, theory and range of rhetorical studies.
- ENW 2510 The Art of the Essay
This course engages students in the deceptively simple question, “What is an essay?” Finding the answer requires a semester-long survey to see how writers both past and present have handled this varied and flexible art form. This is a reading-and-writing-intensive course designed to prepare students for future academic work and for an intellectually engaged life beyond college. Required of all students following the “writing Emphasis” in the English major.
- ENW 2430 Intermediate Creative Writing: Multi-Genre
Introduces students to theory and practice of writing in different creative genres, including fiction and poetry. Students will craft their own works in each genre, using multiple drafts.
- ENW 3660 History of Rhetoric
Students in this course will seek to develop an awareness of how and why public discourse and rhetorics have changed over time and influenced a wide variety of social movements. This class will survey classical to contemporary rhetorics in the effort to engage with central, timeless questions about ways in which language intersects with power and culture.
- ENW 4360 Advanced Studies in Writing
An advanced course devoted to special topics in Writing and/or Composition studies.
- ENW 4370 Advanced Studies in Rhetoric
An advanced course devoted to special topics in Rhetoric.
English for Secondary Education Concentration
- ENL 2110 British Literature I
A survey of representative works through the 18th century in the first semester. The second semester studies the literature of the 19th and 20th centuries.
- ENL 2210 American Literature I
The first semester surveys representative works from the colonial period to the Civil War. The second semester includes readings from the Civil War to the present.
- ENL 2310 European Literature I
In the first semester, a study of masterworks of the ancient world, the medieval world and the Renaissance. In the second semester, a study of masterworks of neo-classicism, romanticism, realism and the twentieth century, excluding Anglo-American literature.
- ENL 2320 European Literature II
In the first semester, a study of masterworks of the ancient world, the medieval world and the Renaissance. In the second semester, a study of masterworks of neo-classicism, romanticism, realism and the twentieth century, excluding Anglo-American literature.
- ENL 2330 World Literature I
In the first semester, this course presents important works of literature of the world from their earliest beginnings to 1650. Content may vary, but these courses establish a historical perspective while seeking to encourage both comparative perspective and common ground among works from European tradition and several non-Western cultures.
- ENL 2340 World Literature II
In the first semester, this course presents important works of literature of the world from their earliest beginnings to 1650. Content may vary, but these courses establish a historical perspective while seeking to encourage both comparative perspective and common ground among works from European tradition and several non-Western cultures.
- ENL 3500 History of the Language and Linguistics
Traces the development of English from Anglo-Saxon to modern English in the context of history, linguistic theory and the Indo-European family of languages.
- ENL 3620 Shakespeare: Representative Plays
Traces the development of Shakespeare’s career through the study of representative tragedies, histories, comedies and romances.
- ENL 3800 Special Topics in World Literature
Required of all English majors. Intensive study of non-western literature through exploration of a theme, genre and/or culture.
- ENL 3900 Introduction to Literary Criticism
Explores various critical approaches to literature, past and present.
- ENL 4370 World Advanced Studies
Studies of authors and works or major trends, genres and patterns not covered in regular course listings.
- ENW 2210 Writers in Context: Conversations in Composition Studies
Designed as an introduction to composition studies, this course offers insights into how this field of study informs our identities, shapes our uses of language and aids in our communication. Students will examine core conversations in the field and apply foundational texts as interpretive frameworks while building a critical awareness of writing.
- ENW 2310 Introduction to Rhetoric
This class introduces students to the history, theory and range of rhetorical studies.
- Belmont Literary Journal: Since its inception more than 40 years ago, The Belmont Literary Journal has been a showcase for the writing and art of Belmont University's student body, as each issue is made up of work from the Belmont community. The editorial team, which is composed entirely of students, is led by a faculty advisor, but the content published each year is selected, edited and promoted solely by student-editors. For the last several years, The Belmont Literary Journal--which is created in a course within the English Department, has made its home online and can be found at belmontliteraryjournal.com; each issue is also designed by students and published for the entire world to view.
- Belmont Creative Writing Club: This club focuses on all-genre styles, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screenwriting and playwriting. Meetings are usually conducted in small groups where students discuss what inspires them, experiment with writing exercises, and share what they have been writing.
- Bruin Book Club: Bruin Book Club is a place of community where fellow academics of all kinds can get together and enjoy themselves over a good book. The books will show members new ideas that they may be unfamiliar with and take them to places and times they may never get to experience in real life.
- Sigma Tau Delta: Sigma Tau Delta seeks to contribute to Belmont’s mission by gathering in fellowship high-achieving English scholars to promote literacy and perform community service to meet Sigma Tau Delta’s goal of “transforming the world with words.” To us, words are alive, meaningful and an integral aspect of translating and recording the human experience so that we can reflect on ourselves and our contributions to society at large.
