Why concentrate in English?

English as a field of study focuses especially on language as a medium of communication, and on the analysis and enjoyment of works of imaginative literature. The study of English is at the heart of a humane education; as such its value is intrinsic to the molding of the self as a person and as part of society. English concentrators study the structure and content of works of literature, whether in the form of poetry, prose, or drama; explore theories of language and literature; and develop the ability to mold and interpret language in speech and writing. In addition, students learn strategies for producing, understanding, evaluating, and enjoying language in all its socially significant forms. Graduates with a B.A. in English have pursued careers in business, academia, and public service. While an English degree prepares students directly for a variety of careers involving the abilities to teach, write, speak, and analyze, the degree also provides excellent preparation for advanced graduate study or for professional study in law, medicine, and other fields.

Program requirements

Prerequisites to concentration : Students who wish to concentrate in English must elect two courses as prerequisite to work in the major two courses: English 297 (Introduction to Poetry) and English 298 (Introduction to Literary Studies).

Concentration requirements : Students in the General Program must successfully complete 27 credits in English courses numbered 300 or above. These courses must include at a minimum:

• Three courses on literature written primarily before 1830, at least one of which must be on literature written primarily before 1600,
  
• One course in American literature,
  
• One course designated "New Traditions," focusing on works by North American and/or British writers/artists of color, world Anglophone writers/artists, or writers/artists of a range of identity categories (involving gender, sexuality, disability, and class) who reflect upon—and are in dialogue about—the differentials of social power and their representation.
  

A complete listing of courses fulfilling concentration requirements is available in the on-line Course Information Page. In fulfilling this general pattern, students are urged to elect a course in Shakespeare, such as English 367, which fulfills one of the pre-1830 requirements. Concentrators should note that no more than one course in expository or creative writing may be counted toward the minimum 27 credits at the upper level required for the concentration, although students may elect any number of such courses, subject to availability of spaces and to College limits on total elections of courses in any one department. Also, no more than six upper-level credits of Independent Study may count towards the concentration.

Areas of Specialization

Students considering concentration in English should consult with an English concentration advisor. Appointments can be scheduled through the following link: https://www.lsa.umich.edu/english/counseling/appts/. If possible, students planning to concentrate in English should elect English 297 and English 298 during the sophomore year. Also during the sophomore year, students should meet with a concentration advisor in order to declare their concentration and discuss their academic program. While working to fulfill the concentration requirements, concentrators may elect classes that will provide a course of study they find most helpful and satisfying. We have designed these Areas of Specialization to help concentrators identify the variety of fields currently taught within the English Department, and to assist concentrators in arranging their upper-division courses with greater coherence. Concentrators are strongly encouraged to select three upper-division courses within one of the Areas of Specialization (or one designed by the student and an advisor).The Areas of Specialization are organized into the following groups: Historical Periods, Cultural and Geographic Frameworks, and Analytic Frameworks. For a list of the Areas of Specialization as well as courses that fulfill these areas please see: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/english/courses/specAreas.asp. For assistance in designing specific paths of study, students should see the English Department's Handbook for English Concentrators or contact a concentration advisor. Students are also encouraged to consult with professors whose interests match their own for guidance on designing an academic program.

Concentrators preparing to graduate should apply for graduation through Wolverine Access and obtain an LSA Senior Concentration Release Form from Academic Advising. Both forms should be completed by the student, and the Concentration Release Form must be signed by an English concentration advisor. The student must then return both forms to Academic Advising. Students should meet with an advisor early in the senior year in order to assure that all requirements are completed in a timely manner.

For more information

The publications A Handbook for English Concentrators and Planning Your Future with an English Degree, both available in the English Undergraduate Office in 3187 Angell Hall, offer answers to most common questions about English concentration. For answers to specific questions on the General Program or any other aspect of the Department of English, please feel free to contact the Department's Undergraduate Studies Office at: 734/763-6726.