BA in English -American Literature (Barnard) in New York United States | Columbia University

The English program cultivates exceptional writing abilities, powerful communication skills, and deeper appreciation of culturally important literature. We motivate English majors to sharpen their engagement with creative works and refine their perception of literary structures by focusing rigorously on language, historical backgrounds, and analytical approaches.

These goals reflect the educational priorities of our English Department. Faculty members maintain full autonomy in determining which objectives align with their specific courses and instructional styles.

Upon completing their English degree, graduates should achieve these learning outcomes:

exhibit advanced interpretive and evaluative reading capabilities.
display sophisticated analytical and argumentative writing proficiency.
demonstrate comprehension of literary categories, structures, and linguistic features.
possess working knowledge of critical perspectives and theoretical frameworks.
recognize the evolution of literature across historical periods.
conduct intensive study of a significant literary figure.