English

Major Map: B.A. English

Welcome to the discipline of English. As scholars and professors the goal of the faculty is to prepare students for graduate level work and other opportunities that support a higher level of communication and expression in an ever changing world. The discipline strengthens and supports academic excellence while facilitating student’s scholarly development through other key areas of the university. English faculty are responsible for the Women and Gender Studies, the English Honors Society, Mentorship in the UNCF Mays Mellon Undergraduate Program for interested Ph.D. students, the University Writing Center, The Fisk Forum, and the English Club.

The program in English has three main goals. For the student who chooses to major in English, the Department seeks to offer the knowledge and skills necessary for pursuing graduate studies, and for careers in teaching and in the many other professions that depend on writing and literary ability. For both majors and non-majors, the Department seeks to provide opportunities for the intellectual and imaginative development afforded by the study of language and literature. The department also seeks to preserve and promote the study of the literary heritage of African Americans.

Students who complete the program in English will be able to:

    • Identify major writers in the history of English and American literature;
    • Recognize the African American literary tradition;
    • Understand the skills and strategies for interpreting literature;
    • Write effectively;
    • Understand the relationship of literature with other humanities disciplines; and
    • Demonstrate awareness of the role of literature in society and of the opportunities for graduate studies and careers in literature, writing, and other areas in which a literary and writing background is advantageous.

GET THE COURSES YOU NEED

CORE 150 and CORE 160 One Possible English elective
ENG 180S Black Short Story
ENG 180H Bible as Literature
ENG 220 and 222 /4 /6 American Literature and American Literature – Figure/ Period/ Genre
ENG 275 African American Literature
ENG 276 Harlem Renaissance
   
For Gender Studies Minors:  
HSS 250 Intro to Gender Studies
  One Gender Studies elective
   
For African American Studies Minors:  
HIS 270 African American History
ENG 276 Harlem Renaissance
PSCI 245 African American Political Thought
PSCI 254 Politics in the Black Community

 

ENG 330 and 332/4/6 British Literature and British Literature – Figure/Period/Genre
ENG 265 Shakespeare
   
For Gender Studies Minors:  
One Gender Studies elective  
   
For African American Studies Minors:  
(if not taken the previous year) PSCI 254 African American Political Thought
PSCI 254 Politics in the Black Community
   
One African American Studies elective  
English electives (for 12 credit hours total over the course of 4 years)  
ENG 480 Senior Seminar (suggested)
   
For Gender Studies Minors:  
One Gender Studies elective  
   
For African American Studies Minors:  
One African American Studies elective  

 

GET RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

  • Get involved in student groups and publications: the literary magazine, GO! Poetry, Creative Writing Group, OUT:loud
  • For required first-year volunteer hours, volunteer at the Art Gallery or Library for experience.
  • Write drafts of a resume and CV, in consultation with your academic advisor and Career Services.
  • Complete on-line assessment to ascertain career interests. Discuss these with your academic advisor and staff in the Office of Career Planning and Development. Self-assessments also available through CareerOneStop.org. One of the five assessment tools matches strengths with occupations.
  • Consider presenting at the Fisk Research Symposium.
  • Meet with Career Services and advisor to identify potential internships.
  • Participate in Career Development Workshops, particularly the LinkedIn session and discipline specific sessions.
  • Apply for summer internships, fellowships, employment opportunities.
  • Attend Industry Expo for internship opportunities.
  • Shadow professionals in field of interest.
  • Conduct informational interviews in employment sector(s) of interest.
  • Select part-time jobs in field of interest.
  • Attend conferences of professional associations or local conferences of interest (OUT in Front, Southern Festival of Books, National Association of African American Honors Societies).
  • If interested in writing, begin creating a portfolio, maintaining a blog, or anything to collect your writing and writing samples.
  • Get involved in student groups and publications: the literary magazine, GO! Poetry, Creative Writing Group, OUT:loud
  • Update your resume and CV.
  • Work in the University Writing Center to improve writing and tutorial skills, as well as to gain experience with teaching and tutoring.
  • Look for volunteer or internship opportunities in your field (EX: WFSK radio station, the Library, the Art Gallery).
  • Consider presenting at the Fisk Research Symposium.
  • Meet with Career Services and advisor to identify potential internships.
  • Participate in Career Development Workshops, particularly the LinkedIn session and discipline specific sessions.
  • Apply for summer internships, fellowships, employment opportunities.
  • Attend Industry Expo for internship opportunities.
  • Shadow professionals in field of interest.
  • Conduct informational interviews in employment sector(s) of interest.
  • Select part-time jobs in field of interest.
  • Attend conferences of professional associations or local conferences of interest (OUT in Front, Southern Festival of Books, National Association of African American Honors Societies).
  • Maintain your writing portfolio, blog, or anything that collects your writing and writing samples.
  • Start working on and submitting materials for publishing opportunities.
  • Update your resume and CV.
  • Get involved in student groups and publications: the literary magazine, GO! Poetry, Creative Writing Group, OUT:loud
  • Work in the University Writing Center.
  • Enroll in the English Practicum in Communications course, an internship with a local organization which will earn course credit.
  • Present at the Fisk Research Symposium.
  • Look for volunteer or internship opportunities in your field (EX: WFSK radio station, the Library, the Art Gallery).
  • Meet with Career Services and advisor to identify potential internships.
  • Participate in Career Development Workshops, particularly the LinkedIn session and discipline specific sessions.
  • Apply for summer internships, fellowships, employment opportunities (Ex: Leadership Alliance, SROP).
  • Attend Industry Expo for internship opportunities.
  • Shadow professionals in field of interest.
  • Conduct informational interviews in employment sector(s) of interest.
  • Select part-time jobs in field of interest.
  • Attend conferences of professional associations or local conferences of interest (OUT in Front, Southern Festival of Books, National Association of African American Honors Societies).
  • Maintain your writing portfolio, blog, or anything that collects your writing and writing samples.
  • Continue working on and submitting materials for publishing opportunities.
  • Update your resume and CV.
  • Enroll in the English Senior Seminar course for experience in applying to graduate school and professionalization.
  • Enroll in the English Practicum in Communications course, an internship with a local organization which will earn course credit.
  • Present at the Fisk Research Symposium.
  • Meet with Career Services and advisor to identify potential internships.
  • Participate in Career Development Workshops, particularly the LinkedIn session and discipline specific sessions.
  • Apply for internships, fellowships, employment opportunities (Ex: Teach for America, Relay programs, Peace Corps).
  • Apply for graduate school in the Fall
  • Attend Industry Expo for internship opportunities.
  • Shadow professionals in field of interest.
  • Attend conferences of professional associations or local conferences of interest (OUT in Front, Southern Festival of Books, National Association of African American Honors Societies).
  • Compile your writing portfolio, blog, or anything that collects your writing and writing samples.
  • Continue working on and submitting materials for publishing opportunities.

