BSc in English in Madison United States | University of Wisconsin-Madison

The English major equips students to master and appreciate the English language and literature, fostering skills in critical analysis, clear communication, civic engagement, and professional advancement. Students develop exceptional writing abilities and hone advanced critical and analytical reasoning. They explore profound, innovative, and intricate literary works while confronting viewpoints vastly different from their own, challenging their fundamental beliefs. Faculty expose students to diverse genres and cultural frameworks, meticulously guiding all facets of intellectual development and composition—from argument structure and supporting evidence to innovative expression and rhetorical flair. By enhancing communication proficiency, sparking imaginative thinking, cultivating intercultural awareness, and refining analytical precision, the English major opens doors to numerous career paths.

English majors select from three concentrations: the general track (centered on literary and cultural analysis), creative writing, or language and linguistics. All students complete foundational coursework exploring various literary and linguistic methodologies, including studies in literary and cultural evolution. General track students expand on these fundamentals with intermediate and advanced classes examining texts from diverse eras and regions, employing multiple interpretive strategies. Those focusing on creative writing complement the core curriculum with specialized workshop courses. Students emphasizing language and linguistics select from studies in syntax, the evolution of English, sound systems, and language learning processes.