Undergraduate
The English Department offers majors in both English and creative writing, three minors and a combined bachelor's/master's degree. Through creative writing, critical reflection and close reading, students master the writing and argumentation skills that will serve them in their future careers.
Undergraduate English courses explore topics as diverse as the life of Willa Cather and the world of Shakespeare, and students expand their perspectives through African American, postcolonial and medieval literature. Our dedication to small classes and strong faculty mentorship allows students to define and achieve their educational goals. Students looking for a challenge can integrate honors studies, an internship or independent research project alongside their coursework.
Degree Programs
"In my sophomore year, I took Professor McRuer’s transnational queer film studies class. As part of the course, we traveled to Prague to attend an international queer film festival. During the 10 days abroad, we attended screenings and studied with a class at Charles University that had spent the semester simultaneously covering the same material as us. Because many of those students were also international, it was such an insightful experience listening to everyone’s perspectives on readings and films. The class challenged me to understand and apply complex theory, it introduced me to some of my favorite films, and it led to one of my favorite final papers I’ve ever written."
Jennifer Cheng
BA '21
"The size of the Creative Writing program allows students to find comfort and identity in their work. No one is simply an assignment or an object being lectured at. Each assignment and professor engaged my skills as a writer in ways I didn’t even know possible, introducing me to writers, styles, and opportunities that I never thought I’d have. The thesis program is rigorous yet personalized, and I feel so lucky to have fostered as many close relationships, with professors and students alike, in my time with the department."
Maryam Gilanshah
BA '21
