Undergraduate
The English major and minor at Boston College build fundamental skills in close reading, literary analysis, and critical thinking through a wide range of courses. English students study major developments in British, American, anglophone, and multicultural literatures, exploring essential human issues through multiple periods, cultures, and approaches.
At a Glance
The Literature Core and First-Year Writing Seminar provide a robust foundation for future study in the liberal arts.
Enjoy the freedom to shape a program suited to your intellectual interests while sharpening your critical thinking, analysis, argumentation, and articulation.
English majors and minors are mentored by scholars and writers who are leaders in the contemporary study of literature.
Why Major in English?
"I chose »Ê¹Ú¹Ù꿉۪s English Program because of the robust course offerings and the relevancy of the professors. The diversity in specialties, along with the contemporary work being produced, was invaluable to me as a creative."
English Language Learning (ELL)
The Program for English Language Learning (ELL) supports undergraduate students from linguistically diverse backgrounds in their mastery of English. During their first year, students can take a linked sequence of two English courses that fulfill core requirements. Students place into the sequence after completing the English language assessment during the summer before their first year.
The fall ENGL 1009 First Year Writing Seminar for ELL (ENGL 1009) provides students with important linguistic support to meet the rhetorical and grammatical challenges they face in writing.Â
The spring Literature Core for ELL (ENGL 1079) builds on the skills learned in ENGL 1009 and provides students the opportunity to explore literature in a small group setting (limited to 15) as they continue to refine their English writing skills.
For those students in ENGL 1009 and 1079 sections in need of individualized language support, the ELL Writing Specialist Program pairs students with a trained specialist during the semester. Each student meets weekly with her specialist to discuss ongoing writing assignments. (Stud