Studying English at Claflin, you'll benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty and a variety of opportunities to showcase your talents. Our dynamic program will prepare you for a professional career and provide a solid academic foundation for furthering your education in graduate school.
Curriculum
A degree in English is one of the most versatile majors available for students interested in developing written and oral communication skills. As an English major at Claflin, you will explore many genres of literature, from the works of noted African-American writers to William Shakespeare. Coursework includes classes like Literary Genres and Analysis, Advanced Composition, The American Novel, Shakespeare, Major Black Writers and Literary Criticism. You'll be given the opportunity to choose your courses based on areas of interest, such as literature, creative writing, film or history, while honing your techniques in writing, grammar and composition.
English majors at Claflin can choose a concentration in Creative Writing to further develop written communication skills. Coursework in the Creative Writing concentration includes Advanced Fiction Writing, Advanced Poetry Writing and Advanced Creative Nonfiction Writing workshops.
Student Opportunities and Experience
As an English majors, you'll have the opportunity to complete internships and gain real-world experience in your chosen field. You can also choose to complete minors from other departments to increase your marketability when you graduate. Our students are encouraged to present their undergraduate research at conferences.
Qualified students may join the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society, which inducts new members twice a year. Department majors, honors students and others gain valuable experiences working on the Department’s publication, The Tatler newsletter. All English majors are encouraged to support the CLAFS (Claflin University Literary Arts and Film Society) lecture series and other programs.
Careers and Outcomes
English majors have many doors open to them after graduation. Each year, a number of English graduates from Claflin enter law school and graduate school in such areas as business, history, philosophy, government, public relations, journalism, publishing and college administration. Our recent alumni include attorneys, university professors, high school teachers, guidance counselors, speech pathologists, librarians, journalists, and employees in federal government, corporate and non-profit sectors. English majors find themselves in increasing demand in business and corporate management, state and national government, sales, trade and corporate publishing, and public and media relations.
Admissions Requirements
Students may declare their majors as freshmen when they are admitted to Claflin University. Students may also transfer into the English major or English Education major during their sophomore, junior or senior year.