English Department
Working closely with dedicated faculty members, students in this department hone their ability to think and read critically, reason persuasively, and write eloquently. Through exploring a constantly evolving range of course offerings, English majors learn the methodologies and vocabularies appropriate to literary study; contemplate the forms and purposes of literary art in a variety of periods and cultures; and investigate the intersections between English and many other disciplines.
The English Department also fosters a culture of curiosity and intellectual endeavor, as well as respect for a variety of cultures and intellectual approaches, through advising, internships and service learning, study abroad, and extracurricular programming. Students who pursue optional creative writing courses balance critical study with creative endeavor, learning the history and forms of literary art as apprentice practitioners.
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Highlights
- 35-50 students per graduating class major in English or minor in Creative Writing
- Spring term study abroad opportunities and senior capstone experiences
- Internship opportunities at a celebrated international literary magazine, Shenandoah
- Lean 11-course major makes it easy to study abroad, double-major or complete a minor
- Frequent readings and lectures by visiting writers and scholars
- Compatible with pre-med or health professions preparation
- Departmental prizes and scholarships awarded annually
View the 2024 English & Creative Writing Newsletter to see what the English Department has been up to this past year.
Chris Gavaler to Debut One-Act Play at the Live Arts Waterworks Festival
The professor of English’s show will screen on May 21 and 23 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Author Erin Crosby Eckstine to Give Glasgow Endowment Reading at W&L
Eckstine will read from her debut novel, “Junie,” at the May 6 event.
David serves as head intern of the Burish internship program that connects local schools with student volunteers.
‘W&L After Class’ Podcast Releases New Episode Featuring Beth Staples
In this month’s episode, Staples speaks of the power of imagination and storytelling and the continuous, and evolving, legacy of the Shenandoah literary magazine.
Authors Athena Dixon and Matthew Vollmer to Give Reading at W&L
The April 3 reading by the former Shenandoah contributors is part of the literary magazine’s 75th- anniversary celebrations.
Leah Naomi Green to Hold Reading and Conversation on Language and Narrative
The April 7 event is part of the Museums at W&L’s ‘Lunch and Learn’ series.
Tricia Miller ’93 Featured in Insider Athens Magazine
Miller was named one of the most inspiring women in Athens, Georgia.
W&L’s Lesley Wheeler Publishes New Book
The English professor’s poetry collection explores natural and human transformation.
Authors DW McKinney and Sylvia Jones to Give Glasgow Endowment Reading at W&L
The public reading by the former Shenandoah editorial fellows will take place Feb. 11 in Northen Auditorium.
‘W&L After Class’ Podcast Launches New Season With Episode Featuring Holly Pickett
In the podcast’s first episode of season six, Pickett, professor of English, discusses the power of humanities in a rapidly changing world and the life lessons that can be continuously unearthed in Shakespearean text.
In Memoriam: Rod Smith, Editor of Shenandoah and Adjunct Professor of English
Smith served as the literary magazine’s editor for 23 years.
Twelve W&L Students Awarded Gilman Scholarships to Study Abroad
The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards of up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate students who are Pell Grant recipients.