The Department of English Language and Literature, which was established in 1979, has undergone several significant changes over the past few decades. In 1983, with the founding of the College of Humanities and Social Studies, the English major was changed to the “Department of English Language and Literature.” In 1984, the master’s degree program was founded, followed by the PhD program in 1988. Today the department offers MA and PhD programs in Translation and Interpreting Studies.
In March 1996, four departments were brought into the College of Humanities, following the Korean Government’s University Education Reforms. This was later changed to an independent department system in 2013, since which time the department, through the major/minor system, has developed, and continues to develop, programs that foster expertise in English language and literature based on an interdisciplinary foundation.
For the first two years, the department’s curriculum is made up of courses that provide foundational knowledge (e.g., English conversation, English composition, English grammar, academic English reading, American and British culture) and required courses for the major (Introduction to the English Language, History of Classic/Modern English Literature, etc.). In the third and fourth years, students can take electives in three categories (Linguistics and Literature, English Education, and Translation and Interpreting) to gain in-depth knowledge in their area of expertise/interest. One hallmark of the department is its emphasis on the balance between academic knowledge and practicality in the curriculum. It also makes an effort to cultivate individuals who have the English proficiency and academic skills necessary to live and work in an increasingly globalized world. Students can take, regardless of the year, varying levels of conversation or composition classes taught by foreign faculty members as well as required courses and electives taught entirely in English.
After graduation, English majors can pursue a career in virtually any sector related to English, including completing a graduate degree to become a linguist or scholar of literature or gaining Teaching Profession Certification to teach English at a secondary school. They can also use their knowledge of English to do volunteer work at a public institute, government office, or corporation. Some alumni even choose to become full-time writers.