School of Humanities and Global Studies
English Literature Degree
Major
ENRICH YOUR CAREER WITH YOUR DEGREE IN ENGLISH LITERATURE AT UW-STEVENS POINT
Studying and responding to literature plays a crucial role in a liberal arts education that enables students to become active and aware participants in our complex culture. The English major equips students with skills that can lead to multiple career options.
English majors who graduate with teacher certification find teaching positions, even in difficult economic times. Non-teaching English majors will discover what many already know: the English major is highly adaptable. It gives students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of literature, refine their interpretive techniques, and develop critical thinking and communication skills they can apply in any occupation. Potential fields include advertising, public relations, insurance and publishing. The English major is also highly regarded as a pre-law track and as good preparation for an MBA program, as well as, of course further graduate studies in literature, writing or linguistics. The possibilities are endless!
Why Study English Literature at UW-Stevens Point?
English is a versatile field of study. The study of literature teaches empathy, helps us understand the human condition, allows us to better understand cultural diversity and history, and helps us interpret language. Every member of the English Department is a committed teacher and significant scholar with publications in their areas of expertise. Class sizes are small and advising is tailored to each UWSP student.
English Department Awards
The Department of English offers scholarships to currently enrolled students. Some scholarships require an application, and/or submission of an essay or poetry, and others are awarded by faculty nomination and committee vote. Students are notified of available scholarships in class, on posters, and via email at the beginning of the spring semester.
Meet Writer Pat Rothfuss
2015 Distinguished Alumnus
Pat Rothfuss, a native of Madison, Wisconsin, graduated from UW-Stevens Point in 2000 with a degree in English, after spending nine years there studying a great variety of things. After getting his master’s degree, he returned to UW-Stevens Point, teaching part time and working on his book. In March 2007 that book, The Name of the Wind, was published to great acclaim, winning the Quill Award and making the New York Times best-seller list. He still lives in Stevens Point with his family and enjoys playing with his sons and making mead. He’s published The Wise Man’s Fear and The Slow Regard of Silent Things, also New York Times best-sellers.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
The English program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point creates critical thinkers, strong communicators and savvy interpreters of literature. If you decide you’d like to declare a major or a minor in our department, come to Collins Classroom Center (CCC) 486 and do so. You’ll first be advised by the department chair, and then you will be assigned a faculty mentor or adviser to assist with your area of emphasis.
Internship Opportunities
Juniors and seniors may work as writing interns throughout central Wisconsin primarily at city newspapers and publishing houses. Some majors or writing minors might also travel to London, where they can intern with public relations firms, publishing houses, and professional organizations. Students might also serve as editorial interns for Cornerstone Press or The Midwest Review.
GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS
The English Department offers a range of student-centered activities, from guest speakers to creative writing workshops. Students develop their work in University Writers club and publish the best of it in Barney Street, an outstanding student-run literary magazine. Sigma Tau Delta, an international English Honor Society, is a service organization dedicated to promoting English-language literature in the university and the surrounding community.
More student group opportunities can be found on the Stevens Point Involvement Network (SPIN).
The English Department also offers opportunities for students to connect to the community beyond the boundaries of campus. The Life Stories Legacy Project connects students to community elders in order to tell their stories in published volumes.
Rising Voices Poetry Project connects students to area youth through poetry and writing activities.
English: Literature
Navigate Your Major
Major Maps help students map their first day to the first job in their chosen field. While a four-year plan outlines classes to get a degree, Major Maps help students learn how to build career-ready skills and experiences outside the classroom. Each Major Map shows how students can get the most of their UW-Stevens Point journey from enrollment to graduation and beyond. It’s a roadmap to discovering your purpose!
MEET YOUR FACULTY
We strive to provide individualized attention to our students through small class sizes. These connections help students further their interests and develop their strengths. Every member of the English Department is a dedicated teacher, as well as a scholar with publications in their areas of expertise.
Lauren Gantz
- Associate Professor
- Women’s and Gender Studies, Coordinator
715-346-2334
Robert Sirabian
- Professor
- College of Letters and Science Faculty Forum coordinator
School of Humanities and Global Studies