The English department serves the liberal arts in three ways: through our major in English and American literature; through general literature and film courses; and through our emphasis on writing, in both specialized writing courses and throughout the English curriculum. The literature and film courses aim to acquaint students with significant films and works of "literature in English" to increase students' understanding of literary and visual techniques and effects, and to enhance enjoyment of literature and visual media through developing students' ability to read, discuss, and write about them. The writing courses-journalism and creative writing-are workshops designed to develop strength and imagination in written English, fundamental to any course of study. All English courses encourage the examination of human experience through the medium of written language as well as through other visual media.

Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credit may not count toward the major but may be applied toward the total number of units needed to graduate.

Units from Study Abroad and Transfer Credit

Students may receive up to one unit of credit for a class taken on study abroad. The course must first receive approval from the chair of the department. Students may also receive no more than one unit of transfer credit. As with a course being considered from study abroad, the course must get pre-approval from the chair of the department. Exceptions to these policies may be granted in unique circumstances and only through prior approval by the department.