The major in English builds upon the detailed analysis and close reading of literary texts, and the investigation of the central political, cultural, and ideological issues occasioned by those texts. There is a creative writing program in both fiction and poetry at the introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. The department also supervises about 50 independent study projects each year.

English is one of the most useful majors for those wanting to attend professional schools of law, medicine, and business, as well as for those seeking jobs in commerce, industry, and government. Some majors become teachers; some become writers; some go into journalism, library science, or publishing.

The English department is located on the second floor of Miller Library. Contact the department secretary, with questions regarding English at Colby.