SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES
AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
English Major (ELISH)
Program Chair:
Dr. Craig Warren
814-898-6445; caw43@psu.edu
English is among the most versatile of majors. English majors at Penn State Behrend learn to reason critically, write cogently, construct and deconstruct ideas and arguments, and verbalize opinions and judgments. Graduates pursue a wide range of careers, working in such fields as law, publishing, public service, technical writing, and Education.
Coursework includes:
• The analysis of a range of literature, film, and popular media in English
• The study and application of literary theories
• Experience with a broad spectrum of literary genres, including nonfiction,
fiction, poetry, professional writing, and digital texts
Two program options are available for English majors at Penn State Behrend. The Literature Option explores the role of literature within its cultural and historical contexts, emphasizing literary theory, film, and cultural studies. This option culminates in a senior project involving close interaction with a mentoring professor.
The Professional Writing Option emphasizes the editorial process and the role of writing in the workplace. This track features courses in editing, writing for the Web, and business and technical writing. The option culminates in an off-campus professional internship, granting students invaluable writing experience within a chosen career field.