Literature enables readers imaginatively to enter and share the stories, feelings and experiences of other persons. It presents, with beauty and power, perennial human situations and issues ? problems of identity, purpose, relationship and meaning. The study of literature helps students expand their appreciation and understanding of literary works and their knowledge of the literary world. The English major with a literature emphasis is designed for students interested in secondary teaching, graduate school in literature or careers in such fields as editing and publishing, government service, librarianship, business, law and ministry, as well as students who just love books and want to improve their skills in reading and interpretation.

The study of creative writing enables students to view writing as a process of seeing and re-seeing the world. It helps them learn to value and express their own stories, to reflect on their lives and to believe they have something of use to put into words. The English major with a creative writing emphasis is designed for students interested in graduate school in creative writing or careers in such fields as editing and publishing, government service, librarianship, business, law and ministry, as well as for students who simply enjoy writing creatively and want to develop their skills further.

While the curriculum provides majors who wish to teach or attend graduate school the specialized courses they need, it also seeks to meet the needs of all students pursuing the broad aims of a liberal education. Courses in literature and writing help develop students' abilities to read, to think and to express themselves logically, coherently and imaginatively.

Students considering graduate study in creative writing should include English 480 ? Contemporary Literary Theory among their elective courses. They should take additional upper-level literature and creative writing courses so that their majors will total at least 44 credits and should participate in the departmental honors program.