English

Through the English major, you can explore and become familiar with the strategies that writers use to shape conceptions of truth.

Words have power and it’s important to understand the dynamic intersection of language, literature and society, as well as the identities and communities shaped by this intersection. Innovative educators and active scholars, the English faculty will help you develop that understanding and grow a strong skillset in reading, writing, conducting research and informed criticism.

Depending on your interest, you could join English Club, the League of Extraordinary Poets or the award-winning campus arts and literary journal Lyceum. English majors’ careers include editors, writers, publishers, public relations, digital copywriting and search engine marketing.

What Will I Learn?

  • Demonstrate facility at “close reading,” reading texts for denotative and connotative meaning, and the use of appropriate literary concepts and terms.
  • Develop the ability to use writing to analyze, interpret and make arguments about texts.
  • Develop the ability to conduct and incorporate research into writing about texts, providing appropriate documentation.
  • Develop the ability to apply critical theories and methodologies to texts.
  • Develop an understanding of the relationship between works of literature and the cultures in which they are embedded.
  • Develop understanding of literary genres and traditions and the role of diverse voices within the traditional literary canon.

Full list of English program goals can be found on the Hub for Teaching and Learning site.

 

Visit the University Catalog:

Learn about degree requirements and coursework for the English major, minor, and certification for high school English teaching.

Learn which Dearborn Discovery Core requirements are fulfilled by taking English courses.

 

Making the Most of Your Major

There are opportunities to develop skills and connect with others interested in philosophy beyond the classroom. Check out the English Major Map to get a more detailed, year-by-year view of how you can learn, engage, network and transform your community and prepare for life after graduation.

Get Involved

Join the English Club, the League of Extraordinary Poets, the student newspaper - The Michigan Journal, or the award-winning campus arts and literary journal, Lyceum. Become a peer tutor in the Writing Center. Explore all UM-Dearborn student organizations on VictorsLink.

Get Real World Experience

Internships and study abroad opportunities are available for English students. 

Every English major must complete a research requirement, either by taking an upper-level English course designated “research intensive” or by conducting an Independent Study. Opportunities for students to present the results of their research are available each year at the Meeting of Minds conference.

Attend a Michigan College English Association or a Michigan Academy of Arts and Sciences conference. Talk with your professors to learn more.

Plan for Life After Graduation

English prepares students with the skills necessary in the modern workplace. Work a Humanities/History internship into your schedule to gain professional experience. Career Services offers assistance with job searching, resumes, interviews or graduate school applications.

General Program Information

Full-time Faculty

Erik Bond

Associate Professor of English Literature

Shelly Jarenski

Associate Professor of English Literature

I chose to study English because I love reading and writing; it comes natural to me.
— CHANDLER JECHURA, ENGLISH MAJOR

Academic Support

Many English students take advantage of the services offered by, or work as peer tutors for, the campus’s Writing Center, the main location of which is 3035 CASL Building.

Writing Center