BA in English - Literature in Evanston United States | Northwestern University

Language is the medium in which humans exist. Numerous spiritual traditions and many contemporary archaeologists believe our humanity emerged when we developed language, and it's impossible to conceive of human existence without it. Despite our modern focus on physical tools in scientific and technological domains, we often overlook that language remains our most essential instrument. It enables abstract and symbolic thought, giving us conceptual understanding of ourselves and our environment. Furthermore, it facilitates human connection, making collaborative endeavors possible where individual actions would prove inadequate.

When you study English literature, you're refining your capacity to wield language as an analytical and communicative instrument. This means developing literacy to the level where you can interpret both concrete and metaphorical meanings in any English text. You'll enhance your research and critical evaluation abilities to form well-founded conclusions, while improving your written and verbal argumentation skills to effectively convince others. All this learning happens through engagement with masterpieces of English literature - from ancient epics like Beowulf to modern classics like Beloved - taught by distinguished faculty members repeatedly honored with teaching awards from Northwestern University, Weinberg College, and the Associated Student Government.