English

Faculty

Danit Brown, chair and associate professor.
B.A., 1992, Oberlin College; B.A., 2001, Tel Aviv University; M.F.A., 2004, Indiana University. Appointed 2005.

Nels A. Christensen, associate professor.
A.B., 1993, California State University, Chico; M.A., 1997, Ph.D., 2005, Michigan State University. Appointed 2006.

Mary L. Collar, professor.
B.A., 1969, The University of Wisconsin; M.A., 1972, Ph.D., 1977, Pennsylvania State University. Appointed 1977.

Glenn J. Deutsch, visiting assistant professor.
B.A., 1977, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Ph.D., 2006, Western Michigan University. Appointed 2012.

Judith A. Lockyer, professor.
B.A., 1971, M.A., 1980, University of Kentucky; Ph.D., 1984, University of Michigan. Appointed 1985.

Ian F. MacInnes, professor.
B.A., 1987, Swarthmore College; M.A., 1990, Ph.D., 1995, University of Virginia. Appointed 1994.

Helena G. Mesa, professor.
B.A., 1994, Indiana University; M.F.A., 1997, University of Maryland; Ph.D., 2003, University of Houston. Appointed 2003.

Ashley Miller, assistant professor.
B.A., 2001, Vassar College; M.A., 2005, Ph.D., 2011, Indiana University. Appointed 2015.

Jessica F. Roberts, professor.
A.B., 1997, Dartmouth College; M.A., 1999, Ph.D., 2005, University of Michigan. Appointed 2005.

Introduction

The Albion College English curriculum is designed to provide training in literary analysis, research, and written communication. The major prepares students to read critically, to evaluate information, and to express ideas with clarity and grace. The department offers courses in English and U.S. literatures and traditions, creative writing, journalism, and literary theory. The curriculum includes the intensive study of the works of major writers, major periods of literary history, and the development of literary types. Upper division courses provide experience in critical approaches to literature; many explore certain theoretical considerations implicit in literary study, such as the question of canon formation and the impact of gender, race and ethnicity, and class on the creation and reception of literary works. Courses in writing and language are designed to develop students’ mastery of their language and their capacity for rigorous analysis. The writing curriculum includes basic and advanced work in expository writing, poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.

English Department Website

Career Opportunities

In addition to preparing students for the advanced study of language and literature, majoring in English is excellent preparation for professional study in law, linguistics, library science, higher education administration, and public relations. Trained to read carefully and write clearly, students go on to a wide variety of careers in which language and research play an important role, including journalism, editing and writing, and elementary and secondary teaching. Moreover, many students have chosen English as a second major in recent years, using it to extend and strengthen their preparation for medicine, business, and a variety of other fields.

Special Features

English majors enjoy a rich variety of research, writing, and internship opportunities both on and off campus. Writing and editorial positions on the online student newspaper and the annual literary magazine are available, and the department helps place students in off-campus programs in Great Britain, New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. In the past several years, majors have completed off-campus internships with the MacNeil Lehrer News Hour, CNN, Rolling Stone magazine, and NBC News.

The department encourages qualified and interested majors to consider writing an honors thesis in English during their senior year. Successful completion of the thesis results in graduation with departmental honors in English.

Outstanding English majors are invited to join the Joseph J. Irwin Society, the English Department honorary.

The English Department sponsors a series of programs each year which bring distinguished writers and critics to campus for readings, lectures, and meetings with classes. Campus visitors have included Maya Angelou, Gwendolyn Brooks, Allen Ginsberg, Joy Harjo, Terrance Hayes, Marie Howe, Galway Kinnell, Li Young Lee, and Gary Snyder.

Departmental Policy on Advanced Placement Credit

Students who earn a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement (AP) exam in English literature and composition will receive credit for English 100X (elective credit). Students who earn a 4 on the AP exam in English language and composition will receive credit for English 100X (elective credit), those who earn a score of 5 will receive credit for ENGL 101 .

Programs

Major

Minor