Why Study English at K?
Through small class sizes and close relationships with faculty, you will learn how to wield language, express yourself, and critically observe the human experience.
As an English major or minor, you will learn about the power of language. Throughout history, writers and readers have borne witness to the human situation and leveraged their voices to alter the course of society. At K, we aim to teach you how to become a witness in and for the world.
Through the study of English literature across global and historical cultures, the study of film and critical theory, the discipline of writing in a variety of genres, and the constant practice of collaboration, you will be better prepared to understand the complexity of the world, yourself, and the ways words and images shape reality.
You will explore these topics through English literature classes, such as Global Shakespeares, Magical Realism, World Indigenous Literatures: The People and the Land, and writing-based courses in poetry, non-fiction, fiction, and journalism.
These courses—in addition to the completion of your Senior Integrated Project—will give you the ability to critically witness, assess, and shape the world around you. These skills have propelled our alumni into successful careers in literature, law, communications, education, and community building.
What can you do with an English degree?
Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our English alumni.
Careers
- Librarian
- Author
- Attorney
- Journalist
- Marketing Specialist
Employers
- Wisconsin Public Defender
- AmeriCorps
- City of Minneapolis
- Money Magazine
- Fulbright
Graduate Schools
- Columbia University
- University of Michigan
- University of Massachusetts at Amherst
- University of Denver
- Marquette University
Program Spotlights
Diverse English curriculum for the modern world
Many of our students find the department to be a safe place for challenging themselves and exploring new perspectives. Our faculty design interdisciplinary classes that include the stories of folks of different races, genders, and sexualities across time and place. We also recognize that not all storytelling methods resonate equally with all students, and so we offer a breadth of genres and mediums, including poetry, short stories, newspapers, novels, music and film.
Apply your English studies in the community
Whether it’s bringing Shakespeare into the local community, traveling to The Dickens Universe conference in California, working with local community gardens, or traveling to Costa Rica to practice your food and travel writing, the English department offers invaluable, hands-on experiences that will prepare you for life after graduation.
Join a community of creators and write your own stories
At K, you will have the freedom to pursue your own projects. In our writing-based courses—fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, and journalism—you will workshop pieces with classmates and professors and present them to the campus community at our end-of-term readings. You can also join one of K’s student publications, such as The Cauldron (literary magazine) or The Index (newspaper). In your senior year, you will get to work on your own collection, novel, literary analysis, or other project of your choice in your Senior Integrated Project.
Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor
Ella Myers
(she/her)
Majors: English and Theatre Arts
Study Abroad: South Korea
Best Adjective to Describe You: Cheerful
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
The English department turns curiosity into conversation, making literature feel personal and connected to real life.
What drew you to the department?
I was drawn to the English department because I have always loved to write and read. Of course, I loved my literature courses in high school. What kept me taking classes in the department though is the English departments unique ability to foster thoughtful discussions, close community, and the chance to explore stories deeply.
What is your favorite thing about K?
My favorite thing about K is the class sizes and the ability to make close connections to professors.
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
My SIP is in the Theatre Arts department. It is a performance SIP with a research paper. I will be preforming the play 2.5 Minute Ride by Lisa Kron. The play allows me to engage with material that resonates with my own Jewish heritage and my familial connection to the Holocaust. This is not just an intellectual exploration for me, it is personal, and it gives the work a level of urgency and care that I want to bring into both my performance and research.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I would like to pursue a career in journalism or copy editing and I plan to move to Chicago or New York to make those necessary connections.