1. Introduction

This article summarizes the current development status of English majors in China over the past 40 years of reform and opening up, and points out the problems in the curriculum design of English majors, such as excessive emphasis on language skills and neglect of humanistic education. At the same time, the viewpoint that English majors should return to humanities and carry out general education was proposed, and the importance of scientifically reasonable curriculum design in cultivating interdisciplinary and composite English talents was emphasized in the context of the new era. Finally, it was pointed out that there is insufficient discussion in the academic community regarding the curriculum design of English majors, and the "Guidelines" have not effectively addressed this issue, providing a background for further exploration of English major curriculum design in this article.

2. The Evolution of Undergraduate Education Curriculum Models in Higher Education Institutions

The evolution trend of undergraduate courses in higher education was reviewed, and three main course models were summarized: liberal education, professional education, and general education. Liberal education originated in ancient Greece, emphasizing the cultivation of individuals with physical and mental harmony, freedom, and noble sentiments, and later developed into general education in the United States. Professional education originated from the University of Paris, aiming to cultivate professionals and later combined with general education. General education was formed in the United States with the aim of cultivating well-rounded individuals, and the curriculum covers multiple subjects. The new curriculum education model not only inherits the traditional model, but also develops and innovates. The reform of undergraduate education curriculum systems in various countries mainly revolves around the contradiction between general education and professional education curriculum models.

3. Basis for the Curriculum Design of English Majors

In depth exploration was conducted on the basis of curriculum design for English majors in China in the new era, emphasizing the importance of three aspects: national and social needs, disciplinary knowledge system, and student development needs. The article first reviews the history of curriculum design in Chinese universities and points out that serving the needs of the country and society is the primary goal of curriculum design. In the new era, the cultivation of foreign language professionals needs to meet the needs of national self-reliance, independent innovation, expanding openness, strengthening international exchanges and cooperation, and cultivate high-quality foreign language professionals with patriotism, global vision, cultural heritage and professional skills.

4. Curriculum System and Curriculum Design for English Majors in the New Era

Elaborated in detail the reform plan for the curriculum design of English majors in China in the new era. According to the National Standards and Guidelines, the English major curriculum system is divided into public basic courses, professional core courses, professional direction courses, and practical teaching segments, with a total credit range of 150-180. Public basic courses include ideological and political theory, physical education and health, etc. Professional core courses consist of language skills and professional knowledge courses, while professional direction courses cover fields such as linguistics and literature. Practical teaching includes professional practice and graduation thesis.

5. Conclusion

Emphasis was placed on the importance of strengthening professional construction and improving the quality of talent cultivation in the new era for English majors. A curriculum design plan of "emphasizing both general and specialized courses" was proposed, and specific suggestions were given for general education, professional core, and training direction courses. At the same time, it is recommended that each English major construction site determine talent cultivation goals based on the school's positioning and characteristics, strengthen characteristics, promote differentiated development, enhance teacher team building and curriculum development, in order to cultivate high-level English professionals in the new era.