English at Reed College

The English Department offers courses that focus on critical methods, on interpretation of texts, and on the nature of literary genres. Students encounter both recent developments in critical theory and traditional practices of close reading. Some texts are studied as aesthetic objects, others in relation to their social, intellectual, economic, and historical contexts.

The English Department aims less for extensive coverage than for an intensive examination of particular authors, works, genres, periods, and problems. Approximately sixteen to twenty-four courses are offered by the English Department each year. Introductory courses in fiction, poetry, and drama are offered every year, as are certain standard courses at the upper-division level. Courses not offered in the current academic year will normally be offered during the next two academic years.

With course work primarily in English and American literature, the curriculum maintains a balance between the standard courses offered yearly--such as Studies in Poetry, the Novel, and Medieval or Renaissance Literature--and courses offered according to topical interests of faculty and students--such as seminars in feminist criticism, painting and poetry, autobiography, and allegory. These courses on special literary topics occur under the following rubrics: Under the rubric "Studies in Fiction," the English Department offers every year a course focused on some topic, subgenre, or period in fiction, or on selected novelists. Under the rubric "Studies in Shakespeare," the department offers at least one course each year, usually with a focus on the comedies, the tragedies, or Shakespeare in performance. Under the rubric "Poetry and History," the department offers at least every third year a course that studies poetry (sometimes with other genres as well) in its historical and cultural context. Students may register for more than one course under the same rubric, provided that the subject matter differs.

The student majoring in English may supplement the department's offerings with courses in translation given by other departments within the Division of Literature and Languages. However, students are expected to take a range of courses from within the Department.

The Divisional foreign language requirement is a distinctive strength of the Reed English literature major. Each major must take two semester courses in a foreign literature read in the original language. This means that Reed English majors graduate with the equivalent of a foreign language/ literature minor. The increased literary and cultural breadth thus gained is helpful to any student of literature, particularly to those considering graduate programs.

The Junior Seminar, a course required of all English majors, provides a theoretical introduction to literary history. This class encourages a critical evaluation of issues of intertextuality, and investigates the relation of literature to history and critics to authors.

The Department Office is located in Vollum 320. The Faculty Assistant (Karen Bondaruk, ext. 7753, kmb@reed.edu) can provide general information. A department bulletin board is maintained near the third floor elevator door of Vollum to provide information on lectures, fellowships, graduate programs, etc.

English majors should obtain an advisor in the English Department early and work closely with that advisor. Students should also avail themselves of opportunities to meet with other English Department faculty.