English

Shannon Miller, Department Chair
1038 Anderson Hall
215-204-1756
smiller@temple.edu

Steven Newman, Director of Undergraduate Studies
1030 Anderson Hall
215-204–7561
snewman@temple.edu

Gloria Basmajian, Administrator

10th Floor, Anderson Hall

215-204-8516

gbasmaji@temple.edu

10th Floor, Anderson Hall
215-204-7561
www.temple.edu/english/

Requirements for English Major
Requirements for English Minor
Writing Certificate

The English major helps students develop as readers of interesting, complex texts, including literary texts. Majors read writing from a variety of historical contexts and cultures; this experience builds their understanding of the relation between society and language. English majors become critical and reflective readers, aware of the history and development of writing in English. They are also good, inventive writers who are able to analyze problems, do careful and inventive research, argue and evaluate the arguments of others.

The English major is good preparation for a career in writing or editing—of stories, speeches, legal documents, advertising, research projects, poems, grant proposals, essays, or letters. English majors also find careers in publishing and journalism, public relations, business, industry, management, marketing, social services, and government. English is a strong pre-professional major for law, medicine, library science, and teaching, from the elementary to the post-secondary level.

The English department has a distinguished faculty of nationally-known critics, writers, and scholars who will teach you, usually in small classes. You will choose from a range of exciting courses (about forty English courses each semester) and from interdisciplinary programs such as the Five-year Program in English and Education, or a double major in English and any other department throughout the university. Internships are offered with area institutions such as the Temple Press, the University of Pennsylvania Press, the Urban League, WHYY public radio, Philadelphia Magazine, United Way, the Red Cross, Bread and Roses, J. B. Lippincott Publishers, Wachovia Bank, and the Academy of Natural Sciences. The department offers community-based projects, such as the New City Press and our Institute for the Study of Literature, Literacy, and Culture. There is an active program of readings by resident and visiting writers and artists. Students are active in writing and producing literary magazines: Hyphen is published on the main campus, and The Parable at Ambler.

Requirements for the Major

All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses. The specific writing-intensive courses required for this major are listed above and are identified by "WI" in the Attribute column.

Distinction in Major

Students need at least a 3.65 GPA in their English courses to earn distinction in major.

Requirements for the Minor

Writing Certificate

Suggested Semester-by-Semester Plan

Please note that this is a suggested academic plan. Depending on your situation, your academic plan may look different.