The English major serves the needs of a variety of students. Some of our students simply love studying literature, some are aspiring creative writers (in fiction, poetry, and/or creative non-fiction), some hope to become teachers or professors, some plan to pursue a writing-focused career in a field such as journalism or publishing, and some simply choose English because it offers a great way to get a dynamic liberal arts education. From education to business, from the arts world to government, from law to medicine, you will find English majors at the top of many professions. Most students opt for our standard major, but we also offer a modified version of our standard major for aspiring teachers that enables them to earn a teaching license.
Typical First-Year Schedule
Fall
- FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Conversation Program
- World Language
- ENGL 185/ENGL 150/OLE Core
- OLE Core/Elective*
january term
- ENGL course/OLE Core/Elective
Spring
- FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Conversation Program
- World Language
- ENGL 185/Other ENGL course/OLE Core
- OLE Core/Elective*
Additional Information
*Many, though not all students interested in the English major take an English course in their first year. Prospective English majors are encouraged to consider enrolling in ENGL 185 (our introduction to literary studies; a required course for all majors in English, English education, and creative writing). All majors should plan to take this course during their first year or sophomore year. First-year students should also consider ENGL 150. This course is our introduction to creative writing. Though taking this course is not required for further study in creative writing, it offers the best opportunity for students to explore creative writing in their first year.
In addition to or as an alternative to the above, first-year students are welcome to enroll in other 100- and 200-level courses, if they have satisfied any prerequisites. Once students have satisfied the WRR requirement (with a course on our campus, or through transfer credit or AP/IB credit), they are welcome to take most of our offerings at the 200-level. Some prospective majors take a 200-level course prior to enrolling in ENGL 185. Along with ENGL 150 and 185, we offer a few other 100-level courses. 100-level courses in our department do not carry any prerequisites, and, aside from ENGL 150 and 185, are usually offered during January.
Note that the English Department offers three distinct majors. These majors include two different versions of the English major: a standard major and an English education major (for students who want to earn a teaching license for teaching at the secondary school level). Students who are interested in a teaching license should consult with faculty in the Education Department as well as the English Department early in their college careers, as this major has a more rigid set of requirements than the standard English major. We also offer a creative writing major. See the information posted under “Creative Writing” for more on that option. The two versions of the English major and the creative writing major share many common requirements. The best plan for students who are undecided among these options is to focus on ENGL 185 and other requirements that these majors have in common.
CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS COURSEWORK
- Students are given credit for WRR if they score a 5 on the AP English Literature or English Language test or if they score a 5-7 on the IB English Language test.
- Credit for AP or IB does not count toward the requirements of the English major.
- Completion of Enduring Questions (all five courses) counts as the equivalent of one English elective.
Placement
Director of Writing (for questions related to WRR placement): Diane Leblanc (leblanc@stolaf.edu), 507-786-3438
Informational Events
Department information sessions will be held during Orientation Week, and occasional information sessions for students will be held during fall or spring.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Chair, Department of English – Mary Trull (trull@stolaf.edu)