English Language & Literature Curriculum

Communication is critical in all aspects of life, and the ability to express oneself both orally and on paper in a business situation is absolutely essential. This fact has made English language and Literature graduate curricula important and popular choices for students throughout the entire world. Since English is the second-most widely spoken language on the planet (behind only Mandarin Chinese, thanks to 1.8 billion Chinese residents), it is imperative that all aspects of the language and its literature are studied understood.

English is also one of the most common second languages learned by people around the globe. Students who take courses in English language and Literature have a unique opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they learn to an array of different careers. No matter what you want to get into it, a graduate degree in English can help you succeed.

The English language and Literature curriculum helps students hone their communication skills, which also gives them an advantage once graduation comes and goes and the “real world” takes over. Students will study literature and literary theory as they engage in a great deal of reading, writing and research. English language and literature courses will familiarize students with the history, structure and evolution of the English language.

Students will discover that the English language and literature curriculum is interdisciplinary, as it includes fields such as humanities, history, linguistics, sociology, and politics. And other fields that may be covered include philosophy, theology, and foreign languages.

Because the English language has been in existence for so long, and its literature is in such abundance and so varied, there are many areas on which students can focus, including such English language and literature concentrations as:

• Creative Writing
• Children’s Literature
• Education/Pedagogy in English
• Composition and Rhetoric
• Linguistics
• American or British Literature

Students may also decide to plan their English language and literature courses around a concentration on a certain era, culture or author. Other English language and literature concentrations include gay and lesbian studies, women’s literature, journalism or publishing.

Masters and PhD degrees in English language and Literature enable students to develop and rely on their critical thinking skills. Many English language and literature courses are based on readings and drawing logical conclusions, as well as comparisons among a variety of genres and texts. These skills are required in business settings, and English majors often have an advantage over those with other degrees.

The English language and literature courses students take will depend on the concentration they choose. Courses may include comparative literature, composition, cultural studies, feminism and folklore. Genres covered can include drama, poetry, novels, satire, plays, fiction, non-fiction, science fiction and short stories.

Authors covered in an English language and literature curriculum may include Shakespeare, Chaucer, Melville, Hemingway, Dickinson, Frost, Austen, and Milton, or any list of newer classics. Students may study colonial literature, modern and classical language, and aesthetic theory as well. They will write their own work and read the work of fellow students in frequent writing workshops.

Other English language and literature courses will likely touch on narrative, verse, research and descriptive writing; and on issues such as gender, sexual identity, ethnicity, race and family life, as they relate to language and literature. Perhaps most importantly, English language and Literature curricula will teach students to analyze, explicate and criticize literature and other forms of writing—abilities that are priceless in several career fields.

Careers in English language and literature

English language and literature students are not only exposed to some of the world’s best and well-known authors, but they also learn valuable and practical tools for the business world, which gives them a greater perspective and appreciation for the environment in which they live. English language and literature courses prepare students to communicate effectively, whether verbally or in writing.

Students may earn a masters of art (MA), masters of fine art (MFA) or PhD degree in English language and literature, depending on the program chosen. Those who choose an English language and literature career as a secondary English teacher can earn an average annual salary of $44,000. English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers can earn about $45,000 a year, while writers or authors can expect to make an average of $52,000.

English language and literature careers as editors can earn one $54,000, while public relations specialists can make an average annual salary of $58,000. Some choose to parlay their English language and literature masters or PhD degrees into careers as librarians, in which they can take in an average of $61,000. Those entering English language and literature careers as technical writers may earn an average of $62,000 annually.

Students who earn a PhD degree in English language and literature can become publishers who earn an average annual salary of $80,000. Those who wish to teach in the field on a college or university level can become professors who earn about $72,000 per year.

While many students in English language and literature curricula aim to become educators in the field, one must keep in mind that companies in nearly all sectors have a need for professionals that can convey company messages and information effectively, both verbally and in written form. The demand for professionals with training from an English language and Literature curricula will be high for years to come.

So start realizing all the avenues that will be open to you with such a degree and find the right program for you.