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY

  • Participate in Service Day during New Student Orientation, Homecoming, and the MLK Day of Service.
  • Take advantage of service learning opportunities offered in courses (e.g., Core 100) and as scholarship requirements.
  • Apply for the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors program and participate in their offered activities and programs.
  • Join student organizations with community outreach programs (EX: OUT:loud, the Gender Studies program, Sigma Tau Delta). Attend student organization events to become acquainted with student organizations. Meet with staff in Office of Leadership and Service for list of student organizations.
  • Frequently check Fisk e-mail for news of volunteer opportunities shared by faculty/advisors and by the Office of Leadership and Service.
  • Volunteer as a tutor with on-campus entities (e.g., the Writing Center, AESP, THRUST, or GUSTO).
  • Participate in Service Day during New Student Orientation, Homecoming, and the MLK Day of Service.
  • Take advantage of service learning opportunities offered in courses (e.g., Core 100) and as scholarship requirements.
  • Apply for the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors program and participate in their offered activities and programs.
  • Join student organizations with community outreach programs (EX: OUT:loud, the Gender Studies program, Sigma Tau Delta). Attend student organization events to become acquainted with student organizations. Meet with staff in Office of Leadership and Service for list of student organizations.
  • Frequently check Fisk e-mail for news of volunteer opportunities shared by faculty/advisors and by the Office of Leadership and Service.
  • Volunteer as a tutor with on-campus entities (e.g., the Writing Center, AESP, THRUST, or GUSTO).
  • Participate in Service Day during New Student Orientation, Homecoming, and the MLK Day of Service.
  • Take advantage of service learning opportunities offered in courses (e.g., Core 100) and as scholarship requirements.
  • Apply for the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors program and participate in their offered activities and programs.
  • Join student organizations with community outreach programs (EX: OUT:loud, the Gender Studies program, Sigma Tau Delta). Attend student organization events to become acquainted with student organizations. Meet with staff in Office of Leadership and Service for list of student organizations.
  • Frequently check Fisk e-mail for news of volunteer opportunities shared by faculty/advisors and by the Office of Leadership and Service.
  • Volunteer as a tutor with on-campus entities (e.g., the Writing Center, AESP, THRUST, or GUSTO).
  • Participate in Service Day during New Student Orientation, Homecoming, and the MLK Day of Service.
  • Take advantage of service learning opportunities offered in courses (e.g., Core 100) and as scholarship requirements.
  • Apply for the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors program and participate in their offered activities and programs.
  • Join student organizations with community outreach programs (EX: OUT:loud, the Gender Studies program, Sigma Tau Delta). Attend student organization events to become acquainted with student organizations. Meet with staff in Office of Leadership and Service for list of student organizations.
  • Frequently check Fisk e-mail for news of volunteer opportunities shared by faculty/advisors and by the Office of Leadership and Service.
  • Volunteer as a tutor with on-campus entities (e.g., the Writing Center, AESP, THRUST, or GUSTO).

