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"What is English -- really?"
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Undergraduate English
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In theory what is it?
There are
many tracks to pursue within an English degree. For example,
the track I'm following is “theory and criticism”; other tracks
are “African folklore”, “Writing children's fiction”, “modern poetry”, “technical writing”,
etc. These are all grouped within an English degree for
they all emphasize two basic skills- reading and writing. This
seems obvious, but there are many different styles of both
reading and writing- analytical, creative, persuasive, seductive, etc. The theory
is that of expression, articulation and clarity. What is
it used for?
By following a certain track, certain
skills will be learned and will lead into a particular
proffession. For instance, being on the theory and criticism track
can lead into business, politics or law. Following a technical
writing track can be combined with whatever other background, for
example engineering, to lead into a career writing the technical
aspects of engineering (such as writing brochures for people to
use tools, etc.). The writing for advertising and marketing tracks
can lead into just that; or really, whatever fields of
business that interest you. Also, there is a film analysis
track, which can lead to the creative entertainment industry. The
main idea is that the skills you learn from the
degree (articulation, clarity, analytical thinking) will lead to a career
in any field that requires reading and writing. What
does the major actually entail — work-wise There are some
classes that are extensive in the reading aspect, such as
my current ENG 3010 - Theory and Practice of Modern
of Criticism course. The final grade of the course is
dependent on 2 papers. But, each class is a class
discussion (not so much lecture) of readings. These readings comprise
complex and unfamiliar rhetoric. However, I have a friend taking
a course entitled “Writing for Adolescents”, and it is the
easiest sounding class ever. They read books (one a week)
that 13 year old's read (examples- Nancy Drew, Boxcar Children,
Sweet Valley High) and learn to write for that target
audience. Sorry, but I have no experience in any of
the poetry departments. Regarding the film department, my friend said
it is not too difficult, but going to all classes
is a must, as all material is based on class
discussion. This type of writing requires analysis and critical thinking,
and is usually less creative than say 20th Century Brithish
Literature. Finally, there are lots of, for lack of a
better word, “modern” type of courses, basing the reading material
with emphasis on a particular topic. Examples are gender studies,
queer theory, feminism, minority writing, Jews, the Victorian era, literature
in the Bible. Finally, there are a number of
interesting electives I want to look into, such as speechwriting.
What kind of jobs do you get with it?
(see two questions up). What are the fellow
students like (personalitywise) in it? The stereotype is that of
a bookworm, or perhaps just someone a little “out there”.
By taking certain classes, especially in the upper levels, there
will be people that fit into these stereotypes. But for
the most part, it is a general mix of people
that are interested in learning, and in the liberal arts.
Common Misconceptions
The common misconception is that an
English degree leads into the teaching profession. It is true
that this can happen; however, the possibilities are endless (see
two questions above).
Another misconception is that English majors
love to read. While this quality helps, it isn't necessary
for enjoyment in the program. The most important factor for
success in the courses is liking the teacher, for then
you will want to go to class. The class discussions
(more common than lectures) should be something you look forward
to. Enjoyment can be found in hearing and learning of
others' perception of a text and expressing your own.
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