Why Choose English?
The English major explores English language, literature and writing — and the criticism and theory of each — through a range of liberal arts and humanities courses. It provides portable skills that you can take with you no matter what profession you choose.
The English major at Manhattan College balances English and American literary traditions with a commitment to contemporary fields, including:
- African American and ethnic studies
- Postcolonial studies
- Gender, sexuality and feminist studies
- Film studies
- Composition and creative writing
You will personalize your education by choosing from a wide variety of electives.
The Classes
A vibrant classroom is the heart of the English major at Manhattan College. You will delve into literature and composition with a welcoming community of faculty and peers who value both intellectual rigor and creative experiment. English courses examine topics including:
- Literary New York
- Global Literature in English
- British Literature, from Beowulf to Beckett
- American Literature and Culture
- Environmental Literature and Ecocriticism
- Creative Writing
The Faculty
Our small class sizes allow you to engage in lively conversation, and our faculty are eager to discuss books and writing outside the confines of a classroom. You get to know them, and they you, through a variety of informal gatherings, including faculty/student “English Night” at nearby restaurants and frequent poetry and fiction readings.
Professors in this department are eager to collaborate with students on research projects — an essential experience for students considering postgraduate studies. Many of these partnerships lead to journal publications and academic presentations.
The Experience
Literary culture is alive at Manhattan.
You will make New York City your classroom. Experience the world-class theatre scene in our Theatre in the City class or discover the city’s unique ecosystem in Environmental Literature.
You will come face-to-face with internationally acclaimed and prizewinning writers. Our Major Author Reading Series (M.A.R.S.) brings writers such as Junot Diaz, Jennifer Egan and Adam Johnson to campus every semester. You will also have the opportunity to contribute creative and academic work to one of several campus publications.