English is a dynamic, evolving field, always committed to the reexamination of older traditions and the exploration of newer ones. You will gain both historical understanding and critical skills through an inventive array of course electives and specialized options. Our English program is regularly ranked among the top 20 programs in the United States, and our English faculty are active leaders and participants in many of the university's strongest interdisciplinary centers, including the Center for Cultural Analysis, the Center for Historical Analysis, and the Institute for Research on Women. Our department is committed to excellence in written expression, to the interdisciplinary study of culture, and to the promotion of creative writing and multimedia composition. The English department sponsors many lectures, readings, and conferences.