Learning to read literature is like learning to see a whole new world.
Close, attentive reading. Critical and creative writing. Independent research. As an English major, you’ll develop your own questions and directions as you explore the traditions of American, African American, ethnic American, British, Irish, and global postcolonial literatures. You’ll hone your skills in literary theory and interpretation. Whether your interests lead you to pursue scholarly or creative writing, you’ll find many opportunities to learn from the regular faculty as well as guest scholars and authors through programs like Writers@Grinnell. We encourage you to conduct original research and study abroad to venture beyond the existing curriculum. You’ll be well prepared for advanced study or careers in fields such as journalism, law, publishing, media, or education.
Writing at Grinnell
Writers@Grinnell
Writers@Grinnell, the English department’s reading series, brings to campus writers of all kinds: poets, novelists, memoirists, essayists, radio essayists, columnists, graphic memoirists, playwrights, and short story writers.
Creative Writing
The English department believes that creative writing ought to be fully integrated into the formal study of literature.
