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English Major (BA)

Study English and writing/literature at George Fox, a top Christian college on the West Coast.

George Fox University’s English major not only prepares you for any number of professions but provides you with the opportunity to explore your own imaginative power and gain a better understanding of the world around you and your role in it.

English majors are taught to read and write with attention to truthfulness, logic, rhetoric and aesthetics. Graduates who major in English pursue careers in teaching, writing, publishing, journalism, and other fields that demand perceptive attention to textual detail and the ability to communicate with clarity and grace.

In an increasingly competitive, skilled and changing marketplace, the English major provides the thinking, imaginative and interpretative capabilities necessary for workplace success.

Alternatively, students may minor in literature or writing.

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Major Requirements

Complete the following:
Introduces important concepts in the study of literature. Students will learn techniques in close reading, and will read, discuss, and produce written analyses of a variety of literary texts in order to better understand historical, political, cultural, and formalistic aspects of literary works.
Introduces important concepts in the study of writing. Students will read and respond to writing and rhetorical theory, and will read, discuss, and produce written analyses of theories in the study of writing. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the college writing competency, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.
Introduces and examines as literary texts significant works of world mythologies. Readings stress those cross-cultural themes and literary forms exemplifying the ideals, values, and concerns that have shaped our shared human condition. The course surveys myths from African, Middle Eastern, Asian, Native American, Meso-American, Oceanic, and European literatures. Universal motifs and unique differences in these traditional sacred and secular stories are examined with an eye to understanding how myths underpin cultural, community, and individual values, ethical teachings, and spiritual experiences that continue to inform the world's cultures.
This course examines career options for English majors. Goal setting, professional development, and marketing skills are emphasized. Required of all English majors. Prerequisite: English major with sophomore standing.
This course will focus on developing a personal and professional brand that expresses uniqueness, passion, and strengths to hiring managers. Navigating professional opportunities with important tools such as resume design, e-presence, networking, behavioral interviewing, and employer search and engagement strategies, along with identifying and creating professional goals will be emphasized. Students will participate in mock interviews with local recruiters. Prerequisite: junior or senior status.
Students will choose to research and write a senior thesis, working with a faculty member in their area of interest; or will complete a service project in a community organization, in a school classroom, or in another identified literacy program; or will complete a professional internship; or will create a portfolio of written work. Prerequisite: Senior Standing
Choose one of the following:
Considers works written in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas during the medieval and early modern periods. Students examine culturally defining texts that reflect both the uniqueness of culture and the universality of literary themes. Students read a sample of texts written between the medieval period and 1900. The focus is on texts that continue to be important to the culture they represent, such as The Tale of Genji, Journey to the West, The Thousand and One Nights, The Divine Comedy, and Shakuntala.
Considers contemporary writings from women around the world. Students analyze these literary texts, examine the cultures they represent, and keep apprised of current events related to women. Prerequisite: HUMA 205 Philosophy and Literature, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.
Choose one of the following:
This course helps those who want to understand and to be able to explain to others what can be done to make writing correct, clear, and precise. Focuses on constructing, editing, and correcting sentences and paragraphs. This is not a remedial course.
A study of the nature of verbal symbols as they function in communication. The course will include phonetic transcription, semantics, modern grammatical theories, history of the English language, and modern English dialects.
Complete 1 semester of a world language 200-level of higher
Complete the following:
Writing (WRIT) Elective (200-level or above)

Concentrations (21 Hours) - choose one

Complete the following:
Introduces students to various schools of literary criticism. Students will practice using different critical approaches to writing about literature. Recommended for juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: WRIT 200 Understanding Literature and 6 hours of literature courses or instructor's permission.
A selective look at early American literature, from 1607 to 1890. Examines themes, movements, and writers who influenced and were influenced by the growth of the nation. Prerequisite: HUMA 205 Philosophy and Literature, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.
A selective look at the literature of the United States, from 1890 to the present. Particular attention is given to the masterworks of Naturalism and Modernism, especially to those that have proven influential in contemporary literature. Prerequisite: HUMA 205 Philosophy and Literature, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.
A selective look at the literature of the British Isles during the Victorian, Modern, and Contemporary periods. Particular attention is given to the literature of doubt and faith, the development of the novel, and post-Colonial issues. Prerequisite: HUMA 205 Philosophy and Literature, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.
Choose one of the following:
A consideration of the life and works of the poet/playwright and the sociopolitical history of the Renaissance. The course examines the sonnets and a selection of the plays from each genre: comedy, tragedy, history, and tragicomedy. Prerequisite: HUMA 205 Philosophy and Literature, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.
A selective look at the literature of the British Isles, from the earliest texts through 1660. Particular attention is given to the Anglo-Saxon, Medieval, and Renaissance periods. Prerequisite: HUMA 205 Philosophy and Literature, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.
Choose one of the following:
Literature (LITR) Elective (200-level or above)
This course provides an introduction to writing theory. Students will explore different approaches to writing theory, and will apply what they have learned about composition and rhetoric to their own written work. Prerequisite: WRIT 200.
This is an advanced study of creative writing, following a workshop approach. Students will have the option of exploring poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction, which will be offered on a rotating basis. Students are free to repeat this course. Prerequisite: WRIT 250 Creative Nonfiction, WRIT 360 Writing Fiction or WRIT 370 Writing Poetry. 300 level course must be in the same genre as the advanced writing course.
Choose one of the following:
An advanced study of selected authors and topics in American Literature. May be repeated with permission of instructor. Prerequisite: Students must have completed any two of the following literature sequence courses: LITR 241, LITR 242, LITR 356, LITR 357, LITR 381, LITR 382
An advanced study of selected authors and topics in British Literature. May be repeated with permission of instructor. Prerequisite: Students must have completed any two of the following literature sequence courses: LITR 241, LITR 242, LITR 356, LITR 357, LITR 381, LITR 382
Complete the following:
Writing (WRIT) Electives (200-level or above)
This course provides an introduction to writing theory. Students will explore different approaches to writing theory, and will apply what they have learned about composition and rhetoric to their own written work. Prerequisite: WRIT 200.
This is an advanced study of creative writing, following a workshop approach. Students will have the option of exploring poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction, which will be offered on a rotating basis. Students are free to repeat this course. Prerequisite: WRIT 250 Creative Nonfiction, WRIT 360 Writing Fiction or WRIT 370 Writing Poetry. 300 level course must be in the same genre as the advanced writing course.
3 credits of either WRIT 475 or LITR 475 field experience
Choose one of the following:
A consideration of the life and works of the poet/playwright and the sociopolitical history of the Renaissance. The course examines the sonnets and a selection of the plays from each genre: comedy, tragedy, history, and tragicomedy. Prerequisite: HUMA 205 Philosophy and Literature, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.
A selective look at the literature of the British Isles, from the earliest texts through 1660. Particular attention is given to the Anglo-Saxon, Medieval, and Renaissance periods. Prerequisite: HUMA 205 Philosophy and Literature, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.
A selective look at the literature of the British Isles during the Victorian, Modern, and Contemporary periods. Particular attention is given to the literature of doubt and faith, the development of the novel, and post-Colonial issues. Prerequisite: HUMA 205 Philosophy and Literature, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.
Choose one of the following:
A selective look at early American literature, from 1607 to 1890. Examines themes, movements, and writers who influenced and were influenced by the growth of the nation. Prerequisite: HUMA 205 Philosophy and Literature, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.
A selective look at the literature of the United States, from 1890 to the present. Particular attention is given to the masterworks of Naturalism and Modernism, especially to those that have proven influential in contemporary literature. Prerequisite: HUMA 205 Philosophy and Literature, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.

