Keene State College English Department

Students in the English major will study the historical development of literary and rhetorical traditions, of literatures written in English, as well as world and European literatures in English translation. The department stresses critical thinking, the analysis of texts, clear and effective writing, aesthetic appreciation, and theoretical sophistication. We value small class sizes and personal contact between faculty and students. English majors and minors can expect to work closely with their academic advisors to plan a course of study, and faculty work as mentors, guiding students to consider such opportunities as a semester of study abroad. In addition to fostering a lifelong appreciation of literature and language, a degree in English provides a range of personal and professional opportunities. Surveys of employers consistently stress the value of the skills we teach: the ability to communicate effectively with others, to think critically and creatively, to read carefully, and to write with clarity and purpose. KSC English majors have gone on to graduate and professional schools; they are working in the field of teaching; they work as writers; and they are employed in publishing, journalism, business, public relations, library science, and many other fields.