Why Study Literature?

Patrick Morrissey of the University of Chicago’s English Department teaches the “Poetry and the Human” class at the Smart Museum of Art’s “Poetry is Everything” Photo by JasonSmith.com

Why study literature? Because the English Major is the Swiss Army Knife of university majors. An English degree will prepare you for any number of specialized careers: law, medicine, business, marketing, media, tech. But it will also give you skills that are infinitely transportable, allowing you to approach your career with flexibility and respond to the complexities and challenges of today’s job market.

 

English courses also teach you how to ask good questions

If you have questions about the major or our program requirements, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Prof. Benjamin Saltzman or, better, drop by his Autumn 2024 office hours: Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00-3:00 in Walker 518. 

typewriter dig and discover

Just declared an English Major?

For those who have recently declared a major in English, congratulations! If you haven't already done so, please subscribe to the "The Dirt" (the English Department undergraduate newsletter) for updates on departmental events, news, deadlines, courses, and student opportunities - plus an occasional spadeful of literary loam.