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.
Lesley Wheeler Featured in Best American Poetry 2025 and Publishes Book Chapter
The English professor’s poem “Sex Talk” and essay “Talkin’ New York” were highlighted in larger collections.
Author Matthew Gavin Frank to Give Glasgow Endowment Reading at W&L
Frank will read from his new book “Submersed: Wonder, Obsession and Murder in the World of Amateur Submarines” at the Oct. 2 event.
Doty’s many creative pursuits range from research in the chemistry lab to taking photos around campus.
Domnica Radulescu Headlines First Beyond the Page: Milestone Works by Faculty Event
The Edwin A. Morris Professor of Comparative Literatures will discuss her forthcoming book, “My Father’s Orchards.”
‘W&L After Class’ Podcast Releases New Episode Featuring Lena Hill
The Washington and Lee University provost and professor of English speaks to serendipitous opportunities of the liberal arts.
Former Shenandoah Contributors to Give Annual Shannon-Clark Lecture at W&L
The Sept. 25 lecture will feature Ukrainian poet Julia Kolchinsky and poet and essayist Jaswinder Bolina.
In Memoriam: Heather Ross Miller, Thomas H. Broadus Jr. Professor of English Emerita
The famed author worked for Washington and Lee University for 11 years.
Saluting A Masterful Mentor: W. Dabney Stuart
James McLaughlin ’86, author of the novels “Panther Gap” and “Bearskin,” salutes W. Dabney Stuart, S. Blount Mason Professor of English Emeritus.
Freddy Fuentes Presents Paper at the Southeastern Council of Latin American Studies Conference
The visiting assistant professor of English lectured on Magical Realism as Eco Writing.
W&L Outcomes: Alaina Pastore ’25
This fall, Pastore will enter a one-year master’s program at the Shakespeare Institute at the University of Birmingham in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England.
A creative new Spring Term course brought students to Austin, Texas, for alumni mentorship, career exploration and literary analysis.
W&L’s Abby Moore ’25 Selected for Fulbright to Australia
Moore will conduct biomedical research at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Australia.