The English literature major is designed for students wanting to become adept in composition and well acquainted with the evolving canon of British and American literature. The major provides a knowledge of the development of genres, of historical influences on literature, of major literary figures and of significant minority writers who have contributed to the rich diversity of American multicultural heritage.

Students learn to analyze grammatical structures of the English language, to apply linguistic principles, to analyze writing style based on grammatical structures, and to trace the development of the English language.

They also learn to summarize, paraphrase, analyze, synthesize and evaluate written material and to formulate theses and support them by logical argument. English students learn research writing that demonstrates the ability to use scholarly sources in appropriate ways, with quotations incorporated skillfully and correctly.

The English literature major helps students synthesize their faith and their field of study by analytical methods and evaluative standards. The major also prepares students to continue studies on the graduate level. As they go into their professions, such as business, law, government service or teaching, they will be able to articulate their own values and faith in terms appropriate to their social and professional contexts.