Webster University

While an English major at Webster, you'll not only explore great works of literature, but you'll also enjoy them in the relaxing garden setting of the historic Pearson House, home to Webster's English and philosophy departments.

Webster English students enjoy the sense of community they experience while taking classes and studying in the surroundings of this historic house, where their professors' offices are also found. Many find there's no better way to tackle course work than to curl up with an assigned text in the Pearson House's backyard gardens; students can also frequently be found talking over class readings and assignments in the comfort of the student lounge.

You will feel at home among your fellow English majors thanks to the small classes and personal attention you'll receive from faculty, whose first priority is to see you succeed. You can nurture your interests outside of class, too, through extracurriculars such as:

• The Literature Club
• The Green Fuse student literary magazine
• Surfacing, the department's emerging playwrights festival
• Professional performances by the acclaimed St. Louis Repertory Theatre (located on campus)
• The department's Visiting Writers Series, which draws nationally prominent authors, playwrights and poets to campus

You may also see your original plays performed by members of Webster's prestigious Conservatory of Theatre Arts.

English majors choose from among three different emphases:

• Creative Writing
• Drama
• Literature, Society, and Politics

Courses in each emphasis are taught by professors who are also active, published authors such as award-winning poet David Clewell, award-winning playwright Michael Erickson, and literary critic Meg Sempreora, winner of the 2007 William T. Kemper Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Students in the honors program combine their English studies with study abroad and/or study of a foreign language, broadening their scope and deepening their experience. Students with an interest in film frequently combine their English studies with work in the film studies program in Webster's School of Communications, and a number of English majors also earn degrees in education in preparation for high school teaching.

No matter which area of emphasis you select, your English curriculum will be founded on intensive, close reading of literature and the development of strong writing skills. And no matter which path you seek after college, you will graduate with the critical reading, thinking and communication skills necessary to make a mark on the world in whatever way you desire.

For more information, visit the department's website.