Introductory Courses

Introductory Courses (courses numbered from 100 to 294) are designed for non-majors, prospective English majors, and declared majors as well.  With the exception of 200-level creative writing courses, these courses have no prerequisites.

Upper-level Courses

Literature courses numbered 300 and above (upper-level courses) require prior completion of one Foundations course and another 6-credit English course.

Critical Methods 

English 295, “Critical Methods,” requires prior completion of one Foundations course and another 6-credit English course. (English 295 is not open to first-year students.)

Advanced Seminars 

English 395, “Advanced Seminar,” requires prior completion of English 295 and one 300-level course.

Creative Writing 

English 160, “Introduction to Creative Writing,” is open to all students.  Intermediate courses in creative writing (200-level) require prior completion of one 6-credit English course; admission to upper-level courses in creative writing (300-level) is by portfolio submission.  See Creative Writing Links below.

Creative Writing: Courses and Contests

Looking Ahead to Careers

The English Major is a valuable asset in many walks of life.  Carleton English Majors have gone on to enjoy successful careers in business, advertising, law, medicine, education, public policy, publishing, and the media.  

Students are encouraged to meet with the Department’s Career Advisor, Professor Nancy Cho, to learn more about what English Majors are currently doing, about opportunities for intern-and externships, and about how to start thinking about a career path.

The English Department also works closely with the Career Center to bring guests, particularly Carleton Alumni, to campus for career presentations of interest to English Majors.  The Center also alerts the Department to relevant fellowships and internships for which majors may want to apply.

Public School Teaching

Students wishing to prepare for public school teaching should consult with the chair of the department and the Department of Educational Studies as soon as possible.

Law and Medicine

Many English Majors go into the professions of law or medicine.   Students considering doing so should consult with the college’s Pre-Law or Pre-Med advisor.

Journalism and Publishing:

After receiving a B.A. degree, students can obtain an M.A. in journalism after one year in a professional school. Many newspaper and magazine editors prefer to employ beginners with experience on college publications and a broad liberal arts education.

Students who wish to become journalists are advised to take courses in economics, history, political science and English. Prospective journalists are strongly advised to write for The Carletonian and for other campus publications, to work for other newspapers and magazines during the summer, and to seek out internships on newspapers and magazines and in publishing houses, all of which offer ample opportunity for students to obtain practical experience.

During the 2012-13 academic year, Spring Term, Carleton students will have the opportunity to take a journalism course at Carleton taught by Doug McGill of the The McGill Report. The title of the course is "ENGL 272: Truth and Power: A Journey in Journalism."