Bachelor of Arts in EnglishHenry Predolin School of Nursing, Business, Education, and Health Sciences

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Amplify Your Voice: Explore Humanity, Culture, and Society

Through the Bachelor of Arts in English program at Edgewood College, you will expand your understanding of the complexity and diversity of the world, fostering a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of human existence, while honing your skills in analysis, writing, research, and digital environments. This program allows you to explore creativity, empathy, self-reflection, and your own personal search for truth and meaning, all while learning skills employers consider essential to long-term career success such as written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, ethical judgment, and working effectively in teams.

Opting to study English is not just a practical choice but also a profound commitment to pursue the deeper truths. Throughout your academic journey, you will delve into novels rather than textbooks while developing analytical skills and the art of self-expression. Explore perspectives from diverse times and places through our innovative curriculum, broadening your worldview. Graduate with an education that will continue to enhance your life, indefinitely.

Dedicated to fostering scholarly and academic excellence, the faculty at Edgewood College equip students to stretch beyond the words as they become well-informed citizens, astute critical thinkers, and proficient communicators poised to embrace the opportunities of an ever-evolving world. Alumni of the English program have built successful careers across diverse fields, including nonprofit organizations, government, marketing, journalism, education, library science, public relations, and professional writing.

Locations
Madison, WI

Formats
On-campus

Number of Credits
120

Next Start Date
January 21, 2025

Concentrations Offered

As an English major, students can choose to pursue the general program, which offers a comprehensive study of literature, or follow one of our three specialized concentrations that allow students to engage in more focused, in-depth exploration.

Creative Writing

The Creative Writing concentration in English provides a workshop setting for one’s own creative efforts in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction while also providing a substantial background in the study of literature.

Journalism

The Journalism concentration in English offers students an opportunity to prepare for jobs in journalism or other writing careers while still pursuing a foundational education in the humanities.

Teaching

The Teaching concentration in English prepares students specifically for teaching at the middle school through secondary levels.

Locations
Madison, WI

Formats
On-campus

Number of Credits
120

Next Start Date
January 21, 2025

Careers within English

$80,050

Average annual salary for a Technical Writer

Projected employment growth rate, from 2022-2032

Bureau of Labor Statistics

A bachelor’s degree in English prepares you for a variety of career paths. Those marked with an asterisk (*) require a graduate level degree.

Content Creator/Producer
Copywriter
Digital Marketing Specialist
Editor
Education Administrator*
English Teacher
Freelance Writer
Grant Writer
Journalist/Reporter
Librarian*
Marketing Manager
Media Analyst
Technical Writer
Writer/Author

English Student Spotlight

Anna Hansen ‘21

Bachelor of Arts in English, Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies, Breaking News and Crime Enterprise Reporter for the Wisconsin State-Journal

“It was an English class I initially dreaded that led me to where I am today: Introduction to Journalism. I ended up writing for the school newspaper, On the Edge, and I grew into a nosy, ambitious, award-winning journalist. I still carry the Edgewood English Department with me every day. It sits with me at my desk in the Wisconsin State-Journal newsroom, where I’m making my own legacy telling people’s stories. I cannot imagine where I’d be if not for the profound influence and guidance I received from my professors.”

Jenna Sanchez ‘24

Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Bachelor of Science in Spanish, Minor in English

“The English program at Edgewood College has offered me many opportunities to develop myself as a writer as well as create a community within this program. I was drawn to how passionate the English faculty are and their ability to create a safe and strong community for writers. They have given me confidence in my voice and ideas that will benefit me as I pursue my future career endeavors. I hope to continue to share the love and passion for English that my amazing professors have exemplified for me.”

Jessica Selleck ’23

Bachelor of Arts in English, Minor in Religious Studies

“Every job requires connection, creativity, empathy and some form of reading and writing. My experience majoring in English at Edgewood College not only makes me feel well prepared for any job I might be interested in, but also offered me a space to explore my own humanity and the world around me in a supportive and exciting way. I am grateful to have received such a thorough education and lifelong friendships. No matter what your intended major may be, you won’t want to miss out on spending time in the English department. Not only will you feel more prepared for any job, but you will gain an amazing group of supporters and friends.”

Alyssa Allemand ’20

Bachelor of Arts in English, Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies, Digital Editor at Wisconsin Public Radio

Edgewood College’s English program is so special. The faculty are deeply passionate about the course material, but more importantly how that material can help us more deeply connect to the world — how we understand others and navigate life with care. I received such great mentorship from the English department and can confidently say I would not have ended up where I am without that experience.

