English Language and Literature

Translate your love of reading and writing into a viable professional pathway. Through academically rigorous and relationally vibrant courses, Gordon College’s English language and literature major will teach you to read critically and write creatively and effectively.  Our faculty include experts in British literature, American literature, poetry, playwriting and persuasive writing. As a result, your journey through the major will have variety, depth and innovation. Students in this major may also choose from two writing-focused concentrations:

• Creative Writing: Pursue your call to the written word within a supportive community that will stretch and grow your abilities.
   
• Professional and Technical Writing: Enhance your passion for effective communication with expert instruction on workplace writing. 

Why study English language and literature at Gordon? 

At Gordon literary history is within your reach. Orchard House—the setting of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women—is a brief drive from campus. So is Anne Bradstreet’s house, T. S. Eliot’s coastal home, Walden Pond and Hawthorne’s House of Seven Gables. And that is just the beginning.  

Here, immersion in language and faith in Christ work together. Through our innovative Professional Pathways in English initiative you’ll receive specialized career coaching during your entire time as an English major, as well as spiritual mentoring that will guide you long after college.  

What can Christians bring to English language and literature? 

Writers have an immense power to tell stories that can change the world. Christians have much to contribute as they engage this power with truth and grace. Our students are immersed in the beauty and power of literature and learn to steward these gifts for God's glory.