English
As an undergraduate student in Duquesne’s Department of English, you’ll build on the university’s liberal arts foundation with intensive studies in literature, language and writing. Immersed in the art of literary analysis, you'll learn how to analyze and interpret various forms of literature, including poetry, fiction, drama and nonfiction, while studying an array of critical theories through which to examine literature, such as Marxism, feminism and postcolonialism. You’ll also explore literary history, delving into literary movements and genres to parse the evolution of the language and how it’s been used to express the human experience over the centuries.
Along with literary study, composition and research skills form the bedrock of academic excellence in Duquesne’s Department of English, and you'll learn how to write across the various genres of literary exposition, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction and academic writing.
The program provides you with a deep understanding of English language and literature, while also preparing you for a career in any number fields, from academia, publishing and journalism to business, government, technology and media—each of which prize the English student’s ability to think critically, write clearly and engage with complex ideas.
Program Information
In our English program, you are immersed in the art of literary analysis and study an array of critical theories through which you examine literature.
Program Type
Major, Minor
Degree
Bachelor's
Academic Department
English
Duration
4-year
Required Credit Hours
36
"Many people question the value of an English major, but you can do so much with
it. It has helped me develop my critical thinking, grammar and analysis and interpersonal
communication skills and allowed me to collaborate. Since I’m applying to dental schools,
having these skills is what is going to set me apart from others in the field."
English, Literary Studies Major English, Writing Major
Literary Studies Program Requirements
Writing Program Requirements
3 credit hours of a 400-level writing course in the following genres:
6 credit hours of 400-level English courses. One of which must be a 400-level literature class. The second can be literature or
writing. (Only 3 credits required if a student is a double major and English is the second
major.)
Minor in English
Course requirements for the minor in English include:
- ENGL 300W: Critical Issues in Literary Study (3 credits)
- One 400-level literature course (3 credits)
- Three elective English courses (9 credits)
Get an Accelerated Master's in English
Applicants for the Master of Arts in English must be in the final year of undergraduate study towards a major in English, and must submit the following materials to the Director of Graduate Studies for review:
- An online application for the Masters program
- Official transcripts recording all baccalaureate work
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher
- A sample of the applicants academic writing
- Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicants academic studies
- A statement of the applicants purpose in seeking the Master of Arts degree
All materials are due in the office of the Director of Graduate Studies no later than June 30th prior to fall registration.