History of English at Reed College

The English department offers courses in English and American literature; some courses also include works from other national literatures. The department offers introductory courses in drama, fiction, and poetry most semesters: non-majors and prospective majors should begin their study of literature with these courses. Two of these introductory courses are required for the major; they are also a prerequisite for most of the department's upper-division offerings.

In each academic year, the department offers at least 12 courses at the upper-division level. Among these are two junior seminars (intended principally for majors), and courses in American and British literature in various genres from the fourteenth to the twentieth century. Some courses are listed under general rubrics such as "Studies in Shakespeare" or "Poetry and History." (Students may register for more than one course under the same rubric, provided that the subject matter differs.) Courses in the catalog not offered in the current academic year will normally be offered in one of the next two academic years.

In consultation with their academic advisers, students majoring in English should plan to take courses from a range of genres, topics, and periods within the department. Students may also include in the major one course in creative writing or one course in translation given in other departments within the Division of Literature and Languages.