English Major Spotlight: Amy Altenburg

Year: Third year
Hometown: Fargo, ND

Why did you choose to major in English?

While I figured that getting a BA in English would align the most with my goal of eventually studying library sciences, I’ve always felt that I connected with English the most during my K-12 school career in comparison to other subjects. I wanted to dive deeper into literary study, and through this program I’ve developed unexpected interests in topics such as literary criticism and the history of the English language.

What has been your favorite part of your experience in the department?

The community that it offers. In such a large university it’s nice to be able to connect and regularly interact with a group of students and staff that share similar, specific interests. I’ve also appreciated the opportunity of being the event specialist for the Fellowship of Undergraduate Students in English (FUSE). This position has made me feel even more integrated into the community within Pillsbury Hall. Honestly, I don’t know where else I’d fit in better than in the English department here at the University of Minnesota.

Are you pursuing any majors, minors, internships, or interests outside your English major? 

I’m currently working towards an art minor! Literature and art really do go hand-in-hand; literature is simply a form of art made through words. As I’ve practiced analyzing different forms of media through the study of visual art, I’ve found myself being able to look deeper into literature as well. 

Outside of classes, I am a lead student worker at Wilson Library. Being able to navigate the library more intimately has allowed me to not only prepare myself for my planned career in library sciences, but also access information that further branches out my knowledge about literary study and the history of English literature.

What is a favorite book you read for a UMN English class?

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri—a book I read for ENGL1401 “Intro to World Literatures in English.”

What English course would you especially recommend?

I especially enjoyed my ENGL4612 “Old English I” class. Alongside helping me learn a new party trick of speaking Old English, this course also intertwines aspects of history and linguistics that I found super interesting. 

What is something about the English department that people might not know?

The classes offered in the department are more diverse than people realize. Obviously there are classes focused strictly on literary study, but there are also English classes that focus on environmental science, cinema, theater arts, social justice, specific historical figures, and more. It feels as if there is at least one class within the English department that anyone could enjoy.