GET THINKING GLOBALLY

  • Begin foreign language course requirements (placement examination determines beginning course)
  • Begin planning potential study abroad (see staff in Office of Global Initiatives).
  • Be intentional in interacting with international students and students from other subcultures.
  • Pay close attention to textbooks and lectures offering cross-cultural comparisons.
  • Begin foreign language course requirements (placement examination determines beginning course)
  • Begin planning potential study abroad (see staff in Office of Global Initiatives).
  • Be intentional in interacting with international students and students from other subcultures.
  • Pay close attention to textbooks and lectures offering cross-cultural comparisons.
  • Finalize arrangements for study abroad (see staff in Office of Global Initiatives). Meet with advisor to ensure courses earned abroad will meet student course requirements for general studies, electives, and major.
  • Be intentional in interacting with international students and students from other subcultures.
  • Pay close attention to textbooks and lectures offering cross-cultural comparisons.
  • Be intentional in interacting with international students and students from other subcultures.
  • Pay close attention to textbooks and lectures offering cross-cultural comparisons.
  • Consider graduate study abroad.
  • Apply for Fulbright programs.
  • Consider teaching English abroad.

GET READY FOR LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

  • Participate in Career Development Workshops, particularly the LinkedIn session and discipline specific sessions.
  • Participate in graduate school or professionalization workshops through the English department or Honors Program.
  • Begin making connections with alumni, current Fisk students with interests that overlap with yours.
  • Explore resources for undergraduate students offered by the Modern Language Association, College Language Association, American Studies Association, Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Tau Delta.
  • Consider student membership in the MLA, CLA, ASA, etc.
  • Consult with English advisor and Career Services about potential career opportunities.
  • Participate in Career Development Workshops, particularly the LinkedIn session and discipline specific sessions.
  • Participate in graduate school or professionalization workshops through the English department or Honors Program.
  • Make connections with alumni, current Fisk students with interests that overlap with yours.
  • Apply for EXCEL program offering professional development opportunities for sophomores with GPAs of 2.8 or higher.
  • Explore resources for undergraduate students offered by the Modern Language Association, College Language Association, American Studies Association, Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Tau Delta.
  • Consider student membership in the MLA, CLA, ASA, etc.
  • Consult with English advisor and Career Services about potential career opportunities.
  • Browse job listings: Idealist.org; CareerOneStop.org; USAJobs.gov; CollegeGrad.com; state employment websites; Center for Nonprofit Management (nonprofit positions); bookjobs.com and publishersweekly.com (for publishing)
  • Participate in Career Development Workshops, particularly the LinkedIn session and discipline specific sessions.
  • Participate in graduate school or professionalization workshops through the English department or Honors Program.
  • Make connections with alumni, current Fisk students with interests that overlap with yours.
  • Attend Industry Expo to meet with graduate school recruiters.
  • Research graduate or professional schools in conjunction with your major advisor.
  • Begin preparing application materials (writing samples, personal statements, research essays, CVs) for graduate schools.
  • Begin preparing application materials (writing samples/portfolio, cover letters, resumes) for job applications.
  • Explore resources for undergraduate students offered by the Modern Language Association, College Language Association, American Studies Association, Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Tau Delta.
  • Consider student membership in the MLA, CLA, ASA, etc.
  • Consult with English advisor and Career Services about potential career opportunities.
  • Browse job listings: Idealist.org; CareerOneStop.org; USAJobs.gov; CollegeGrad.com; state employment websites; Center for Nonprofit Management (nonprofit positions); bookjobs.com and publishersweekly.com (for publishing)
  • Consult with English advisor and Career Services about potential career opportunities.
  • Make connections with alumni, current Fisk students with interests that overlap with yours.
  • Attend Industry Expo to meet with graduate school recruiters.
  • Participate in Career Development Workshops, particularly the LinkedIn session and discipline specific sessions.
  • Participate in graduate school or professionalization workshops through the English department or Honors Program.
  • Present your senior thesis or Honors thesis at regional and local symposia. Compete in undergraduate paper competitions.
  • Prepare for and take Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or other professional examination (e.g., LSAT).
  • (in the Fall) Apply for graduate or professional school. Have personal statement reviewed by staff in Writing Center and Office of Career Planning and Development, and sociology faculty/advisor. Request letters of recommendation from faculty members (be sure to give plenty of advance notice of deadlines).
  • Explore resources for undergraduate students offered by the Modern Language Association, College Language Association, American Studies Association, Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Tau Delta.
  • Consider student membership in the MLA, CLA, ASA, etc.
  • Browse job listings: Idealist.org; CareerOneStop.org; USAJobs.gov; CollegeGrad.com; state employment websites; Center for Nonprofit Management (nonprofit positions); bookjobs.com and publishersweekly.com (for publishing)

WHERE COULD I GO AFTER GRADUATION?

Advertising
Archives
Broadcasting (radio, TV, etc.)
Business and professional writing
Communications
Consulting
Consumer services

Copyright law
Copywriting
Corporate training/development
Diplomatic service
Editing
Education (including English as a second language and teaching abroad)
Foreign service
Government service

Human resources
Immigration services
Journalism
Libraries/library science
Linguistics
Marketing
Media – electronic and print
Nonprofit work

Public service and administration
Public relations
Publishing
Social work
Speech and language therapy
Technical writing
Translation
Travel and tourism