Define Your Direction
Develop your voice as a writer while honing your research, editing, and storytelling skills. You’ll craft original stories, poems, plays, and both critical and personal essays, guided by faculty who are experienced writers themselves.
Explore literature through historical and cultural lenses to understand how generations of writers have expressed enduring ideas, ideals, and human experiences. You’ll engage deeply with texts that shape and reflect society.
Your Future, Wide Open
Alexa Schwartz
English, '24
Alexa was one of five Connecticut student poets elected to tour and read their poetry at universities and other venues throughout the state after being selected for Connecticut's Poetry Circuit student tour. Alexa says she was inspired to enter the poetry contest because she was drawn to the prospect sharing her poetry.
In addition, Alexa has written plays, as well as fiction and non-fiction, and one of her plays won third prize in the English Department’s annual writing contest. She currently attends Queen Mary University of London and studies in its prestigious English literature program for theatre and performance.
I appreciate the entire English Department for their support, whether it be in feedback, recommendation letters or conferences, the Department has provided tremendous support for me and my writing.
Degree Requirements
18 Course Credits
You select one of the following courses:- Introduction to American Literature
- Introduction to British Literature
- Introduction to Mythology and Literature
- Introduction to Dramatic Literature
And one course from the following:
- Introduction to African American Literature
- Introduction to Latin American Literature
- Introduction to Caribbean Literature
- Introduction to Women’s Literature
- Introduction to LGBTQ + Literature
18 Course Credits
You complete one course in language/professional writing/grammar, and four writing workshops. Examples include:
- Creative Writing: Poetry
- Creative Writing: Fiction
- Creative Non-Fiction
- Playwriting
You also select a literature elective course. For more information, and to see a complete list of Creative Writing Concentration requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
18 Course Credits
You complete one of the following courses in language/professional writing/grammar.- Reports, Proposals, and Grants
- Contemporary English Grammar
- History of the English Language
Five literature courses are also required at the 300 and 400 level, and a minimum of two of the five must be taken from the following pre-1900 literature courses:
- Dante’s Divine Comedy
- Myth, Legend, and Folklore
- Shakespeare
- The Development of Theatre
18 Course Credits
A minor in English pairs well with majors in business, psychology, history, education, communications, and even STEM. It can prepare you for careers in marketing, communications, publishing, education, law, or any field requiring strong writing and analytical skills.You take six English elective courses.
For more information, and to see a complete list of English minor requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
18 Course Credits
Pair your major with a minor in creative writing to complement any area of study. You take Introduction to Creative Writing along with one additional literature course, plus three upper-level writing workshops. Examples include:
- Creative Writing: Poetry
- Playwriting
- Advanced Nonfiction Workshop
- Creative Nonfiction
- Manifest an ability to read and understand a wide variety of literary texts.
- Express themselves, whether in their interpretations of literature or in their own creative writing, with clarity, subtlety, and originality.
- Use the vocabulary of literary criticism effectively and confidently.
- Display a broad knowledge of the relationships of literature to historic and/or cultural contexts.
Accelerated 3+1 BA in English and MBA Program
Fast-track your future with our 3+1 BA in English and MBA program—earn both degrees in just four years! Whether you focus on Creative Writing or Literature, you’ll develop exceptional communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills in the College of Arts and Sciences, then gain the business knowledge and leadership experience of UHart’s Barney School of Business. This unique program gives you a powerful combination of creative and professional expertise—helping you stand out in today’s job market—while saving both time and money.If you have questions about the program and course schedule, contact Professor and English and Modern Languages Department Chair Bryan Sinche at sinche@hartford.edu.
Kimmie Martinez ‘21, EnglishThe professors’ passion for English is contagious. They show us how literature is all around us, and creativity is a window to the soul. I feel so happy to have begun my English experience here.
Meet Your Faculty
English and Modern Languages