Overview
The English department offers courses in two main areas, Writing and Literature. Writing courses include instruction in how to write both research and personal essays; creative writing of poetry, creative nonfiction, or fiction; technical and business writing. Literature courses offer an opportunity to study poetry, novels, short stories, plays, and nonfiction that is considered great because of its universal message and artistic merit. Individual courses focus on literature written in English by British or American authors or on literature written in other languages that has been translated into English. Some courses concentrate on the study of masterpieces that have played an important role in our culture; others deal with more popular or immediate topics such as detective fiction or literature about the elderly.
For in-depth information on the English Degree, please consult: Majoring in English: A Guide for Undergraduate Students
Internship Opportunities for English Majors
Summer 2012
Wayne County Historical Museum (flexible schedule)
One of many possible projects is rewriting a genealogist’s book manuscript about Kentucky settlers in Indiana so that it becomes a children’s book appropriate for 4th-6th graders. The book is intended for local publication and distribution. Other projects involving professional writing (e.g., redesigning a brochure, drafting articles about museum artifacts) and archival research are available. This student intern must do good work in self-supervising situations.
The Palladium-Item (Richmond newspaper) (12-week internship preferred)
Writing and reporting for news, features, or sports, and/or work with photography (must provide own equipment). Managing editor and journalist are highly experienced with supervising and teaching student interns.
Wayne County Pro Bono Commission, Inc. (6-week internship preferred)
Pro-bono legal office. Professional writing, conducting initial screening interviews with clients. Attorney will closely supervise the student intern.
The above internships will be registered with the IU East internship office.
Careers with an English Degree
A degree in English will give you the skills and flexibility to succeed in today's workplace. English majors learn how to think critically, to analyze and synthesize, and to communicate thoughts and ideas effectively, whether verbally or on paper. English majors succeed in many fields, including:
- Advertising
- Business
- Communications (Editing and Writing)
- Education
- Financial Services
- Journalism
- Law
- Library Science
- Medicine
- Non-Profit Management
- Public Relations
- Publishing
- Sales
- Social Services
- Writing for publication
For more information on what you can do with an English degree, contact the Campus Career Center.
