Major and Minor
The English Major and Minor at Davidson
The English Department provides you with a depth and breadth of literary knowledge while teaching you to explore problems creatively, to be sensitive to life's diversity, and to read the world critically and thoughtfully.
Davidson English majors build skills in:
- Communicating effectively in discussion and writing
- Analyzing and creating across genres and media
- Collaborating and working in diverse groups
- Planning and conducting independent research
- Creative problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Understanding and applying theoretical concepts
- Embracing ambiguity and entertaining multiple, conflicting perspectives
- Empathy and diplomacy
English Major Overview
The English major requires you to take ten courses, including: ENG 220: Literary Analysis, three area requirements (History, Diversity, and Innovation), two capstone courses (seminar, tutorial, or group investigation), and five electives. You may count one 100-level course and two approved courses from other departments or institutions toward the major.
The English major also requires you to set up an online portfolio to showcase your work at Davidson to potential employers, fellowship providers, graduate programs, and other audiences.
Myths About the English Major, Debunked
The skills you develop in English classes—critical thinking, analytical reasoning, clear writing, empathy, and inclusive thinking—are valued in the workplace and vital to social justice and civil discourse.
Being an English major prepared me for working at Pixelberry Studios by teaching me how to research, how to work in a team, and how to speak up for my ideas. One thing I really valued about the English major at Davidson was the space it fostered to share different perspectives. Every person is going to read a text differently, and having the space to talk about your own readings has really helped me feel comfortable voicing my opinions in a work environment.
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