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English

English: Major 

The study of English attends to literary works of the imagination — poems, plays, novels, short stories, and non-fiction — and to the use of language as a means of communication. Through a wide exposure to a range of texts, students are challenged to explore the meaning of literature in a variety of contexts, and by that exploration, develop a deeper understanding of today’s world.

The English department offers students the opportunity to develop an appreciation of literature, literary techniques and language, and a command of written expression. Courses in the department help students to become better readers, writers, and speakers, preparing them for professional fields that value effective communication, as well as for graduate study in English, rhetoric, law, medicine, business, and education. Faculty include active scholars in a wide range of literary and rhetorical fields, as well as creative writers working in all major genres, supporting the breadth and depth of the major. Learning inside the classroom, and the vibrant daily life of the department outside the classroom, are defined by close relationships between faculty and students.

Program Highlights

Each semester the department offers approximately 25 upper-division courses for majors, as well as numerous offerings for non-majors at the introductory and intermediate levels. These include:

Sstudent writing
National Acclaim

USA Today named Holy Cross the ninth “best U.S. college for a major in English.”

Students in an office
Opportunities

High achieving students can join honors societies and work with professors on scholarly and creative projects.

Students in the library
Creative Writing Program

The Creative Writing Program offers students the opportunity to pursue fiction, nonfiction and poetry.

English News

Elsi Ojanen '24
Blog: Ojanen ’24 Eager to Get Involved With Community and Ministry at Holy Cross
Name: Elsi Ojanen ’24 Hometown: Rindge, NH Studies She’s Considering: English and religious studies Why She Chose Holy Cross: I chose Holy Cross because of the rich sense of community and the Christian values evident in every aspect of the …
The Spire staff
Behind-the-Scenes at The Spire: How Holy Cross’ Student Newspaper Is Keeping the Community Connected
Over the summer, Matthew Anderson ’21 was at work in his hometown of Moultonborough, New Hampshire, when his phone started buzzing nonstop. Anderson, co-editor-in-chief of Holy Cross’ student newspaper, The Spire, saw numerous messages from Spire staff members who had …
Leila Philip, professor of English. Photo by Allison Waltz
English Professor Awarded Prestigious Grant From the Society for Environmental Journalism
Leila Philip, professor of English at Holy Cross and a contributing columnist for The Boston Globe’s Opinion section, has recently been awarded a rapid response story grant by the Society for Environmental Journalism for “Beaverland: The Story of How a …