ÄûÃÊÊÓÆµ

English Department

Student studying

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.

Visit the for the latest advice about MLA style of documentation.

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. 

Department Info

  • Payne Hall
    ÄûÃÊÊÓÆµ
    Lexington, Virginia 24450

Holly Pickett

Department Head

Charity Corman

Administrative Assistant

Feature Stories


David serves as head intern of the Burish internship program that connects local schools with student volunteers.

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.

The April 3 reading by the former Shenandoah contributors is part of the literary magazine’s 75th- anniversary celebrations.

The April 7 event is part of the Museums at W&L’s ‘Lunch and Learn’ series.

Miller was named one of the most inspiring women in Athens, Georgia.

The English professor’s poetry collection explores natural and human transformation.

The public reading by the former Shenandoah editorial fellows will take place Feb. 11 in Northen Auditorium.

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.

Smith served as the literary magazine’s editor for 23 years.

The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards of up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate students who are Pell Grant recipients.

The public reading will take place Nov. 12 in Northen Auditorium.

The public reading will take place Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in Northen Auditorium.

English Calendar


May 06 - 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Please join us for a reading by Erin Crosby Eckstine on Tuesday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m. in Northen Auditorium. This Gl