English & Writing
Crucial to the centuries-old Ignatian vision that guided the establishment of Jesuit colleges and universities are two concepts: caring for the student as an individual (cura personalis) and imparting to the student a skill in thoughtful, imaginative, and well-organized language (eloquentia perfecta).
The Department of English and Writing and its curriculum encourage the growth of our students in these traditions. Our courses guide them to appreciate imaginative literature and to master rhetorical skills traditionally associated with Jesuit education—including cultivating an individual and discerning voice in both writing and speaking.
We are committed to the University’s mission by connecting faith, intellectual commitment, and social justice in our teaching. By offering service-learning and diversity courses and by developing mentoring relationships between faculty and students, we encourage a striving for the greater intellectual and social good.
The Department of English and Writing supports the University mission by calling upon our students to embrace:
- An openness to imaginative, moral, and spiritual growth
- A confidence in their own intellectual reach and competence
- A commitment to being men and women with and for others
- A commitment to social justice
- A willingness and an ability to lead.
English classes are taught by committed and highly accomplished faculty members who are enthusiastic about research and writing, and who are particularly devoted to teaching and student development. Small classes, careful advising, individualized instruction, discussion-oriented courses and writing workshops provide a personal atmosphere for learning. As a faculty, we strive to create an inclusive and rigorous intellectual community that meets students where they are and offers them support and mentorship in an environment that emphasizes critical thinking, clear and purposeful communication, and collaborative learning.