Why Major in English
Declaring the Major
The English Major
The American Lit. & Culture Major
The English Minor
Vice Chair for Undergraduate Studies
Undergraduate Counseling Office
Petitioning
Graduating
Course Listings
English 195: Community Internship
English 197/199: Individual Studies
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Subject Matter Waiver Program
    for Future Teachers
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Information for Prospective Students

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Course Websites (eCampus)
myUCLA

English Undergraduate Counseling
310.825.1389
158 Humanities Building
undergraduate [at] english (dot) ucla (dot) edu

Why Major in English or American Literature & Culture?

The answers to this question are as varied and complex as our students themselves; that may be the greatest single virtue of the major. Among the most common reasons are:

• An enthusiasm for imaginative literature;

• A desire to become a more proficient and intelligent reader and writer;

• A conviction that a deeper, broader understanding of culture is important.

Apart from the inherent rewards of studying literature, a degree in English or American Literature & Culture offers intensive training in skills essential in the modern job market, training that is rarely offered by other fields of study. The major also aspires to nurture the kinds of thoughtfulness essential for an intelligent, diverse, and harmonious society, a society that appreciates traditions without following them blindly. The reading and writing in the major:

• Develops the ability to think critically and creatively, and to express ideas clearly and forcefully;

• Provides a detailed knowledge of several cultural traditions;

• Offers exposure to many related areas of study, including history, psychology, philosophy, linguistics, sociology, art history, and religious studies;

• Prepares students for graduate and professional work in a wide variety of fields.

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