English
The Cultural Task of the Writer

"To the writer," said James T. Farrell in his preface to Studs Lonigan, "nothing is immaterial." For the student of literature, that assertion is equally true. In literature, the writer's vision provokes us to formulate our own visions, to articulate meaning out of the chaos of human experience.

The English Department at Calvin College teaches both literature and writing as interrelated activities in which students engage in the process of discovering themselves, the conditions of their lives, and the visions they will need to live well. Faculty and students explore together how language, literature and writing can be interpreted and understood through the eyes of our Christian faith.

Student Profile

Liz Senefeld English & Art Class of 2006

Website

• English

English News

• Prof Writes Book On Advent
• Festival of Faith & Writing 2008 (Video)
• Classes Present Sonnet Walk
• Art Gallery, Writing Fests Partner
• Youth Writing Festivals On Campus
• Prof Part of Award-Winning Milton Book
• Schmidt Honored By Jewish Book Council
• Prof's Book Wins Newbery Honor

Alumni

• Calvin is ranked in the top 5% of all college graduates who go on to earn a Ph.D.

• Opportunities for English Majors include:
  • Teaching positions
  • Publishing
  • Editing
  • Administration
  • Sales
  • Advertising
  • Law
  • Business

Profoundly Academic

• The English Department is composed of twenty-five, full-time professors who teach classes from a Christian perspective.

• Interim in New England

• Professors frequently publish award-winning books, essays, and articles.

• The English Department offers a major and minor* in:
  • English
  • Secondary English
  • Elementary English
  • English Education
  • Linguistics*
  • Interdisciplinary minors*
  • Writing*
  • Journalism*

Student Organizations

• Chimes
• Dialogue
• Student Playwrights
• Prism

Related Links

• Faculty Publications
• Hekman Library
• Festival of Faith and Writing
• Conference of Christianity and Literature
• Inflections: Calvin Linguistics Weblog

Getting Started at Calvin

• Request more information
• Come visit campus
• Apply online