<p>I'm trying to decide whether or not to apply. Kenyon is not my first preference for location, but it is supposed to be strong for English and writing. However I've read some mixed reviews on these boards about the quality of the classes, difficulty of getting into the writing courses, and things that make be think Kenyon might not deliver the kind of experience I'd expect at a small LAC that is supposedly good for creative writing. I'd hate to go and then be shut out of the writing courses. I'd appreciate hearing from current students.</p>
<p>I’m not an English major but I’ve taken some English classes and I have a lot of friends who are so I can partially answer this question. Kenyon’s English department is extremely strong and it is also our most popular major with many of our most popular Professors. The quality of the classes is high and you will not struggle to meet any of your class requirements as a major. Getting into classes is an issue with the most popular Professors but the system of admission to these classes is extremely fair and you can get into anything eventually, just maybe not Freshman year. All students pick their first choice course, then second, then third, then fourth and the Registrar’s Office try to find a place for each student accordingly. Senior’s first choices are considered first of all as they may have waited for a long time to take a course or need it for graduation. It is also possible to email Professors up to a year in advance (even though this is extreme) and ask to be in the class / put on the waitlist. A surprising number of students are admitted from the waitlist to each class as schedules change throughout the add/drop period and Professors sometimes adjust the enrollment limit if you are enthusiastic enough about their course. </p>
<p>Hope that helps.</p>
<p>Honestly, English majors love to whine about that subject, and they’re wrong. Just plain wrong. They are, with some exceptions, a rather pretentious and arrogant lot. When you look at the number of majors per professor and per class, it’s actually one of the best staffed departments. There are roughly 25 English professors and almost 600 class spots per semester for a total of about 65 senior majors. Compare that to the next most popular majors (history, economics, etc.) which have fewer than 10 active professors despite having more than half as many senior majors. </p>
<p>On top of that, there is no English minor, and the department engages in practices that effectively limit the ability of non-majors to take English classes after their sophomore year. When you consider the Kenyon curriculum holistically, the conclusion that the English department is comparatively overstaffed must be drawn.</p>
<p>So, foolsgold, are you saying that the rumors of it being difficult to get a spot in English classes are exaggerated?</p>
<p>“They are, with some exceptions, a rather pretentious and arrogant lot.”</p>
<p>This is not what I who I’d want to be with for 4 years! I hope you are joking, but maybe you are not? </p>
<p>But thanks for your answers everyone.</p>
<p>Foolsgold is exaggerating, but I know who (s)he’s referring to. The pretentious, would be writer of the Great American Novel absolutely exists in the major, but this person is in the minority. I call them practice heroes. I would say that a lot of the English majors come off as slightly condescending, and not without reason, but it’s really not that noticeable unless you’re looking for it. </p>
<p>I can even give you an example. You talk in your post about what Kenyon “supposedly” is and how it “might not deliver the kind of experience you’d expect.” I’m sure you’re a nice person, but to the casual reader that tone comes off as a smidgen bit haughty, and is right in line with the way a lot of English majors write/talk. I hate typecasting,and I’m not doing a lot of people justice, but it is what it is.</p>
<p>I’d expect a small school to have a very personal approach (compared with a big state U). If I were accepted and decided to attend Kenyon as an English/writing major, I’d expect to be able to take writing classes. Some posters said this was not always the case at Kenyon. It’s this additional exclusivity that is not what I’d expect once admitted and paying Kenyon’s tuition. I don’t think there is anything haughty about that.</p>
<p>I see where “supposedly” might suggest I doubt the quality of the Kenyon’s English major. I’m in no position to know, obviously. By that word I actually meant it has a reputation. No offense meant.</p>
<p>Don’t take college *******/confidential/wherever you are looking as the absolute truth. A lot of the people who post on these forums have bones to pick with the institutions that they lambaste. Think about why people are posting. I feel like I owe this board something because it factored significantly into my choosing Kenyon, and a large percentage of what goes on this board is absolute fact–sometimes the way the college wouldn’t want you to hear it. </p>
<p>For everyone one person who did not get into an English/writing class, there are 12-20 who are comfortably in a seat. You just hear from that one what has the beef.</p>