Featured Courses in English

English 205 – Introduction to Creative Writing

Students will write short stories and poetry of their own, and will participate in a peer-review process. Students will also write short critiques of all student work presented to this writing workshop. In addition, we will be reading work by established writers. English 205 is the gateway course to more advanced writing courses in Fiction Writing, Poetry Writing, and Advanced Writing Workshop

English 443A – Passing Narrative: Ethnic American Literature

The term passing refers to the disguises of elements of an individual’s presumed “natural” or “essential” identities, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and/or class. In this course, we will study selected works of various genres (fiction, memoir, and film) which narrate and negotiate acts of passing or reverse passing. We will examine the ways in which American writers and filmmakers from diverse ancestries imagine the possibilities of passing while grappling with its complexities and limitations. The course explores the following key critical questions: What motivates passing, and what are the possibilities, consequences, and limitations of passing? What are the similarities and differences between passing and cultural appropriation? In what ways do passing narratives destabilize the binaries of White/non-White, man/woman, and authenticity/counterfeit while questioning the “absoluteness” of identity categories? In what ways does passing remain relevant in today’s U.S. cultural and sociopolitical contexts?

English 480A – Contemporary Global Feminism

This course is an exploration of the methods, concepts, and experiences of feminism as it is practiced all over the world in different ways. The historical development and cultural mappings of feminism since the second wave will be our main concern, but we will maintain specificity by focusing on particular locations, and on locational concerns. Feminist theorists from a variety of disciplines including philosophy, literature, political science, history and sociology will provide groundwork for our explorations, which will be filled out through case studies, historical texts and literary narratives.

Explore All Courses For This Program

Student Organizations

Edgewood College’s Student Literary and Arts Magazine

LOST/FOUND magazine features the artwork, fiction, and poetry of Edgewood College students. It is edited, designed, and constructed by students from the English and Art departments. Submissions for LOST/FOUND occur from November – January each year and the annual issue is published at the end of April in both digital and printed editions. Explore the creativity and imagination of Edgewood students showcased in the 2024 edition of LOST/FOUND.

The Voice of Edgewood College Students

On The Edge (OTE) News, is Edgewood College’s campus newspaper. Student journalists have covered student and campus news since 1973. In recent years, the publication experienced a resurgence as a national award-winning publication. Coverage areas include student campus life, athletics, theater arts, and diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts.

All positions are filled by students: reporters, copy-editors, web designers, graphic designers/layout, and photographers. Ellen Foley, the OTE advisor, has many years of experience as an editor and reporter at Wisconsin and national publications. A board of advisors, including faculty, journalists, and alumni, helps student journalists with questions and challenges. Recent OTE alumni found jobs after graduation in nationally ranked newsrooms and large corporations based on their skills gleaned during their reporting and editing work.

Edgewood College English Association

Established in the autumn of 2012, the English Association is a student organization that orchestrates a variety of events designed to connect students pursuing English majors and minors, providing avenues for socialization, career guidance, and post-graduate opportunities. Through initiatives such as Pop-Up Poetry, game nights, writing workshops, and watch parties, the English Association fosters a vibrant sense of community.

English Experiences

Internship Opportunities

Within the English program at Edgewood College, students benefit from a wealth of internship opportunities throughout the greater Madison area, spanning fields such as journalism, publishing, nonprofits, technical writing, and marketing. Our robust commitment to student research enables students to engage in-depth exploration of their areas of interest under the guidance of faculty mentors. As a result, many of our students showcase their scholarly and creative works at regional and national conferences.

Pathways Program

The English Department’s Pathways Program allows students to pair an English major or minor with activities that prepare them for specific careers. From paid internships to student-directed research projects, students will be able to tailor their experiences toward potential careers or graduate work in editing, education, journalism, library science, literary studies, nonprofit work, politics/law, publishing, technical writing, and more.

Faculty Spotlights

Adam Fell

Associate Professor

AFell@edgewood.edu

Lauren Lacey

Associate Professor

LLacey@edgewood.edu

Rachel Poulsen

Associate Professor

RPoulsen@edgewood.edu

Binbin Fu

Associate Professor of English

bfu@edgewood.edu

Sophie Serena Ouyang

Professor of English

houyang@edgewood.edu

Ellen Foley

Adjunct Instructor

ellfoley@edgewood.edu

Stefan Hagemann

Senior Lecturer

shagemann@edgewood.edu

View All Faculty

Edgewood Reading Series

Some of the best contemporary poets, novelists, essayists, and journalists in the country visit our classes and participate in readings and Q&As! Notable writers who have visited campus include:

