91ÁÔÆæ

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English

At 91ÁÔÆæ, the English Department helps you study literature that shapes how people think and live, and teaches you to write in ways that will impact your life and the world around you.

Earn Your English Degree From 91ÁÔÆæ

As an English major at Occidental, you™ll read and interpret literature from a wide range of authors and eras. You™ll study how language and storytelling reflect culture, politics, and identity while sharpening your critical and creative writing skills.

The 91ÁÔÆæ English undergraduate program combines literary analysis with hands-on engagement. 91ÁÔÆæ faculty are active writers and scholars who will guide you in thinking deeply about texts and clearly expressing yourself in writing and discussion.

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What You™ll Learn as an English Major at Occidental

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Reading deeply and writing clearly

The English program at 91ÁÔÆæ invites you to explore how stories and poetry shape understanding across cultures and generations while learning to read closely, write effectively, and communicate ideas. Course offerings span British, American, and other Anglophone literary traditions, from Medieval and Renaissance texts to emergent and contemporary writing, helping you build strong skills in reading, analysis, and written expression.

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You can pursue an emphasis in creative writing, combining literature study with workshops in poetry, fiction, and hybrid forms. You™ll work closely with visiting writers and a nationally recognized writer in residence to grow as a writer.

English connects with departments such as Media Arts and Culture, Interdisciplinary Writing, Black Studies, and Theater and Performance Studies, in addition to 91ÁÔÆæ College Writing Program. Pairing your major with another program broadens your skills and perspective.

The English professors at 91ÁÔÆæ are intelligent, deep thinkers and expect the same from their students. You can tell everyone in the major truly wants to produce great work, so it is really more of a team encouraging each other and the program academic rigor is driven by students, not just professors.

Danae Younge
English major; Chapel Hill, NC
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Courses You Might Take

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Learning English in LA

Studying English at 91ÁÔÆæ means learning in one of the most creative cities in the world. You™ll join a vibrant community of writers and artists and take part in readings, workshops, and internships that connect classroom learning to professional experience.

What Our Graduates Are Doing

PhD candidate, English, Columbia University

Jane Walker
2023

Manager, Partnerships & Strategic Engagement, United Nations Foundation

River Lisius
2022

JD candidate, USC Gould School of Law

Mia Villegas
2022

Social Media Director, Los Angeles Review of Books

Maya Chen
2021

Internal medicine resident, UCLA medical school

Kate Coursey
2017

Deputy Public Defender, Los Angeles County

Anna Aran
2014

Assistant Professor of English, University of Georgia

Joseph Wei
2013

Writer, comedian, activist

Lindy West
2004

Writer & Executive Producer, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios

Angela Kang
1998

Meet Our Faculty

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FAQs

You™ll study literature in a global and interdisciplinary context with faculty who are active scholars and writers.

Yes. The creative writing emphasis includes workshops, mentorship, and visiting author events.

Yes. Students publish work in The Oz and complete independent or honors projects.

Many students combine English with Media Arts and Culture, politics, or even biology; the English major offers flexibility.

Many graduates of the Occidental English Department draw on the reading, writing, and thinking skills built at 91ÁÔÆæ to pursue graduate degrees or creative careers in publishing, film, education, law, communications, academia, and medicine.

English News

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