English is one of the central liberal arts degrees. A background in English provides graduates with a sound basis for pursuing a variety of careers, including law, business, education, publishing and government, as well as graduate work in creative writing, language, literary and cultural studies, and critical writing. English engages students in diverse literary heritages as well as fosters the development of sophisticated abilities in critical analysis, creative inquiry, reflective reading, and effective communication and expression.<br><br>The English Creative Writing Emphasis with a Teaching Endorsement Option focuses on writing courses: creative writing in fiction, drama, poetry, or nonfiction prose and includes coursework in literature, language and pedagogy to supplement the creative writing courses. Introductory and advanced creative writing genre courses form the core of the major, giving students an opportunity to develop their craft and aesthetics through intensive writing, reading, and workshops. Students must take courses in at least two different genres. Aside from the core courses, this major requires courses in literature, linguistics, and pedagogy to meet state secondary English language arts endorsement requirements.