English at Hamline

As Isaac Disraeli famously wrote, “There is an art of reading, as well as an art of thinking, and an art of writing.” The English major at Hamline integrates these three sets of liberal arts and professional skills through courses in literature, cultural theory, and creative as well as professional writing. Class sizes are small, which allows for engaging discussions and close student/faculty collaborations.

Learning to read, interpret, and write a variety of texts, Hamline English majors and minors gain the sophisticated analytical and communication skills essential to a wide range of occupations. At Hamline, you'll have the chance to engage with new texts (both written and cinematic) and apply what you've learned.  For instance, Professor & English Department Chair Kristina Deffenbacher and Associate Provost Mike Reynolds explain why they think The Hunger Games has become such a cultural phenomenon.
  

The English major consists of ten courses that offer students opportunities to pursue their interests in a diverse field. Students may choose an English major with a concentration in creative writing or minors in literature, creative writing, professional writing, or linguistics. A certificate in international journalism is an excellent fit with a major or minor. English majors interested in teaching at the secondary level may elect an education minor with a communication arts and literature concentration.

Students have opportunities to write for or work on the production of the Oracle, Hamline’s award-winning student newspaper, or Fulcrum, a literary and arts journal. Students interested in creative writing can participate in the Broke, Starving Writers organization or join the Hamline Slam Poetry Team. The department offers competitive scholarships and writing awards to its top students at Honors Day each spring. Hamline’s writing programs have garnered praise and a distinguished reputation, and students at all levels and in all programs benefit from a strong community of writers, extensive resources, and on-campus readings, speakers, and events.

The department’s focus on active and reflective learning prepares English majors for a variety of careers in a world of dynamic change and increasing interconnectedness. Faculty members work individually with students to help them determine their strengths and interests and connect with a network of alumni and individuals in relevant fields. Students are encouraged to complete at least one internship to gain experience, make contacts, and find leads for jobs after graduation. They conduct collaborative and independent research, and many present their findings at national conferences. Hamline English majors have gone on to competitive graduate and professional programs in English, creative writing, law, cultural studies, journalism, publishing, and film production. 

The faculty of the English department have three goals for students who graduate with a major or minor in English.  

1. Students should be able to read, write, and inquire critically and imaginatively, understanding both the theoretical and practical dimensions of reading and writing.

2. Students should understand the rhetorical, cultural, historical, and interdisciplinary contexts of the literatures we teach and the profession we practice.

3. Students should join the discourse of the field and explore the nature of the profession, which includes valuing independent and collaborative learning, blurring and crossing disciplinary lines, and investigating the relationship between language and culture.

In order to achieve these goals, students pursuing a major or minor in English take ten classes in four different categories: Introductory Inquiries, Gateway Courses, Intermediate Courses, and Courses that Synthesize Theory and Practice.

Learning Outcomes

The purpose of learning outcomes at Hamline University is to ensure that our mission and values are realized in what our graduating students know, value, and can do. View all learning outcomes for English.