English Spotlight
In Drew’s English program you will be immersed in the vitality of human language and explore the range of possibilities for literary expression across time. You’ll watch how literary artists awaken feeling and transform culture. You’ll gain expertise in facing unfamiliar texts and broaden the kinds of questions that you will be able to ask about literature. You’ll emerge from the major knowing many authors and books that others don’t know, and you will have the chance to look at writers’ drafts and meet living writers who come to campus.
The Drew English program also allows students to chart their own paths. You can combine creative writing and the study of literature; follow the development of a genre (such as the novel, poetry or drama); study a period in depth (whether that’s medieval or 20th century); focus on race and ethnicity or gender studies and literature; focus on literature in English from the Caribbean or India; combine theatre, visual arts, philosophy or religious studies and literature. The Drew London Semester is wildly popular (prominent members of London’s literary scene are often guest speakers in the program’s courses).
The number of required courses for the major is kept at a minimum so that students can explore other subjects such as Russian literature in translation, philosophy, theatre, art history, music, anthropology and other fields that enrich your knowledge of literature. Graduates from the program are currently working as spokespersons for nonprofit organizations, editors, high school and college teachers, information and technology experts, college administrators, ministers, lawyers and journalists.
Meet Our Majors
Major | English
"The people at Drew really are amazing: passionate and creative. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to get to know them and work with them. Especially the English department faculty—there were times when I felt more like a colleague than a student, and that was wonderful." - Read more
Major | English and French
"I love theatre—seeing it and being in it—and I always knew I wanted to take courses on Renaissance drama. The medieval literature courses, however, were not something I had foreseen taking. From my first course in that area, my interest in linguistics was sparked." - Read more
Major | English and Theatre Arts
"My first year I was in constant turmoil over whether to major in English or theatre arts, until I decided to go for it and do both. I just followed my heart and did what I love—I couldn’t be happier." - Read more
Major | English
"Coming to Drew from high school, it was a new experience to have a professor who treated us not as students but as interesting people to have intellectual conversations with." - Read more
Major | English
"My English professors have changed the way I view everything. In the very first English class I had at Drew, my professor showed me how to examine things with a slant. Since that course, I can’t read anything without watching the narrator with distance and suspicion, which is essential to being both a close reader and writer." - Read more
Major | Political Science
"If I had written a personal ad seeking my ideal college, it would have read, “High school student seeks small, liberal arts school with excellent, personable professors; must have terrific political science and writing programs and a reputable student-run newspaper; close proximity to a major city essential.” Drew fits that description to a T." - Read more