Jobs, Internships and Graduate School

As a writing/literature major, you will learn from professors who know you by name.

English majors learn to think critically and creatively, read perceptively, and write clearly and effectively. Employers consistently list these skills among the traits they most desire. Because so many occupations and organizations depend on strong analytical skills and written and oral communication, English majors have great flexibility and a wide range of options within the job market. Some of these potential fields, such as public relations, human resources, market research and nonprofit management, are projected to grow at a fast pace over the next decade.

  • Novelist, Writer-in-Residence, Corban University
  • Travel Writer/Yale University Faculty Member
  • Judge, Oregon Court of Appeals
  • English Professor, Spring Arbor University
  • English Teacher, Klamath Falls High School
  • English Teacher and Newspaper Advisor, Westside Christian High School
  • Project Coordinator, Act Six/PDX Leadership Foundation
  • International School of English Teacher, Evergreen State College
  • Librarian, Forest Grove City Library
  • Owner, Web Design Company
  • Oxford University
  • Tufts University
  • University of St. Andrews
  • Penn State University
  • Fordham University
  • University of Oregon
  • Boston College
  • Georgia College and State University
  • University of Colorado
  • Portland State University
  • Baylor University
  • Texas Christian University
  • Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley
  • Portland Monthly Magazine
  • Oregon Bride Magazine
  • Northwest Yearly Meeting
  • Ellechor Publishing House
  • Newberg Public Library
  • Barclay Press
  • Newberg Public Schools (SMART Reading Program)

Student Experiences

Gina Ochsner, author, winner of 2002 Flannery O’Conner Award

“What I appreciated the most about the time I spent studying at George Fox was the creative latitude to explore, define, craft and hone my own creative aesthetic. Under the guidance of gifted instructors I was encouraged to examine rigorously what it is I wanted to write and how best to write it.”  

- Gina Ochsner, author, winner of 2002 Flannery O’Conner Award

Jay Miller

“Studying English trains a person in habits essential to life: attentiveness, reflection, communication, etc. Studying English at George Fox directs these habits towards living a good life. My professors honed my literary skills, but they also grounded these skills in a Christian imagination alive to language’s potential to express and question what is true, good and beautiful. I now feel equipped for both graduate studies and thoughtful navigation of life’s complexities.”

- Jay Miller

Hannah Miller

“Developing a deep sense of community within the English major and forming meaningful relationships with my colleagues, professors and supervisors has been incredibly significant in the development of my life. Each of them has exposed me to the importance of looking outside of myself and better caring for the world around us.”

- Hannah Miller

Hannah Wiley Jackson

“My favorite moments at George Fox were in my lit classes when I realized how literature connects me to a world of people brave enough to write down how they felt and saw the world. My Fox experience was exactly what I had hoped it would be. My classes stretched me past my comfort zone both intellectually and spiritually.”

- Hannah Wiley Jackson

Points of Distinction

  • Major classes are taught by full-time faculty members who are active writers and scholars.
  • Students have opportunities for practical writing and teaching experience through English Honors Society membership, Academic Resource Center tutoring and writing for The Crescent.
  • Senior capstone experience can include internships in writing, publishing or teaching.

Why George Fox?

Christ-centered community

Our faith influences everything we do here, from the way our professors teach to the way we relate to one another and serve in the community.

Global opportunities

More than half of George Fox undergraduate students study abroad, ranking George Fox among the nation's leaders in study abroad participation (U.S. News & World Report).

Small classes

Our 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio means you'll get to know your professors on a personal level.

National recognition

George Fox University is a Christian university classified by U.S. News & World Report as a first-tier national university, and Forbes ranks George Fox among the highest Christian colleges in the country.

English Faculty

Four-Year Course Plan (Literature Concentration)

Four-Year Course Plan (Writing Concentration)

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