BA/BS in English Language and Literature, General

English at Boston University focuses on literary study in all its diversity, from older works that make up an evolving canon to contemporary forms in culture, media, comics and digital settings. Students encounter medieval romance, Shakespeare's tragedies, satire, lyric poetry, realist and experimental fiction, cinema, comics-style narratives, slave narratives and performance pieces. By studying varied theories of how to read literature and culture, they develop critical, linguistic and imaginative skills. Seminars are generally small, so students get personal attention, and the department encourages study abroad where possible. Students whose declaration of the major came in or after fall 2022 complete ten four-unit courses with at least a C in each. Required courses include an introductory encounters course, a literature seminar, and choices in two thematic groups. Students also meet BU Hub general education requirements.