English

Description

The English concentration introduces students to the study of literature written in English in a range of national and historical contexts. Concentrators will learn to analyze and think critically about a literary text as both a formal and historical document. They will also study the ways in which literature shapes, and is shaped by, issues in the contemporary world. Concentrators take one course providing them with historical grounding in English literature across three broad periods: 1) Medieval and Early Modern, 2) Enlightenment, Romantic, and Post-Romantic, and 3) 20th and 21st Century. The curriculum includes courses from the entire range of literature in English and a special "track" in Nonfiction Writing, which helps students strengthen their skills in critical writing, the research paper, journalism, creative writing, and nonfiction writing. One of the largest humanities concentrations at Brown, English may be pursued as the strong foundation for a liberal education and as a preparation for professional school and for graduate work in literature or other disciplines.

Student Goals

Students in this concentration will:

• Explore literatures in English from the Anglo-Saxon era to the present
• Understand English texts from transnational perspectives
• Develop advanced skills in critical reading and thinking
• Become conversant in literary theory
• Hone their writing abilities
• Produce a body of work that includes analytical essays, research papers, and other non-fiction writing

Requirements

Click here for a list of the English concentration requirements. For more information about this concentration, please visit the department's website.

Honors and Capstones

A capstone experience is available to concentrators who qualify for the English and Nonfiction Writing Honors Programs. Honors candidates must write a thesis during the senior year under the supervision of a thesis advisor. Students apply early in the second semester of their junior year. A number of "senior seminars," restricted to senior English concentrators, are also offered each year as "capstone" experiences. Please see the department’s website for admission procedures and requirements.

Tracks

• Nonfiction Writing Track

Liberal Learning

This concentration allows you to address the following Liberal Learning goals:

• Enhance your aesthetic sensibility
• Expand your reading skills
• Understand differences among cultures
• Embrace Diversity
• Engage with your community
• Learn what it means to study the past
• Evaluate human behavior
• Work on your speaking and writing

Download the full statement on Liberal Learning at Brown

Affiliated Departments

• Africana Studies
• Cogut Center
• Comparative Literature
• Literary Arts
• Modern Culture and Media

Advisors

• Paul Armstrong
• Elizabeth Bryan
• Radiclani Clytus
• James Egan
• Stephen Foley
• Daniel Kim
• Vanessa Ryan
• Elizabeth Taylor

Graduating Class

Alumni Pathways

Alumni with a concentration in English have gone on to work in immigration and other types of law, journalism, business, technology consulting, counseling psychology, policy analysis, and in a variety of arts and entertainment industries. For more information, visit the English department's website.

Dept. Undergraduate Group

Student Leaders:

• Isha Gulati