Department Details: English

An English class outside at W&L

Working closely with dedicated faculty members, students in this department hone their ability to think and read critically, reason persuasively, and write eloquently. Through exploring a constantly evolving range of course offerings, English majors learn the methodologies and vocabularies appropriate to literary study; contemplate the forms and purposes of literary art in a variety of periods and cultures; and investigate the intersections between English and many other disciplines. The English department also fosters a culture of curiosity and intellectual endeavor, as well as respect for a variety of cultures and intellectual approaches, through advising, internships and service learning, study abroad, and extracurricular programming. Students who pursue optional creative writing courses balance critical study with creative endeavor, learning the history and forms of literary art as apprentice practitioners.

English majors are encouraged to study abroad.  In addition to Spring Term courses in London and Ireland, English majors can undertake summer study at The Virginia Program at Oxford, a Washington and Lee-sponsored, interdisciplinary summer school program based in St. Anne’s College, Oxford University. The program examines the history and literature of Renaissance England and follows the English system of higher education, combining daily lectures by renowned, British scholars with small, weekly tutorials.

At Washington and Lee, the discipline of creative writing is firmly embedded in the study of literature. Students earning a minor in creative writing read widely; practice critical analysis; study the forms, modes, and histories of literature in English; and develop their own writing through creative exercises and workshop critique. Small classes, dedicated faculty, and a lively program of extracurricular offerings foster a supportive and challenging writing community.

Click here for more information on the English department.

Tour Guide Spotlight: Julia McCormick ’13

Julia McCormick ’13

Hometown: Norfolk, MA

Major(s)/Minor(s): History and English/Art History

What clubs/activities are you involved in on campus? University Big Sister, First Year Orientation Committee, Fancy Dress Committee, Chi Omega

How are you involved in the Lexington community? I have tutored at the local elementary school, Waddell Elementary School and participated in Nabors Service Day at another local school, Woods Creek Montessori.

What are some of your other hobbies/interests? Reading, Traveling

Favorite weekend activity? Catching up with my friends at brunch

Favorite thing about Lexington? I love that Lexington is such a small, friendly town and everyone is What’s your favorite W&L memory?

My favorite W&L memory: My first Spring Term was one of the best overall experiences- academically and socially. The ability to focus on one challenging course allows for an intense, yet highly rewarding, academic experience. The weather and opportunities during Spring Term contribute to one of the most rewarding fun experiences I’ve ever had.

What’s the best encounter you’ve had with a faculty or staff member? One of my favorite encounters with a W&L faculty member has been with our study abroad advisor Kip Brooks. Kip has been incredibly helpful in helping me determine the right study abroad program for me from dozens of choices.

 

Tour Guide Spotlight: Alexandra Frazier ’13

Alexandra Frazier ’13

Hometown: Columbia, SC

Major(s)/Minor(s): English/Creative Writing

What clubs/activities are you involved in on campus? President, Panhellenic Council; Mock Convention Publications Committee Member; College Democrats Member; Design Editor, Ring Tum Phi; Model United Nations Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Chair; Pi Beta Phi Member

How are you involved in the Lexington community? I’ve recently adopted a Little Sister through the United Way Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, and I frequently volunteer with Campus Kitchens and the Nabors Service League.

What are some of your other hobbies/interests? Traveling, reading and writing, dancing, spending time with my friends, cooking, and “finger painting” on my iPad

Favorite weekend activity? I have quite a few—Sunday brunch at the Bistro, lounging in bed on lazy Saturday mornings, having the time to actually cook for my friends and read the news, bonding with my apartment mates, taking the occasional trip to Charlottesville or DC… it’s wonderful to be able to unwind after a stressful week of classes!

Favorite thing about Lexington? The small town atmosphere and friendly vibe are probably my favorite things about the city. The speaking tradition seems to extend beyond the colonnade, and everyone is just so genuinely nice in town. I practically have surrogate mothers in a couple of the local shopkeepers!

What’s your favorite W&L memory? Orientation week. It was a blur, and honestly I don’t remember half of it, but it was quite possibly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The upperclassmen were exceptionally helpful when it came to navigating campus, and I made friends through the course of that week that I currently live with, rushed with, and will forever be friends with.

What’s the best encounter you’ve had with a faculty or staff member? The best encounter I’ve had with a faculty member was my spring term endangered plant science class with Professor Charles Winder. He made a biology class engaging for a group of non-science majors, and our class was spent outdoors instead of cooped up in a lab. Plus, his Dalmatian is precious!