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 to see what the English Department has been up to this past year.
Feature Stories
Malachi Zarahn ’28 is the first W&L student selected for a two-year program designed to help students chart their path into the legal profession.
Four W&L professors share their must-reads to help you round out your reading list.
Three new Spring Term Abroad courses allow the liberal arts ethos to shine as professors in different disciplines combine forces.
Senior Ryan Doty reflects on his time at Washington and Lee and the experiences he’ll carry with him into his next chapter.
The associate professor of English will perform research leading to a new monograph at the Wellesley College-based academic center next year.
An aspiring educator, David looks forward to combining her love for education and language-learning.
The combined exhibition, featuring the work of artists Amanda Marchand and Leah Sobsey, will open April 27, with an artist’s talk by Sobsey slated for May 13.
The weekend’s seminar will feature award-winning author George Saunders discussing his new novel, “Vigil.”
Brodie’s April 1 reading will also celebrate her 25 years at W&L, ahead of her retirement in May.
The professor of English authored a book titled “The Color of Paper,” which was released in February.
Fischer returned to campus on March 18 to share how he used his English major as a building block to his successful career as managing partner at Yates Insurance and to impart to students the benefit of exploring the humanities and the arts.
Washington and Lee’s new creative writing major helps students hone their craft.