The English department enjoys a tradition of quality instruction and enthusiasm for literature. The sequence of courses—offering a broad background in American, British, and world literature, advanced composition, creative writing, and study of the language—aims at stimulating critical thinking, interpretive judgment, and effective communication skills.

The department offers degrees with emphases (or programs of study) in literature, writing, or education. All English majors take a suite of common courses: Sophomore Colloquium, Service Learning, History of the English Language, Shakespeare, Junior Colloquium, Thesis Proposal, and Seminar. In Seminar, seniors write and publically defend theses of original literary research, research in English pedagogy, or writing. Seniors defend their theses in Symposium, a spring course that brings together all majors and faculty.

Because the English program emphasizes thinking and writing skills in all classes, Viterbo English majors often pursue communications-based careers in such fields as public relations, advertising, and journalism. Many English majors prepare for careers as middle/secondary school teachers, or pursue graduate or professional degrees in English, communications, and law.

Students majoring in other disciplines—such as theatre, business, psychology, and sociology— often elect English as a second major or minor, not only because of the cultural enrichment which intensive study of literature offers, but also because of the emphasis on writing skills—an integral part of the Viterbo English program. 

For more information about the English department, contact Rolf Samuels, Ph.D., chair, at risamuels@viterbo.edu, 608-796-3482.