Study English literature across a broad range of historical periods, geographies and genres, becoming a skilled critic and compelling writer.
English majors and minors engage, interpret and analyze a vast swath of literary texts that cross genres, places and time. Your study will be close and deep as you seek to understand English literatures’ forms, meaning, contexts and relationships. In the English department you can take courses ranging from modern British and Irish literature to Asian American literature, from William Blake to Native American women writers. You can explore film and text, and write your own fiction and poetry. You’ll master interpretation and analysis, learning to formulate robust and original arguments both in writing and speaking. English majors are invited to develop individual paths through the curriculum with their advisors.
What You’ll Study
- Two courses in methods of literary study
- Four courses centered on historical literary periods
- Courses in poetry and poetics and prose and narrative
- Focused study on an individual author’s work
- Courses emphasizing two sociopolitical areas
Learning at Pomona
Learning to Become an Editor
Kyla Walker ’22 worked as a research assistant to her advisor Professor Jonathan Lethem. She helped edit his novel manuscripts, compile music playlists and conduct research for a developing article on a science fiction writer.
National Council for Community and Education Partnerships Intern
Hayeon Lee ’23 worked as a communications intern with the NCCEP and got to exercise her skills in English and politics as well as engage in grassroots activism and action in the first-generation, low-income student community.
As an English major, I am not limited to one track, whether it be medical school or graduate school. Through the myriad of my English classes, I am continually developing my writing skills, articulating my ideas in a group setting, and sharpening my analytical thinking, which can apply and necessary to so many professional fields.