In becoming an English major or minor, you have made an important choice and commitment. Whether
your primary interest is in literary studies, rhetoric and composition, creative writing, or
editing; whether you're fascinated by Beowulf or contemporary writing about Hawai'i and the
Pacific; whether your related interests are in psychology, philosophy, political science, ethics,
women's studies, religion, music, cultural studies, or history, you'll find courses and faculty
members with a similar focus. You'll find that the English major/minor offers you a great deal of
flexibility in terms of course selection-with that flexibility, of course, comes the need to plan
carefully to design a set of courses that truly work for you.
English is a challenging and powerful springboard into many professional, business, and service careers.
English majors practice law, are medical doctors, enter government service, educate our children and
adults, and write the words we read in print, hear on the news, or watch go by on the Internet.
They design web pages, manage hotels, police our streets, serve as chefs, own boutiques, build
houses-English major/minors are everywhere! Wherever solid analytical and critical thinking skills
are needed, wherever good verbal and written communication skills are needed, you will find former
English major/minors.
The English Department is one of the largest on the M_noa campus but that does not mean we offer
only large anonymous lectures: only a handful of courses offered by the Department has an enrollment
of more than 25 students.
In addition to the University's Written Communication core requirement (ENG 100) and Introductory
Literature Program courses (ENG 270-273), the English Department offers an undergraduate major
with informal emphases in American, British, and Pacific Literatures in English; Rhetoric and
Composition; Creative Writing; and Asian American Literature. The Department offers a fifteen
credit academic minor, as well. At the graduate level, students may pursue the M.A. and Ph.D.
degrees in various concentrations linked to the emphases above.
The English Department believes that the abilities to write effectively and to read and think
critically are the hallmarks of an educated person. In developing these skills, the Department
also hones the student's aesthetic appreciation and social and historical understanding of
literature, as well as encouraging creative and expressive abilities.
All active English majors and minors must have a current e-mail address on file with
the Undergraduate Director in KUY 429, 956-3048. If you do not have an e-mail address
on file with the Department, you will miss out on important announcements.
