About

Through the study of literature, the English Department seeks to stimulate aesthetic awareness, elevate critical thought, promote clear writing, and encourage communal reflection on the complex ways language animates our lives. Our eclectic offerings serve students across the college in addition to majors and minors in English. Collectively, we work to model intellectual curiosity and foster the sense of wonder that is the driving force behind a vibrant, creative, “examined” life.

Learn more about the English program from our Saint Michael’s professors in the video below:

In-Depth

The eleven courses of the major follow a natural pattern, from an introductory seminar (EN 110) through 200-level Literary Timelines and Ways of Reading courses, and into Critical Theory (EN 325) and a choice of upper-level courses, culminating with a senior seminar (EN 410). All courses foster critical thinking through writing and discussion. Majors must maintain a high level of written expression and will be expected to learn and use the skills of literary scholarship. The Department also offers two minors: one in English and the other in creative writing, each requiring five courses. The Creative Writing minor allows students to study literature “from the inside out,” as writers of it, but fosters the same critical thinking, writing, and discussion skills as the major and the English minor.

Check out the course options by clicking here: English Curricular Map

English Learning Outcomes

Special Opportunities

  • English students edit The Onion River Review, an annual literary journal featuring poetry, prose, and visual arts by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the greater community. The Onion River Review hosts open readings throughout the school year, as well.
  • The department hosts a reading series that includes the John Engels Memorial Reading held annually. Each year the English department invites writers to campus to share their work with the Saint Michael’s community.
  • A number of English majors work as coaches at the Writing Center, which offers students free help with writing.
  • Saint Michael’s English majors can apply for summer grants to work with faculty members on extended projects.
  • English majors can pursue internships based on their interests as part of their educational experience.

Careers

After graduation, English majors go on to careers in:

  • College, High School, and Elementary Education
  • Writing + Editing
  • Marketing + Communications
  • Special Education
  • Law
  • Customer Service
  • Counseling
  • Project Management

Our English graduates have used their background for jobs and careers in many fields.  Especially because we emphasize critical thinking and written communication, our English graduates are well prepared for jobs and careers in many fields upon graduation. They have also gone on to teach at all levels, and have pursued graduate studies in many areas, including law, environmental science, and music. Anyone seeking a solid liberal arts background on which to build a future will find exactly that in the English major.

In-Depth

The eleven courses of the major follow a natural pattern, from an introductory seminar (EN 110) through 200-level Literary Timelines and Ways of Reading courses, and into Critical Theory (EN 325) and a choice of upper-level courses, culminating with a senior seminar (EN 410). All courses foster critical thinking through writing and discussion. Majors must maintain a high level of written expression and will be expected to learn and use the skills of literary scholarship. The Department also offers two minors: one in English and the other in creative writing, each requiring five courses. The Creative Writing minor allows students to study literature “from the inside out,” as writers of it, but fosters the same critical thinking, writing, and discussion skills as the major and the English minor.

Check out the course options by clicking here: English Curricular Map

English Learning Outcomes

Special Opportunities

  • English students edit The Onion River Review, an annual literary journal featuring poetry, prose, and visual arts by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the greater community. The Onion River Review hosts open readings throughout the school year, as well.
  • The department hosts a reading series that includes the John Engels Memorial Reading held annually. Each year the English department invites writers to campus to share their work with the Saint Michael’s community.
  • A number of English majors work as coaches at the Writing Center, which offers students free help with writing.
  • Saint Michael’s English majors can apply for summer grants to work with faculty members on extended projects.
  • English majors can pursue internships based on their interests as part of their educational experience.

Careers

After graduation, English majors go on to careers in:

  • College, High School, and Elementary Education
  • Writing + Editing
  • Marketing + Communications
  • Special Education
  • Law
  • Customer Service
  • Counseling
  • Project Management

Our English graduates have used their background for jobs and careers in many fields.  Especially because we emphasize critical thinking and written communication, our English graduates are well prepared for jobs and careers in many fields upon graduation. They have also gone on to teach at all levels, and have pursued graduate studies in many areas, including law, environmental science, and music. Anyone seeking a solid liberal arts background on which to build a future will find exactly that in the English major.