At Christopher Newport, the English major invites you to explore literature in all its richness while honing the writing and analytical skills that today’s world demands. Whether you pursue a general B.A. in English or choose a concentration in Literature or Writing, you’ll find a flexible, intellectually vibrant path tailored to your interests.
The study of literature is at the heart of the program. You’ll engage deeply with American, British, and world literatures—across centuries and genres—and have the opportunity to focus on a single major author in greater depth. Along the way, you’ll explore how texts reflect and shape culture, identity, and power.
You’ll also have opportunities to develop your voice through a wide range of writing courses. Whether you’re drawn to creative writing—fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction—or interested in the power of writing in the public sphere through journalism, public relations, grant writing, and digital media, you’ll find classes that challenge and inspire you. As you progress to upper-level courses, you’ll sharpen your rhetorical strategies, deepen your command of style and structure, and produce polished, professional work that reflects your unique perspective and goals.
Your academic journey culminates in a capstone seminar, where you’ll design and complete an independent research or creative project under the close mentorship of a faculty member—bringing together your studies in a final piece that reflects your unique voice and vision.
Whether you’re passionate about literature, committed to becoming a strong writer, or excited to do both, CNU’s English major provides a rigorous and rewarding foundation for the future.
Sample Courses
This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of film studies as a discipline, including an attention to the critical analysis of the cinematic image, significant trends in film history, film genres and their cultural ideology, major directors and foundational essays in film theory.
This course will provide students with the opportunity to study images of vampires across time and cultures. It explores the ways in which vampire narratives raise questions about power and place, whether in relation to gender roles and social position, invasion and conquest, or economic conditions. Students will also examine the relationship between high and popular culture, folklore, religion and ritual, myth and legend.
Practice writing and rewriting fiction. Close reading of stories linked to technical exercises. Manuscripts exchanged and discussed in person or via email. Emphasis on the cultivation of effective fiction over time and through focused exercises.
This course will help students analyze the communications, public relations, and grants needs of educational, social, political, arts, and faith-based organizations that work for the public good. Students will, through partnering with businesses, nonprofits and government agencies, learn how to use writing as a vehicle for lasting social change. This course is recommended for students interested in public relations, fundraising and business, as well as the development of successful service-learning projects across the curriculum.