Note on the Four Different Emphases in the English major. Those interested in pursuing graduate study in literature typically follow the Literature Emphasis; those who wish to earn secondary teaching certification pursue the Teaching Emphasis; many entering students follow the Creative Writing emphasis; those interested in the flexible preparation that also may include substantial coursework in a related field (including a minor or perhaps another major), may decide to choose the Professional Emphasis; for example, an English major with a Professional emphasis might take courses in computer science, business, communication studies, journalism, graphic or visual communication, digital imaging, political science, philosophy, foreign languages--virtually any major of interest. If you decide not to pursue a career in teaching or in graduate study in English, the Professional Emphasis may be particularly attractive, though each of the emphases provides such flexibility for future studies/career options. Those who decide not to major in English might also consider a Writing Minor, English Minor, or Teaching English as a Second Language Minor as a productive supplement to your major studies (English majors also can pursue a TESL minor). The emphases will be listed on your transcript.
For further information
on some of the courses mentioned, see the UI Catalog:
Looking ahead: Advice for second semester (SPRING of your first year, you'll register for spring semester in November) just follows from these basic requirements with special emphasis on taking Engl 215 Introduction to English Studies, if offered, or Engl 257 or 258 if you have not yet completed one of those courses--Engl 215 is required for all emphases in the major; if you are in the Literature Emphasis and completed Engl 102 and Engl 215 in fall semester, then look to take Engl 310 in the spring; and perhaps begin to take further coursework in the major (a creative writer might take Engl 291 or 292 or 293, for example, or if you are pursuing secondary teaching certification you would take Psych 101 in the second semester, Comm 101 first or second semester, and perhaps EdCI 201 in second semester).