“The End of the English Major” is an essay written by Nathan Heller. The essay was published in The New Yorker in 2013 and explores the changing landscape of higher education, particularly the decline in popularity and perceived value of English and humanities majors in American universities.
Nathan Heller’s essay delves into the challenges and criticisms facing traditional liberal arts education, focusing specifically on the decline in enrollment in English programs and the shifting priorities of students toward majors that seem more directly linked to job prospects and financial stability.
The title, “The End of the English Major,” suggests a decline or potential demise of the once-prominent English major as students increasingly opt for majors that appear to offer more direct career pathways.
Key themes and points in the essay include:
Practicality vs. Passion: Heller examines the tension between choosing a major that aligns with personal interests and passions (such as English literature) versus selecting a major that appears to lead to more stable job opportunities in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or business.
Economic Concerns: The essay highlights concerns about the financial burden of higher education and the pressure students face to pursue degrees that are seen as more likely to result in well-paying jobs post-graduation.
Changing Job Landscape: Heller discusses how the changing job market, particularly in a digital age, has influenced students’ perceptions of which majors are most likely to lead to successful careers. The rise of technology and new media has altered the professional landscape, impacting the perceived value of traditional humanities education.
Skills and Critical Thinking: The essay addresses the argument that an education in the humanities, like English literature, equips students with critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that are valuable in a wide range of professions, even if they aren’t directly related to the major itself.
Cultural and Intellectual Enrichment: Heller emphasizes the intrinsic value of studying literature and the humanities as a means of cultural enrichment, fostering empathy, and developing a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Overall, “The End of the English Major” contributes to the ongoing discussion about the changing nature of higher education, the role of the humanities in modern society, and the perceived tension between pursuing one’s passions and making practical career choices. The essay raises important questions about the value of a well-rounded education in an increasingly specialized and career-focused world.