Bachelor's in English: Literature and the Environment

Colby College has evolved into a leading educational institution that combines a rich history with a forward-looking approach. The college's picturesque campus provides a vibrant and collaborative learning environment, fostering intellectual curiosity and creativity among its students. Colby's rigorous academic programs span a wide range of disciplines, emphasizing critical thinking, research, and a global perspective. The institution is dedicated to cultivating leaders who are not only well-versed in their respective fields but are also equipped with the skills and mindset to address complex challenges facing society. With a focus on experiential learning, including internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs, Colby ensures that students are prepared for success in a rapidly changing world. The college's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion adds a crucial dimension to its educational mission, creating a campus community that values different perspectives and backgrounds. Overall, Colby College stands as a beacon of academic distinction, preparing students to be thoughtful, engaged citizens and leaders in the global community.

At Colby, you can major in English, major in English with a creative writing concentration, or major in English with a concentration in literature and the environment. You can also minor in English or in creative writing. We are one of very few liberal arts colleges in America offering both a major concentration and a minor in creative writing. Students choose from classes in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, environmental writing, playwriting (through the Theater and Dance Department), documentary radio, performance poetry, and other forms. In our innovative literature and the environment concentration, you’ll study global traditions of environmental literature and think about their connections to colonial and activist histories. You’ll acquire analytical and writing skills to prepare you for a wide variety of careers. Literature classes treat a wide variety of subjects from Chaucer to science fiction, from Shakespeare to environmental humanities. Working closely with rare book librarians in Special Collections and with curators at the Colby Museum of Art students engage in hands-on activities. Our small classes encourage you to take on innovative projects. You can collaborate with faculty in senior seminars and honors theses.

Colby College stands out as a premier liberal arts institution, celebrated not only for its academic rigor but for its commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and global citizenship. At the heart of Colby's identity is a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that encourages intellectual exploration and personal growth. Rooted in a rich history, Colby has seamlessly blended tradition with a progressive vision, placing emphasis on innovative teaching methods and cutting-edge research opportunities. With a faculty dedicated to mentorship and a student body engaged in diverse extracurricular activities, Colby thrives as a place where students not only gain knowledge but also develop the skills and perspectives needed to make a meaningful impact in the world.