English literature includes books written in the English language from all time periods.
A career in the field of English literature is an option for people with a passion for the written word. Students majoring in the discipline prepare for occupations as authors, publishers, journalists or teachers. Graduates may also secure positions in fields such as law and business, which incorporate many of the skills acquired as an English major. English literature refers to literature written in the English language, which are typically American and British works. Top programs in the field are available at universities nationwide.
University of California Los Angeles
The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) maintains a faculty of Nobel Laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners in addition to over 100 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2009, U.S. News and World Report placed UCLA in the top 10 best graduate programs in 18th century to 20th century literature. UCLA's English department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in more than 30 areas of study, including 17th, 18th and 19th century British literature, early and American colonial literature, modern British literature and modern American literature. The graduate program is competitive with 14 to 16 applicants accepted out of approximately 300 applicants a year. According to the university website, the program maintains one of the highest job-placement rates in the nation, with graduates securing positions at institutions such as Columbia University in New York City and Purdue University, in Indiana.
University of California Los Angeles
Department of English
405 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90095
310-825-4173
ucla.edu
Indiana University
Indiana University (IU) in Bloomington is recognized for its technological advancements and contributions in the arts and entertainment. IU was was placed in the top 10 best graduate programs in 18th century to 20th century literature by U.S. News and World Report in 2009. The Department of English faculty consists of biographers, poets, novelists and experts in a variety of topics. Courses include aspects of popular culture, philosophy, religion and business. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered with concentrations such as general literature, creative writing and speciality areas such as post colonial studies and American literature. The department houses 10 centers and groups in disciplines such as 18th century studies, Victorian studies and medieval studies. The department publishes five journals, including the Indiana Review, American Speech and Victorian Studies.
Indiana University
Department of English
1020 E. Kirkwood Ave.
Bloomington, IN 47405
812-855-8224
indiana.edu
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville was ranked as the second best public university in the nation for 2011 by U.S. News and World Report. Kiplinger's Magazine placed UVA third on a list of the 500 public colleges across the country, and the National Research Council placed the UVA Department of English as number four on a list of 274 graduate research institutions in 1995. The department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in American studies, Medieval and Renaissance studies, modern studies, poetry and creative writing. Graduates of the Ph.D program have secured teaching positions with Tufts University in Massachusetts, Rutgers University in New Jersey and the University of Pennsylvania. The English department publishes three prize-winning journals and houses rare books and manuscripts by American authors such as Mark Twain and Walt Whitman.
University of Virginia
400 Ray C. Hunt Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22904
434-924-0311
virginia.edu
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