ENGLISH & PHILOSOPHY As a Drexel English major, you’ll embark on an intellectual journey into the cultural, historical and political issues that have shaped classic writings from British, American and World literatures. As your understanding of language and literacy grows, so will your ability to communicate your ideas. As a Philosophy major, you’ll fine-tune your ability to analyze and assess arguments, and to think for yourself. From the nature of knowledge and reality, to issues of morality, to methods of reasoning and analysis, you’ll discover both questions and answers that apply to all other disciplines, professions and everyday life.
DEGREES OFFERED ENGLISH BA, MINOR PHILOSOPHY BA, MINOR CERTIFICATES Medical Humanities Writing and Publishing Philosophy, Arts & Humanities Philosophy, Science & Technology
ABOUT THE ENGLISH CURRICULUM Your course of study will cover a broad sample of British, American and other World literatures. As an English major, you’ll deconstruct works by both major and emerging authors, especially on matters relating to the cultural, historical and aesthetic ideas expressed in such works. And your courses in periods and genres, among other things, will explore the relationship between literature and the visual arts, science and technology. These exercises will help to sharpen your writing and thinking abilities while illuminating human experience.
ABOUT THE PHILOSOPHY CURRICULUM The Philosophy major at Drexel offers you a firm basis for further pursuits in philosophy, as well as a number of other fields, professions and life-long endeavors. Courses are offered on diverse subjects from “Global Ethical Issues” to “Philosophy of the Environment,” spanning periods and movements from Ancient Greek Thought to Existentialism and Postmodernism. And because philosophical research helps you develop skills essential to success in all other areas, the Philosophy major is considered the ideal double major.
THE DREXEL CO-OP Drexel University’s nationally recognized cooperative education program (Co-op) combines six-month periods of full-time professional employment with periods of academic study.
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Accomplished writers find Co-op jobs at publications, promotional firms and in a wide array of corporate, non-profit and public-sector environments. Students have earned editorial experience at Philadelphia Magazine, Spirit Newspaper and the Drexel Publishing Group, as well as at companies like Comcast, Digitas Health and Avenue A|Razorfish, among others. Publicity, marketing and corporate communications Co-ops have included work for the International Visitors Council, Walt Disney World Company, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, UNISYS and companies like Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & Young, PJM Interconnection and Duane Morris LLP.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES In the past, English & Philosophy students have received awards, such as the Humanities Fellowship, to conduct scholarly research in areas like grant writing and book editing, as well as in the analysis of online and hybrid courses. Past students have also received the prestigious Fulbright scholarship in support of further graduate study.
“The Co-op experience taught me how to do a job, but also how I do a job. I learned a lot about my career and a lot about myself.” – Daniel Savage, B.A. English, Legal Studies minor, 2012
THE DEPARTMENT OF
THE DREXEL PUBLISHING GROUP Literary publications operating on campus highlight outstanding writing, from Drexel students and faculty to international submissions. The DPG produces PBQ, The 33rd and Maya, as well as DPG Online. PBQ Painted Bride Quarterly This non-profit magazine has been in print since 1973 and is now available quarterly online. An independent venue for literature, it is known for high caliber articles from emerging and established authors nationally and around the world. Student staff members gain experience in a range of areas from promotional writing and copyediting, to event planning and book design. Additionally, PBQ’s website provides opportunities for students with audio, video and graphic art skills. THE 33RD An anthology of student and faculty writing, this annual publication features the winners of major Drexel writing competitions, as well as other submissions. Included are student essays, fiction, poetry, non-fiction, humor and opinion/editorial, along with works by current Drexel University faculty members. MAYA Student poetry, prose, short fiction and non-fiction pieces are distributed in this undergraduate literary magazine, produced since 1970. The magazine itself is also edited, designed and promoted by students and features graphics, illustrations, photography and other art. DPG ONLINE This professional-quality online magazine is written, edited and produced by Drexel University faculty and students. Feature stories and articles depict people, places, sports, news and culture. DPG is read by the Drexel community, neighboring residents of Philadelphia and beyond, including Drexel alumni and the world of online readers.
CAREERS IN ENGLISH AND PHILOSOPHY Strong writing skills are essential to just about any career. Some students choose graduate school for specialties and concentrations, while others find rewarding careers in fields like marketing and public relations, corporate communications, journalism, law, finance, grant and proposal writing, broadcasting, editing, publishing and more. Philosophy majors consistently rank high on standardized tests, including the GRE, LSAT and GMAT exams. With insight and training in conceptual and logical analysis, graduates are well-prepared for careers in a wide range of fields including medicine, law, government, business, journalism, computer science and many other areas.
1- 800-2-DREXEL 215-895-1805
coas@drexel.edu www.drexel.edu/coas
Department of English and Philosophy 215-895-2430/31 engphil@drexel.edu www.drexel.edu/engphil/
WRITING HUMOR AND COMEDY Find your voice and your funny bone. Experience the challenges of comedic timing, writing for specific audiences and defining narrative structure by creating original works and critiquing the work of others. THE PHILOSOPHY OF SPORT A careful and thoughtful consideration of the personal, social, aesthetic and political dimensions of sport and its place in the human experience. THE PHILOSOPHY OF SEX AND LOVE An investigation of sexual activity and desire, as well as the morality of sexual behavior. Examines various types of love and their links to sexuality.
DREXEL WRITING CENTER The Drexel Writing Center is there to support you with every aspect of your writing. An experienced staff member will review your written drafts in person, online or by e-mail. The Center also offers classroom visits, faculty consultations and additional assistance to help you perfect your writing skills.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND EVENTS PHILOSOPHY CLUB Established in 2002, this is Drexel’s forum for friendly philosophical discussion. Weekly meetings stimulate careful thinking on issues and current events. Film discussions and other campus-wide events encourage open-minded dialogue. WEEK OF WRITING This annual event explores writing and literature, and includes a speed-editing session with acclaimed editors, a reading marathon and a book fair. Panel discussions touch on topiccs ranging from flash fiction and stand-up comedy to technology’s influence on writing. Participants in Drexel’s annual writing contests are also invited to read their winning pieces. ANNUAL LECTURE BY AUTHOR OF FRESHMAN SUMMER READING TEXT You’ll have the unique opportunity to meet the author of your required summer reading book. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a writing contest for the chance to engage in an intimate Master’s Class with the visiting author.
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LITERATURE OF BASEBALL Explore the stories that illuminate America’s national pastime—its ideals, values, history and culture— through symbols and rituals, history and mythology.
“Because the Department of English and Philosophy is small, professors are able to personalize the attention they give to each student. I’ve been at Drexel for three years now and multiple professors know not just my name, but also my career aspirations, favorite book and even my writing style. It’s like having a family while you’re away from your family. ” – Furrah Qureshi, B.A./M.S. English and Communication, 2012
COOL COURSES
ENGLISH & PHILOSOPHY