The Department of English Language and Literature trains students in English language skills necessary for scholarly research, and provides students with in-depth knowledge of a broad range of subjects in the fields of English linguistics and literature. Students may specialize either in English linguistics or English and American literature. Undergraduates are required to take a broad range of courses in both linguistics and literature in order to build up their language skills. The literature concentration consists of courses in poetry, novels, drama, and literary criticism. Extensive coursework in these various genres not only enables students to appreciate English and American literature, but provides them with important literary skills: composition, literary analysis and criticism. The linguistics concentration consists of required coursework in English grammar, the history of the development of the English language, and English phonetics.

Courses in English conversation and composition help students master colloquial English. In addition, the department supports students participating in English-only immersion programs during the summer and winter breaks. After such training at the undergraduate level, students who wish to become professional scholars go on to advanced studies in the graduate program.

Departmental extracurricular activities for undergraduates include field trips; foreign language drama festivals, where students majoring in English direct, produce and act in English-language plays; and volunteer work programs in the countryside. Aside from the department’s Student Association, there are student clubs such as the Baseball Team, the Computer Club and the Christian Students Association.

Graduates of the department have played a crucial role in the field of English language and literature within Korea, and this role is only likely to increase in the future. Graduates of the department have found success as writers and literary critics, as shown by the example of many graduates active in those fields. Many graduates of the department have pursued successful careers in politics, government, business, and industry as well.