Why study English?

In a world resounding to the continuous drumbeat of “STEM, STEM, STEM,” to study English is to strike out on one's own.

We are a community of students and faculty dedicated to the skillful reading and writing of texts in a variety of genres, both creative and expository. Classes are small and our faculty members pride themselves on the excellence of their classroom instruction and the lasting relationships they make with their students. High-quality instruction, internship opportunities, and the opportunity to tailor the major to your intellectual and professional interests are only part of the story though.

Learn more about the value of a degree in English.

News

SJ Sindu, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of English at VCU’s College of Humanities and Sciences, teaches creative writing and released her first graphic novel, “Shakti,” this week. Here, she enjoys a cup of tea in her home office. (Max Schlickenmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

May 26, 2023

With graphic novel ‘Shakti,’ SJ Sindu shares ‘the kind of story that I wanted to have’ as a child

VCU creative writing professor blends Tamil mythology from native Sri Lanka, manga inspirations from childhood, LGBTQIA+ narratives and life lessons on emotions and bullying for middle-grade readers.

Christine Singleton, an avid reader, is part of the English department’s Distinguished Major Program. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

May 11, 2023

Class of 2023: After allowing herself time to grieve, Christine Singleton returns to school and resumes her love of literature and learning

Singleton, an English major, has thrived at VCU, where she has found her voice again.

For her Ph.D. in Media, Art, and Text dissertation at VCU, Allison Bennett Dyche, Ph.D., who graduates this month, focused on the lessons she learned in creating an Audio Storytelling & Podcasting course for college students - and how courses like hers would be a beneficial part of the curriculum for mass communication students nationwide. (Samuel Cooke, The Appalachian photographer, Appalachian State University)

May 11, 2023

Class of 2023: Allison Bennett Dyche found few resources on how to teach podcasting to college students. So she created her own.

Dyche, who is earning a Ph.D. in Media, Art and Text, is “at the forefront of a growing conversation about how universities can help prepare students for careers in this growing industry,” her dissertation director says.

English Spotlight