English Language and Literature

WHY ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE AT VALPO?
Valpo’s bachelor of arts in English language and literature deep dives into the transformative power of literature, storytelling, and the written word, and the connections each has to our everyday lives. Our curriculum is built on influential literary works of the past and present, digital humanities, cinema studies, theater, and game narrative and design. Here, a major in English goes beyond the surface to reveal the beauty and practicality within our expressions – utilizing skills treasured across entire industries.
Equipping students with unparalleled attention to detail, creative problem-solving, critical thinking skills, and a connection to the human experience, an English degree stands strong both individually and as a companion major, enhancing careers in business, social sciences, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Some students even choose to become middle and high school teachers by complementing their English major with an education minor on our pathway to secondary education licensure.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE HIGHLIGHTS
TESOL PATHWAY
Students interested in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) can pair their degree with a 15-credit TESOL and English Linguistics minor.
ON-CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES
Our Beacons gain real-world editing experience at The Torch, our student-run campus newspaper, and literary publications like The Lighter and Valparaiso Fiction Review.
WORDFEST WRITERS SERIES
This annual event brings professional writers to campus to present creative works, inspire our student-writers, and lead workshops on drama, fiction, poetry, and nonfiction prose. Wordfest also sponsors a writing contest for undergraduates, recognizing outstanding works across five genres.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Valpo’s English language and literature curriculum takes root in our universal liberal arts core. Starting year one with the Valparaiso University Experience (VUE), students shine brighter in their studies with the skills of critical thinking, cultural awareness, and empathy. These hallmark Valpo values lay the groundwork for English language and literature students to master the communicative skills and insight needed to excel in their profession.
Major Requirements (Minimum 33 Credits) | ||
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ENGL 180 | Gateways to Interpretation Experience | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 208 | Methods of Literary Criticism and Research | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 493 | Seminar in English Literature | 3 Cr. |
One course from the following options: | ||
ENGL 200 | Literary Studies | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 201 | Introduction to Creative Writing | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 270 | Introduction to Cinema Studies | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 280 | Topics in Writing | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 296 | Traditions of Giving and Serving in American Life | 3 Cr. |
One course from the following options: | ||
ENGL 309 | Literature of the Medieval Period | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 320 | Literature of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 330 | Literature of the Restoration and Eighteenth Century | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 350 | British Literature of the Nineteenth Century | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 410 | Shakespeare | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 456 | The Novel | 3 Cr. |
One course from the following options: | ||
ENGL 312 | American Literature I | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 313 | American Literature II | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 370 | Modern and Contemporary Fiction | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 372 | Modern and Contemporary Drama | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 375 | Modern and Contemporary Poetry | 3 Cr. |
One course from the following options: | ||
ENGL 311 | New Literacies, Technology, and Cultures Of Writing | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 341 | History of the English Language | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 342 | Grammar, Style, and Editing | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 343 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 344 | Sociolinguistics: Language Across Cultures | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 368 | Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages: Theory and Methods I | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 431 | Advanced Writing and Rhetoric | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 440 | Multimedia Writing and Design | 3 Cr. |
One course from the following options: | ||
ENGL 260 | Cross-Cultural Narratives | 3 Cr. |
ENGL 360 | Cross-Cultural Engagement: English Studies | 3 Cr. |
9 additional credits in English numbered 200 and above | ||
Take any three English courses numbered 200 and above. English 200: Literary Studies can be taken for credit more than once if the topics are different. |
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE CAREER OUTCOMES
Whether you aspire to write the next best-selling novel, design roleplaying games, direct films, or educate the writers of tomorrow, this major has the tools you need to radiate in your goals. 97.6% of English studies graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation – enjoying a median annual wage of $60,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Careers in English:
- Attorney
- Content marketing specialist
- Creative director
- Editor
- Educator
- Game designer
- Government official
- Journalist
- Library and information scientist
- Medical writer
- Non-profit leader
- Public relations specialist
- Social media manager
- Technical writer
- University leader
Versatile in nature, English language and literature graduates hone their connection to the human condition in order to relate to wider audiences and shine as effective communicators. These essential skills allow them to illuminate roles in human resources, library and information science, ministry, law, business, and the arts.

STUDENT SUCCESS
– Cori Laatsch ’24
