Careers & Outcomes | English Literature

After Pacific | Graduates of Pacific University’s English Literature program have a range of critical-analytical and writing skills highly valued in today's content-driven marketplace. From publishing, editing, journalism and social media management to teaching, research, and librarianship, our graduates pursue a wide range of vocations. Many continue their education, winning Fulbright positions or enrolling in law school and other types of graduate programs in the Humanities.

In the English program, you will study the major authors, works, genres and literary movements of Western and World traditions, approaching these texts both analytically and historically. Develop your critical and creative thinking skills by examining texts analytically, historically and from multiple points of view. You will also develop a unique voice, express yourself clearly in speaking and writing, and become an articulate interpreter and contributor to your culture.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of your degree in English Literatures, students are able to

• demonstrate a clear understanding of primary literary texts and a familiarity with the culture, genre, and place in literary history from whence they come.
• account for the role of context(s) in the production, reception, and transmission of literary and cultural texts (across periods, histories, geographic or national spaces, and cultural differences).
• identify the major theoretical schools and apply those approaches to a variety of texts.  
• support literary research with peer-reviewed academic resources provided by the library, and include both in- and end-text citation of those sources that adheres to industry-accepted documentation styles.
• manage sophisticated writing and research projects, including planning, documenting, completing, and assessing work on time and within the constraints of the project.

Program Purpose

The English Department offers students guidance in acquiring and developing the skills of interpretation, critical thinking, and clear writing. For students choosing to specialize in literature or creative writing, the curriculum offers the opportunity to engage the literary traditions of Britain. the United States, and world literatures, as well as to enter into the theory and practice of literature itself.