English
Understanding the human condition
Make a difference in the world through language.
English is the way we communicate, understand the human condition, and relate to those around us through literature and writing. The English program at Davis & Elkins College will give you the tools to dive into your next writing adventure, dissect the English language, and promote education and understanding while focusing on your own interests.
The main objective of the English program is for students to be able to contribute an original argument to the scholarly conversation. As an English major, you will demonstrate understanding of the development and evolution of literary traditions and apply different critical approaches and methods at the heart of literary criticism. Additionally, you will use standard conventions of writing in the humanities and engage in oral communication.
Baccalaureate Programs (B.A.)
Bachelor of Arts in English
The bachelor’s degree in English requires 39 credit hours of English courses, including a 21-credit-hour core of specified English courses. An additional requirement is an academic minor or second major selected outside the discipline of English.
The Literature Concentration requires the core courses (21 hours), a 3-credit-hour course in literary criticism, 12 hours of literature courses, and 3 hours of advanced writing courses. Your coursework will focus on ways of reading and engaging with multiple literatures, including but not limited to Classic, Appalachian, Gothic, American, and British. The literature concentration prepares students for a range of careers from law and publishing to business and library instruction.
The Writing Concentration requires the core courses (21 hours), a 3-credit-hour course in rhetorical theory, 9 hours of writing courses, and 6 hours of advanced literature courses. Unique for a small college, the writing concentration combines creative and professional writing courses to prepare you for a variety of writing careers, including technical and grant writing as well as public relations and advertising or marketing.
The Education Concentration requires the core courses (21 hours), a 3-credit-hour course in literary criticism, a 3-credit-hour course in rhetorical theory (COMM/ENGL 323), a 3-credit-hour writing course, and 9 hours of additional English courses. Students also must complete a minor in Foundations of Education (15 hours), which requires 12 hours of specified English and psychology courses. Upon graduation, students can pursue licensure by completing an Alternate Certification Option Pathway as outlined by the West Virginia Department of Education. In the education concentration, you’ll study English with a minor in Foundations of Education. Upon graduation, you can pursue licensure by completing an Alternate Certification Option Pathway as outlined by the West Virginia Department of Education.
Minors
English Literature Minor
The requirements for a minor in English Literature consist of 18 hours of specified English courses.
Writing For New Media Minor
The requirements for a minor in Writing for New Media consist of 18 hours of specified writing courses and 3 additional hours of a writing-intensive internship to be approved by the English department.
Courses
What We Offer
- College Writing I & II
- Introduction to Creative Writing
- Gateway to English Studies
- Professional and Technical Writing
- Drama and Film Studies
- American Literature I & II
- British Literature I & II
- Global Literature
- Literary Studies
- Gothic Literature
- Women in Literature
- Appalachian Literature
- Environmental Literature
- Shakespeare
- Rhetorical Theory
- Writing in New Media
- Advanced Creative Writing
- Writing for the Community
- Text and Context
- Literature and Genre
- The Literature of Place
- Literature and Identity
- English Internship
- Independent Study
- Literary Criticism
- Single Author Study
- Senior Seminar
- Senior Thesis
Careers in English
A bachelor’s degree in English can open many different career doors and give you the skills to succeed in a wide array of professions. Career options for English majors include:
Writing Professions
- Journalism
- Social Media and Digital Writing
- Technical Writing
- Grant and Proposal Writing
- Freelance Writing
- Creative Writing (Novelist/Poet)
Leadership and Teamwork Professions
- Law (Attorney)
- Management
- Consulting
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Sales
- Public Relations
- Human Resources
- Development and Fundraising
- Entrepreneurship
Teaching and Mentoring Professions
- K-12 Education
- Higher Education
- English as a Second Language Education
- Library Education
- Adult Education
- Instructional or Curriculum Development
- Business, Corporate, or Government Education/Training
- Outdoor Recreational Education
- Online Education
What Our Alumni Say
“There are so many brilliant aspects of D&E’s English program, but one of the most important things this department has taught me is the value and importance of the humanities outside of the reading and writing we do for our classes…Between the design of the program’s curriculum and the enthusiastic support of professors, D&E’s English program cultivates a space where students are really able to make their education what they like.”
– Emily Alexander, Class of 2020
Why English at D&E
The supportive community of the English Department and a broad range of courses will teach you thoughtfulness, understanding, dedication, attention to detail, and creativity. Dedicated faculty members create an inspiring environment where you and your peers can learn from each other and share your ideas and interests.
Through the on-campus publications, Aurora and The Senator, faculty mentors will help you prepare your work for sharing with a public audience. You’ll also be able to share your work at the annual College Writing Showcase or open mic events. In addition, D&E welcomes writers from around the country to campus for an annual Writers’ Series. Internships in the community and study abroad programs are all available to students studying English.