BA in English (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 literature 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 have full autonomy to determine which objectives align with their specific courses and instructional styles.

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

exhibit proficient critical reading and analysis capabilities.
demonstrate advanced critical writing and evaluation skills.
possess knowledge of literary categories, structures, and linguistic elements.
display comprehension of critical perspectives and theoretical frameworks.
demonstrate familiarity with the evolution of literature.
conduct intensive study of a significant literary figure.