Major in English

Why English at Patrick Henry College?

The English major—which includes tracks in Literature and Writing—gives students an intensive preparation in making meaning with the written word. The core English courses ground students firmly in the great works of literature written in English as well as a mastery of Western Literary Theory and of the finer points of English composition. Electives within the major give students the opportunity to fine-tune their education by choosing from courses focused on major authors, literary genres, and practicum in areas of writing and rhetoric, as well as a variety of courses more narrowly focused on particular aspects of literature and the liberal arts.

The Apprenticship Methodology

English apprenticeships provide students with opportunities to intern as teachers, editors, and copywriters, as well as an opportunity to produce intensive scholarly and/or creative writing under the guidance of a qualified mentor. As is the case with all classical liberal arts disciplines, English graduates are well prepared for a wide variety of vocations. Graduates are also well situated to pursue further education in graduate school, law school, psychology, or seminary.

The English program at PHC is built with five integrated elements that make it a program unlike any other

Students majoring in English study the great works of European and American literature. They take two semesters of English literature and one semester of American literature, as well as a course in literary theory and criticism. English majors study a classical language and take advanced courses in history, philosophy and theology.

As part of major electives, they must take classes in either fiction or non-fiction writing, study two distinct genres in more depth, and focus on one major author. Additionally, they expand on areas of interest by developing Directed Research & Writing projects in literary studies or creative writing, or participate in literature or writing-related internships such as student teaching, tutoring, or editing.

The Literature track in the English major honors Patrick Henry College's tradition of intensively immersing students in the Great Works of Western Literature.

This track concentrates the electives within the major around Literature specifically.

It also requires students to complete at least 3 credit hours of their apprenticeship requirements through Directed Research & Writing in the vein of literary criticism and analysis.

The concentration is designed, of course, for literary purists, but more practically for those called to pursue graduate study in English (or a related discipline) or to teach in more advanced classical academies.

The Writing track in the English major is designed for students who want to focus their education more on the practice of writing than on the study of literature. The track retains the English core of courses that ground students in the discipline, but its major electives are oriented towards preparation for vocations in composition instruction and/or professional writing and publication.

Courses in Narrative Nonfiction and Creative Writing, as well as two semesters of practicum in Westmarch, PHC's campus literary journal, are required. The apprenticeship requirement is expanded from 8 to 9 credit hours to allow for a more varied and intensive internship experience. Possible apprenticeships in literary agencies, publishing houses, and mentored creative writing are added to traditional English internships.

Wondering what you can do with a degree in English from PHC?

Check out these essays written by Dr. Steven Hake:

Unsure of what qualifies as "English," or unconvinced of its worth? Check out Why Study English?
Do you think English is great, but it doesn't lead to a "real job?" Dr. Hake thinks otherwise in Will My Family Starve If I Major in English?
Dr. Hake expresses his vision for passionate and independent learners in My Hope For You at Patrick Henry College.
Dr. Hake offers practical suggestions on how to become a life-long learner in A Burning Flame.

The literature classes that I have been able to take have truly changed my perspective on a thousand and one different aspects of the field. From changing my intended major to keeping me genuinely excited about upcoming assignments and classes, what I've learned of literature at PHC has lit a spark that I intend to carry with me even after graduation.

— Caitlin Coulter, 2017

Major in English

English Menu

Why English at Patrick Henry College?

The Apprenticship Methodology

The English program at PHC is built with five integrated elements that make it a program unlike any other

Explore the Program Guide in English

There are two tracks in the English Major

Literature

Writing

Wondering what you can do with a degree in English from PHC?

Check out these essays written by Dr. Steven Hake:

Still in high school?

Did you know that PHC offers a minor in English?

View the English Program Overview