English (HEG)
The Discipline and the Major
Read closely. Think critically. Write clearly. The English major fosters these skills through the study of literature from the past and the present across the globe. Class sessions in the English major unfold primarily as directed discussions that build connections between the texts that midshipmen study in the classroom and the world outside. The major consists of ten courses, including a 200-level introduction to literary theories and methods; two courses satisfying the historical breadth requirement; one course satisfying the cultural breadth requirement; and a culminating capstone seminar on one of a variety of topics ranging from a literary problem or period to an author or genre. Through their choice of courses and the opportunity for independent study projects, English majors can tailor their course of study to concentrate on literary periods, genres, or creative and professional writing. Students who excel in the major may pursue an honors degree. In this case, the capstone seminar is replaced with two focused seminars in advanced topics, one involving an interdisciplinary approach to a topic in literature and the arts (for example, “Satire from A Modest Proposal to The Daily Show ”) and the second offering specialized study of a particular literary figure, period, or problem (for example, “Tex-Mex Literature”).
Opportunities
English majors have the chance to hone communication skills that prove invaluable to Navy and Marine Corps officers. Leaders need to think critically and communicate effectively, and much of that communication is done in writing. English majors enjoy unique opportunities and experiences in the classroom and beyond. Students often call on the expertise of faculty members to direct them in independent studies focused on an area of special interest. They are also involved in essay, poetry, and playwriting competitions, as well as writing for, editing, and publishing the Labyrinth , the USNA literary magazine. Those who enjoy acting and other aspects of theater can take advantage of the Masqueraders , the oldest ECA on the Yard and a highly regarded drama group that offers a major production each year. Many English majors volunteer to serve as peer tutors in the Writing Center. English majors participate in study abroad programs and summer internships, and they are successful in earning scholarships for graduate education in various disciplines. Upon commissioning, English majors join all service communities. They become Medical Corps officers, pilots, SEALs, submariners, surface warfare officers, and Marines. Their training in the English major enables them to succeed in a variety of situations, whether advising leaders on matters of public affairs or educating an entire elite squadron on the intricacies of helicopter systems. In civilian life, English majors can be found working in business, government, law, education, journalism, publishing, the defense industry, and non-profit organizations.
Considerations for those who might be interested in this major
All types of students succeed in the English major. However, those who like to read actively and write persuasively and are fascinated by the dynamics of human behavior end up getting the most out of the major and performing well in it. English majors become experts in communication in the broadest sense. They read literary works in a variety of styles and forms and from a variety of historical periods and places around the world. They think critically about culture, identity, and representation. They write about complex ideas with precision and clarity.
