English Minor
Strengthen your writing, critical thinking, and literary analysis skills while joining a vibrant literary community of readers, writers, and scholars. Through coursework and co-curricular opportunities, the English Minor helps students develop communication skills valued across virtually any profession.
Read deeply. Write clearly. Add critical communication skills to your degree.
Program Type: Minor
Total Credit Hours: 18 Credits
Open to: MCLA undergraduates majoring outside of English
Why Add an English Minor?
The English Minor develops writing, critical thinking, and literary analysis skills that prove valuable across a wide range of careers and professional settings. Students take courses drawn from the major’s core areas of literature, cultural studies, and creative writing while joining a collaborative community of readers, writers, and scholars.
A Vibrant Literary Community
Beyond the classroom, English Minor students join a vibrant literary community through open mics at local coffee shops, the student-run literary arts journal Spires, the Visiting Writers Series, and the annual Senior Writing Contest.
Writing Studio & Writing Associates
Students can train as Writing Associates in MCLA’s Writing Studio, gaining valuable teaching, tutoring, and mentorship experience while helping peers strengthen their writing.
Two Paths: Literature or Creative Writing
The English Minor draws from literature, cultural studies, and creative writing. Students seeking a fully creative focus can also pursue MCLA’s separate Creative Writing Minor.
English Minor Requirements
The English Minor requires 18 credits. Students complete:
- ENGL 151: Fundamentals of Literary Studies I: Reading and Imagination (3 credits)
- ENGL 152: Fundamentals of Literary Studies II: Interpretation and Methods (3 credits)
- Four additional English courses (12 credits)
The minor encourages students to explore courses from across the areas represented within the major, including literature, cultural studies, film, and creative writing.
Confirmed courses available
- ENGL 151: Fundamentals of Literary Studies I: Reading and Imagination
- ENGL 152: Fundamentals of Literary Studies II: Interpretation and Methods
- ENGL 210: Essentials of Film
- ENGL 351: The World of Shakespeare
- ENGL 394: Film and the Creative Writer
View the full English Minor course list in the MCLA catalog.
How to Add the English Minor
Enrolled MCLA students can add the English Minor by meeting with their academic advisor and selecting the required and elective courses that complete the 18-credit minor. Students should consult the English & Philosophy department regarding any course overlap policies with majors or other minors.
Who Can Add the English Minor?
The English Minor is open to MCLA undergraduates majoring outside of English.
Communications: Communications students already share intellectual ground with English students through
storytelling, writing, media, and culture. The minor formalizes this connection while
deepening literary and analytical skills.
History: History students strengthen critical reading, primary source analysis, and narrative
argumentation through English coursework, reinforcing the interpretive methods central
to historical scholarship.
Political Science: Political Science students sharpen rhetorical and analytical writing while exploring
cultural studies frameworks that complement the study of political ideas, power, and
public discourse.
Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST): Students designing individualized programs can use the English Minor to add a humanities
foundation and strengthen skills in research, interpretation, and communication.
Theatre: Theatre students who already work with narrative, character, and language in performance
can deepen their understanding of literature and dramatic storytelling through English
coursework. Theatre students frequently pair English study with performance-based
work.
Skills You Will Develop
Spotlight Courses
Faculty
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FAQs
No. The English Minor is intended for students majoring outside of English who want to add literary study, writing, and critical analysis to another field of study.
Yes. Spires welcomes submissions from students across the MCLA community, including English minors.
No. The minor begins with foundational courses that introduce literary analysis, interpretation, and critical reading.
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