What drew you to the major?

I didn’t plan on being an English major when I enrolled at CWRU. I planned on studying Classics and History, but took a few English courses my freshman year out of curiosity and to receive my high school AP English credit. I found the courses to be so interesting and enjoyable that I decided to take more. I made the decision to pivot to being an English major with a concentration in Creative Writing. (I especially enjoy poetry and fiction). As I continued in the major,  I realized that I was doing something that felt right for me and couldn’t wait to continue. I felt like my creativity thrived and I began to view the world with a more informed view.

How has your English major prepared you for life after graduation? 

I think I’ve learned about how to think, to critique, to analyze, and how to look beyond information presented to you to really understand what the speaker is trying to say. I’ve learned how to read deeply and how to communicate any insights. I think these courses help you understand people better as you have to read about and empathize with characters different from you. While all courses have a focus on writing, the Creative Writing concentration helps you develop non-academic writing in a way I have found fulfilling. All of these valuable skills have prepared me for life after college, as they are abilities that you can take on whatever path you choose.

What is it like being an English major at Case in particular, with its perceived focus on the sciences?

The English department, as well as the humanities as a whole, are  smaller than the sciences, but I enjoy that. I feel as though I’ve gotten to know my professors (and they’ve gotten to know me) in a way that makes the department feel like a community. In the largest English class I’ve been in–American Literature with Professor Walt Hunter–we were still called on by name. Classes are largely discussion based, and we are expected to compose our own thoughts and criticism and to share those ideas. The professors have been very kind and encouraging, and I’ve felt comfortable approaching all of them.

Why would you encourage a prospective English major to sign on?

I think a prospective English major (or anyone else who, like I was when I was a freshman, is just curious) will really find themselves at home in CWRU’s English department if they want smaller classes and a great community. I’ve loved the faculty. There’s a plethora of courses and subjects, and it feels like we’re growing every year. Every semester as I’ve registered for classes, I keep seeing more and more classes that I would love to take. For example, courses focusing on detective fiction, African-American poetry, the works of Jane Austen, and more. Some of these I have taken, and some I hope to. I’m excited to explore as a current student, and I think any prospective English major would find themselves compelled by what can be found at CWRU.

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