This survey, the result of a four-year study, classifies schools by size, geographical location, and type. Chapter one examines the composition, power, and nature of the English department. This includes description of its procedures for recruiting new faculty members and for awarding promotion and tenure, and an examination of teaching loads. The second chapter surveys the function and service obligations of the department. The most important of these, freshman English, is discussed at length. Other programs for non-majors and the department's contribution to the training of teachers are then reviewed. Chapter three is concerned with the English major and programs for his training. Plans and requirements for the major are analyzed, and concepts of the major are defined. Special provisions for majors, including honors programs, are then examined. The final chapter presents general conclusions about the problems confronting English departments. The general questionnaire used in the survey is contained in the report. Statistical support for specific topics discussed throughout the survey is provided in more than 90 tables. (Author/RL)