- Belmont Screenwriters Club: BSC invites all Belmont students to participate in screenwriting workshops, script pitching and writer-to-writer collaboration so that they might better themselves and their chances of breaking into real-world industries.
- Belmont University Volunteers for Literacy: BU Volunteers for Literacy sponsors one of the largest community service projects for Belmont every year. This event is called Family Literacy Day and is the culmination of a year's worth of promoting literacy in local elementary schools and the local community. We host anywhere from around 300-500 kids and 150-200 Belmont Students at Rose Park in Nashville for the actual date of the event. Volunteers for Literacy is unique because it gives members hands on experience in promoting a large scale event. With the full backing of the Office of Service-Learning, BUVL members can be assured that their participation will reap considerable experience in event planning as well as fulfill your call to serve.
Career Possibilities for English Majors
An English degree from Belmont University can open the door to a diverse range of career possibilities. Our graduates find success in various fields, utilizing their skills in unique and impactful ways. With a strong foundation in critical thinking and communication, an English degree will leave you prepared to excel in your chosen career.
Here are some of the many paths you may pursue after completing the English program at Belmont University:
Editors require a sharp eye for detail and a strong grasp of the English language to refine and enhance written content. They can find work in a wide variety of settings, including magazines, publishing houses, marketing firms, newspapers and television news studios.
Publishers are responsible for selecting, producing and marketing books and other written content. They work directly with authors, editors and designers to bring literary and academic works to life.
Communications specialists are experts in crafting and delivering messages that align with an organization’s brand. They handle public relations, media outreach and content creation to engage with audiences.
Writers create compelling content for books, magazines, films, websites and other media. They are skilled in adapting their writing style to suit different purposes and connect with different audiences.
Journalists investigate, write and broadcast news stories to keep the public informed about current events. They are skilled in researching, interviewing and presenting news stories in a way that is objective, engaging and accurate.
Creative directors are responsible for the overall creative vision and execution of projects, leading teams to produce cohesive and impactful content. They require narrative expertise and communication skills to inspire and guide their team effectively.
Alumni Testimonials
Kate Ellsworth
English
Executive Editor, Commerce Reviewed/USA Today
“As a journalist, critical thinking skills are essential for brainstorming article topics, asking the right questions during interviews and crafting a narrative that's both accurate and resonant with our readers. So many things shape how I need to assign, write and edit stories- all things I learned how to do in my Belmont English classes, like how to take into account the audience, the social context, reader intentions vs. author intentions, language, etc. As an editor, I'm also responsible for making sure others on my team are honing and flexing their critical thinking skills, too. Without peer editing experience or class feedback sessions, I'd never feel comfortable being that honest with other writers.”
Lauren Tweedell
English
“The Belmont English Department is a very special home away from home. I have been cared for by professors who take the time to get to know me outside of the classroom. They bring baked goods to class, invite my class into their home and genuinely care for each and every one of their students and their career aspirations. I cannot think of a better environment in which to grow and explore my passions during these formative college years.”
Maria Batt
English
“The Belmont English Department never fails to make me feel capable of accomplishing anything I set my mind to. Each and every professor is passionate about their students’ unique educational journey, and they will do whatever it takes to help guide and mentor them at Belmont and beyond. We are challenged to ask for help, pursue a vast expanse of topics and areas of study, read as much as we can get our hands on and learn from the people in and outside of our communities. The English program is not only a major, but a space where every student is able to find belonging.”
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have more questions about our English program and where it may take you in your career, this section should be helpful. Review the questions and answers below and if you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to us directly.
The English Program at Belmont University features many courses that will help you gain strong analytical, critical thinking and communication skills. Additionally, you will develop proficiency in writing, rhetoric, research and literary analysis, which are valuable skills in many career paths.
Yes, it is possible to succeed with and English degree! Earning a degree in English is sure to set you up for success in your future, as the skills you acquire are highly valued across a wide range of industries. A proficiency in writing, reading comprehension, analysis and knowledge of history and human behavior through studying literary works provides an excellent foundation upon which to build a career in a variety of settings.
Contrary to popular belief, English majors have the potential to earn just as much, if not more, than professionals who pursue degrees in other fields. Many English graduates find lucrative careers in areas such as marketing, communications and technical writing.
Yes, the English program at Belmont University provides many opportunities for students to get hands-on experience. Some of these include creative writing clubs, community events and our student publication, the Belmont Literary Journal.
Applications for the English program at Belmont University can be completed online.
Click here to apply today.
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College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Danielle Walden
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.8340