The study of English focuses on the various ways that human beings have sought to understand their lives and the world through the writing of stories, poems, essays, plays, and novels. The English major provides both an historical knowledge of the development of British and American literature and an understanding of the different forms and styles of literature. It develops skills in close reading, careful analysis and forceful, articulate writing that are necessary for a broad range of careers. The English major also prepares students for law school or for graduate study in literature, composition theory, creative writing and American studies. The English major leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. A minimum of 36 hours in English are required.