About the Department

The English department is concerned with two related though separable subjects: (1) the English language -- including structure, grammar, and syntax, and the principles and practices of good writing; (2) the literature that has been achieved in the English language.

The writing courses offered by the department help students be more clear, creative, and orderly in their written language, and more observant and critical in their reading.

The study of literature is a discipline which broadens and integrates students' knowledge. Literature is an art, and reading it gives students a further awareness of the human search for excellence and transcendence which leads to artistic accomplishment. Moreover, a knowledge of literature expands our understanding of many other aspects of human life.

Students with English majors go into a number of careers. Besides graduate study and secondary teaching, a number of recent graduates have moved into advertising, journalism, marketing, library science, law, and business.

DOESN"T LOOK LIKE AN ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY? Okay, you're partly right. This is dress rehearsal for the finale of a play written by Dr. Donna Edsall of the English Department. No English majors were involved in the actual production, but English minor Emily Blood, left, played Leonora and choreographed this dance sequence.	HOORAY FOR TECHNOLOGY! Professor Fox checks out the new yearbook camera. In addition to teaching English classes, she advises the college annual.

ISN'T THIS FUN? Every semester the English Department hosts a reception for its seniors. Here a group of English majors talk about the ltierary life.

AND IN CONCLUSION... Senior English major Meredith Greenwood presents her capstone research project. Every senior must complete a capstone experience involving intensive research on a literary subject. In Fall 07 the topic was Salman Rushdie's "Satanic Verses." In Spring 2008 the topic was Charlotte Bronte's Wuthering Heights. This fall, the topic is Dante's Inferno, and next spring it will be Shakespeare's Hamlet.

VISITING WRITER Lee Martin (left) speaks with Professor Polly Farquhar at a reception held at the home of Dr. Donna Edsall.	POETRY READINGS are a common occurrence on campus. Zach Gress reads a poem with the theme of "water."