<p>So today I just jumped over this forum to glance at the college majors..since I realized I really have no idea what I want to major in and pursue. I was wondering if you guys could help me out and give me a few ideas and suggestions for possible majors and careers.</p>
<p>My passion is mainly English; though I've been losing enthusiasm lately for my English class as it seems to become a philosophical/political discussion. From what I've heard, most college English classes tend to go this direction too. I feel like I'm more of a person who simply enjoys writing and reading.</p>
<p>I enjoy science too, but can't see the practicality of a science major unless I want to pursue med school (which I don't at this time). Also, I believe that medical careers are only for those who are truly motivated to become doctors & etc., and I feel as if I lack that desire. Science fields with heavy math would probably not appeal to me either; as I unfortunately dislike pure math.</p>
<p>I know it sounds like I'm not attracted to any possible major or career, which is my problem.</p>
<p>A summary:</p>
<p>-Love english, but don't like how English classes turn into philosophical and political arguments (I feel that I encounter enough opinions and discussion just through talking with people)</p>
<p>-Enjoy science, but unsure of what possible careers there are. Also dislike math slightly, though applied math is okay.</p>
<p>Forgot to mention, I am fluent in Chinese (cannot write or read it, however). I realize that my post sounded fairly biased against the value of an English major. I just feel that an English major in college wouldn’t really be the right choice to pursue my passion in English (which would be heavy writing). I am aware that very few novelists ever succeed, which is why I would like to pursue a more practical career, hopefully involving science.</p>
<p>There’s lots of choices available to you if you want to pursue English. It’s not just about creative writing- many novelists have day jobs (in writing or otherwise,) and do their creative writing on the side. At least until they become famous, if they ever do.</p>
<p>I have a friend who’s majoring in professional technical writing. Her focus is going to be on writing grant proposals, but there’s lots of other things that PTW’s do. You could probably find a way merge PTW with some other interest that you have. Maybe check to see if your university has this program? </p>
<p>How many English classes have you taken? Were they lower or upper level courses? You may find that not all of your courses will be heavy in philisophical debate, especially as they become more specialized. I think it’s more common in gen-eds because they are trying to teach students how to effectively express their opinions through discussion and writing. I can’t imagine a lot of heated debate going on in something like grammar, or technical writing, however.</p>
<p>You can have a science career without going to med school. But, they will likely require more than a 4 year degree. You may wish to go to grad school in English, depending on what your goals are. I’m not sure what is available with a bachelor’s in English, job-wise.</p>
<p>Are there any professors in the English department you can speak with about the options available to you?</p>
<p>Yes, I agree mike. Are you implying that many college level courses overanalyze books? I’ve felt that way already in high school, and it doesn’t appeal to me. Feels like we’re pushing a bunch of intentions onto the author that might or might not have been there in the first place.</p>
<p>The english teachers that I have had told me to pursue a career in writing. They never really gave me any specifics, though. It was along the lines of “you should think about being a writer.” Obviously, I have given it thought, but feel that the chances of ever succeeding as a writer are low enough that I would be more inclined to pursue a more practical career. I’m not sure how much I would like professional technical writing, as it seems much more mechanized. </p>
<p>The thing is, like you said, there aren’t many options available with simply a bachelor’s in either English or Science.</p>
<p>It seems like when analyzing books that the accepted implication is that the author is absolutely perfect and every single thing in that piece of work is purposeful.</p>
<p>Mike has a point. As a matter of fact, in Year 10 Pre-Lit we had a free response essay as an assignment where we got to formulate our own question/thesis, and I decided to do mine on whether or not half the things we analysed in books were actually included on purpose.</p>
<p>marylandmike09, the point of literary criticism isn’t to dig out what the author’s implications are. The reader becomes the author and criticism becomes an expression of how the reader responds to the work. This makes it seem like literary criticism is not helpful to the world or whatever, but the study of literature is immensely helpful to the growth of the student.</p>
<p>The artist’s work is something that should stand on its own, distinct from others, radiating its unique qualities of beauty and truth. Criticism, subjective, thus signifies ignorance of the objective, which is an aloof ambivalance to all of the conflicting criticisms. The work as a whole, if it is a dramatic artform, a true piece of literature, cannot be criticized because doubt does not hold as much reason as the affirmative concepts of truth and beauty generated by the artwork supreme.</p>
<p>There is a reason students are asked to read and study literature, and it’s not to prove that they know what the author was trying to say. It’s pretty obvious that analysis of literature is going to be objective, that people will see the same piece differently. </p>
<p>The point is to teach students how to think critically and to express those thoughts through discussion and/or writing. The ability to write and express oneself is important in any career, as it the ability to think objectively. You would be surprised by the number of students that struggle to do so.</p>
<p>Many English classes have discussions, peer review groups, etc, because it fosters thinking and creativity. It may seem pointless to those who are good at it, but many students have difficulty with this sort of thing. None of my English professors wanted us to imply what the authors meant-- they were more interested in hearing what we thought about the readings and why we thought it. Hearing others’ ideas and thoughts can generate new ideas and new ways of thinking for students.</p>
<p>As far as PTW is concerned… It wouldn’t be my first choice as a writing career, either. But all writing is mechanized in a way, which you will discover if you continue taking writing classes. Even creative writing has structure.</p>
<p>I guess I wonder which part of English/writing you are interested in, if you don’t want it to be too creative or too mechanized. You will have to take grammar classes. Writing is a lot technical. If you work as a writer, you will have to work with others, meet deadlines, and be able to express your ideas effectively. This is what English classes teach you, among other things.</p>
<p>There are many jobs related to English majors. Editors, literary agents, journalists, screenwriters, etc. </p>
<p>I think you may want to wait until you’ve taken some college courses before you dismiss English as pointless discussion. College will be a different experience than high school.</p>