Lauren Groff, New York Times best-selling author of ‘The Vaster Wilds’ and many other novels and short story collections, was listed as one of TIME Magazine’s most influential people in 2024.
Jamel Brinkley, author of ‘A Lucky Man,’ finalist for the National Book Award.
Meghan O’Gieblyn, award-winning author and journalist, author of the essay collections ‘God, Animal, Human, Machine and Interior States.’
Barrett Edward Swanson, journalist, and author of ‘Lost in Summerland.’
Masande Ntshanga, author of two novels: ‘The Reactive’ and ‘Triangulum.’
Natalie Eilbert, poet and journalist, is the author of three books of poetry and serves as a reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette and the statewide mental health reporter for the USA Today Network-Wisconsin.

Leadership Development

Edgewood College English students recently participated in the Madison West High School Equity Symposium, leading a session entitled “Writing the Future.” This workshop focused on envisioning the future students want to occupy. Students worked through a set of brief writing exercises designed to empower them to put a voice to their hopes and dreams for the future of our shared planet. Faculty believe opportunities like this are an integral part of the academic experience and ensure hands-on learning experiences extend beyond the classroom.

Related Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About English

What can I expect from my time in the English program?

Ask engaging questions about yourself, your society, and those in power. Learn who you are, what you believe in, and what steps you can take to make a positive difference in the world.
Create stories, poetry, podcasts, newspaper articles, and academic writing that express your individuality, explore your feelings, and build connections between yourself and the world.
Engage with the full spectrum of the human condition through the study of books, gender and sexuality, film, journalism, social media, and more.
Learn to express yourself in clear and decisive ways by engaging with and creating stories, poetry, and non-fiction that express your individuality, explore your feelings, and build connections between yourself and the world.
Meet and learn alongside imaginative, fiery, spirited students in small classes dedicated to important issues including environmental change, global power relations, gender and sexuality, and historical knowledge.
Participate in writing workshops in fiction, poetry, journalism, and academic discourse that will help you learn to write beautifully and critique productively.
Find internship opportunities in journalism, publishing, non-profits, technical writing, marketing, and other fields in the greater Madison area.
Work with faculty mentors to pursue in-depth study in areas of interest, and to present your work at regional and national conferences.

Does Edgewood College offer an English minor?

Not only do we offer an English minor, but we also offer a minor in Creative Writing. And we make it easy to pursue either pathway. Our 24-credit minors help you explore your place in the world, express yourself in powerful new ways, and stand out to a wide range of employers – linguistically, creatively, and imaginatively.

Creative Writing Minor:

ENG 205 – Intro to Creative Writing
ENG 305 – Fiction Writing
ENG 306 – Poetry Writing
ENG 476 – Advanced Writing Workshop
TWO more Literature courses at the 300/400 level.

English Minor:

24 credits of English coursework at the 300/400 level, 12 of which must be Literature.

How does pursuing an undergraduate degree in English increase my possibilities for future career success?

Unlike some of the other majors that follow a more singular track, an undergraduate degree in English offers both breadth and depth, providing students with a plethora of future possibilities. The versatility of this academic path allows students to explore various interests within the discipline and tailor their educational experience to their individual passions and career goals.

Can I pursue double majors or minors alongside my English degree?

The English major and minor combine easily with other degree programs at Edgewood, allowing students to double major or to major/minor. Many courses in English are cross listed with other programs, allowing students to pursue potential minors in many different disciplines.

Are there opportunities for studying abroad?

Absolutely! We encourage students to take advantage of the any opportunities to explore new cultures, broaden their horizons, and immerse themselves in diverse learning experiences through travel and study abroad programs.

What are the qualifications and backgrounds of the faculty members?

Adam Fell is an Associate Professor of English at Edgewood College, where he teaches creative writing classes. He is the author of Catastrophizer, winner of the 2022 Sixth Finch Chapbook Contest, and two poetry collections, Dear Corporation (Forklift Books 2019) and I Am Not A Pioneer, winner of the 2011 Posner Poetry Book Award from the Council for Wisconsin Writers. He has had more than thirty poems published in various journals and is a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Adam is co-founder and curator of the Monsters of Poetry Reading Series in Madison, WI.

Lauren J. Lacey is an Associate Professor of English at Edgewood College, where she teaches courses in contemporary literature, gender studies, and environmental studies. Her scholarly publications include The Past that Might Have Been, the Future That May Come: Women Writing Fantastic Fiction, 1960s to the Present (McFarland, 2014), and her fiction has recently appeared in magazines including Silver Blade, Electric Spec, and Tree and Stone.