Undergraduate Program
The English Major
Students who choose to major in English Literature and Language develop their abilities to read and analyze texts written in the English language. They study British and American literature of the past and present and learn to view texts through a variety of interpretive lenses. English majors also develop their abilities as flexible, effective writers, capable of moving among a variety of genres, including creative and expository writing.
Within the 33-credit hour program, all English majors take a common core of 18 hours, including survey courses on the history of British and American literature; a course devoted to Shakespeare; and a linguistics or rhetoric course. Beyond this core, students may choose to emphasize either the study of literature or creative writing. In their final year, all students select from a menu of capstone options, including a senior thesis (recommended for students interested in graduate school); a seminar on teaching writing (recommended for students seeking certification to teach in secondary schools); or one of many upper-level seminars. Full details about the requirements for completing the English major can be found in the catalogue.
The English Minor
Students in a variety of disciplines may choose to enhance their degree programs by completing an 18-credit-hour minor in English. The writing minor features courses in creative and expository writing. The literature minor affords students an opportunity to select from among a range of courses focusing on British and American literature, linguistics, and rhetoric. Full details about the requirements for completing a English minor can be found in the catalogue.
Extracurricular Opportunities for English Majors
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the wide range of extracurricular opportunities available through UMKC's English Department. Indeed, such activities are an important part of the educational experience for undergraduate students.
- Undergraduate English Council
- Number One
- U-News
- Readings by Prominent Writers and Scholars
Located in a major metropolitan area, UMKC is able to sponsor numerous writers and scholars, who share their work with students and other members of the academic community. Recent visitors to the university community have included Angela Davis, Whitney Terrell, and U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins. Students are strongly encouraged to attend readings and lectures to bring their experiences into the classroom.
Opportunities to Study Abroad
Students majoring in English have often taken advantage of UMKC's many opportunities to study abroad. These include exchanges with Kingston University in London, the University of Stirling in Scotland, and many other opportunities in Europe and other regions of the globe. If you are interested in studying abroad, contact the Center for International Academic Programs, 816-235-5759, http://www.umkc.edu/international/.
Awards and Scholarships
Undergraduate students in the English Department may compete for a number of Awards and Scholarships for writing students.
- Gary William Barger Memorial Scholarship
- Crystal Field Scholarship in Creative Writing
- Mbembe Milton Smith Scholarship Fund
- Barbara Storck Creative Writing Contest
- Ilus Davis Writing Competition/Sosland Journal
Career Opportunities for English Majors
With the ability to think critically and imaginatively, conduct research, and write with accuracy, concision, and clarity, students who have earned a bachelor's degree in English are prepared for many different career paths, rather than a single profession. Students who have graduated from UMKC's Department of English have established themselves in journalism, publishing, technical writing, secondary school teaching, non-profit administration, public relations, sales and marketing, and other positions in business and industry. Majoring in English can also be excellent preparation for graduate school in law and business.
Students majoring in English can enhance their career prospects by taking advantage of various internship and part-time employment opportunities. Editorial internships are available with New Letters, a literary magazine featuring the works of new and distinguished writers; New Letters on the Air, a weekly radio program broadcast on a number of NPR stations; and BkMk (Book Mark Press).
Further assistance can be obtained through UMKC Career Services. Counselors can help you plan your educational experience so that you will be well prepared to achieve your career goals, and as graduation approaches, Career Services staff can help with résumé preparation, on-campus interviews, and job fairs.
Thinking of Graduate School in English?
Undergraduate students who might wish to pursue graduate studies in English should fully educate themselves about the process of choosing and applying to graduate schools, the nature of advanced study in the field, and the job prospects for individuals with higher degrees in English. Professors in the department are happy to talk with undergraduate students who are considering advanced studies in English.
In general, students with an interest in graduate school should plan their undergraduate studies so that they develop the broadest possible base of knowledge about the traditions of British and American literature. They should also take a course on critical theory and take two full years of a foreign language. English 499 (Senior Thesis) is also recommended for undergraduate students who are interested in graduate school.
Contact Information
Virginia Blanton, Associate Professor and Principal Undergraduate
Advisor
blantonv@umkc.edu
816.235.2766
