Undergraduate Programs
English
English Fundamentals
English focuses on the human condition through careful study of language and literature.
- Comprehensive curriculum offers a wide range of courses in literature, writing and linguistics
- Develop valuable skills in critical thinking, analysis and communication
- Minors available in:
- Creative Writing
- Professional Writing
- Popular Literature and Film
- American Literature
- African-American Literature and Language
- English Literature
Professional Preparation
A degree in English serves well as a preprofessional degree for students interested in law, public administration and business.
Interdisciplinary Studies
The Department of English, in cooperation with other departments, offers interdisciplinary certificates in:
- Linguistic Studies
- Professional Communication
- Teaching English as a Second Language
Our Faculty
- are innovative and interactive
Akron Advantage
Real-world Experience
On-campus outlets for student writing and expression include:
- The Akros Review, a literary magazine
- The Literary Guild
- The Buchtelite (student newspaper)
- Tel-Buch (yearbook)
Sample Curriculum
Bachelor of Arts Degree in English
| First Year | Fourth Year | ||
| English Composition I, II | 7 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Social science requirement |
6-8 |
English electives at the 400 level |
6 |
| Beginning foreign language | 8 |
English electives at 300/400 level | 15 |
| Natural science requirement |
3-4 |
Total | 24 |
| Math requirement 3-4 | 3-4 | 6 | |
| Physical education 1 | 1 | Sample Electives: |
|
| Total | 28-36 | Specialized Writing: Business | 3 |
| Introduction to Poetry Writing |
3 | ||
| Second Year | Introduction to Fiction Writing | 3 | |
| Introduction to Public Speaking or Effective Oral Communication |
3 | Introduction to Script Writing |
3 |
| Humanities in Western Tradition | 4 | Legal Writing | 3 |
| Natural science requirement | 3-4 | Black American Literature |
3 |
| Intermediate foreign language | 6 | Women Writers |
3 |
| Critical Reading and Writing | 3 |
Gothic Imagination |
3 |
| English Literature I or American Literature I |
3 | Professional Writing I and II | 3 each |
| Humanities course | 3-4 | Internships in English |
1-3 |
| Electives | 6 | Film Criticism | 3 |
| Total |
31-33 |
World Literatures | 3 |
| Victorian Fiction | 3 | ||
| Third Year |
Politics in American Literature | 3 | |
| English Literature I or American Literature I |
3 | Modern American Poetry | 3 |
| Introduction to Linguistics | 3 | Film and Literature | 3 |
| Shakespeare, Early Plays or Shakespeare, Mature Plays |
3 | Theory of Rhetoric | 3 |
| English elective-200/300/400 level | 9 | Early English Fiction | 3 |
| English elective at the 400 level | 6 | Modern American Fiction | 3 |
| Total | 21 | Studies in Romanticism | 3 |
| American Short Story | 3 | ||
| Science Fiction | 3 | ||
| Middle English Literature | 3 |
For More Information:
Request information from Undergraduate Admissions
Career Opportunities
Degrees and Preparation
A degree in English paves the way to careers in a variety of fields, such as:
- technical writing
- publishing
- teaching
- insurance
- marketing and sales
- financial services
- management
- nonprofit services
- government services
Career Outlook
Skills in reading and writing critically, analytically and creatively are always in demand, especially in the ever-changing workforce of today.
A&S Careers Program
Creates links among students, alumni and local professionals. You will have access to:
- lending library with up-to-date, career-related publications
- computer workroom for resume writing and employment research
- volunteer, paid and for-credit internship placement on and off campus
- department-specific mentoring arrangements
The University of Akron
302 Buchtel Common. Akron, OH 44325
Phone: 330-972-7111
Contact us
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