Female student in class

Department of English and Cultural Studies

Our English And Cultural Studies Program

The undergraduate and graduate English programs offered at Western New England University prepare students to read carefully, think critically, and communicate persuasively. Our students become engaged, independent thinkers with the discipline to shape their own insights into meaningful, creative, and scholarly work. The result is a set of versatile skills that serve our graduates well in a wide variety of fields, including education, fiction writing, journalism and publishing, law, and business. Students of the department have gone on to have various achievements and even presented at conferences across the country.

The department offers three programs for undergraduates: American StudiesCreative Writing, and English. At the graduate level, it oversees the Master of Arts in English for Teachers program. English majors may also pursue study in the Secondary Education program in conjunction with the Department of Education.

Members of the Department of English and Cultural Studies faculty are accomplished scholars, writers, and poets who are actively engaged in the creative and scholarly pursuits for which we train our students. First and foremost, though, the faculty members are teachers and mentors to our majors. Small classes and individual relationships allow faculty to work closely with students to set them on a course for success in their studies and beyond.

Minors

Additional Opportunities

The Writing Center offers one-on-one services by College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) levels I and II certified tutors. Tutors will work with students on writing and reading assignments in any course and at any stage in the writing process. Students may meet with a tutor on a regular basis, schedule an appointment when needed, or take advantage of walk-in tutoring services.

The Department's own Common Ground Review is a twice-yearly publication of well-crafted poems, short stories, and creative nonfiction. The Review welcomes submissions each spring.

Submit to the Annual Poetry Contest

College of Arts and Sciences News

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WNE XR Lab Brings Augmented Reality to Bright Nights in New Community Partnership 

WNE's XR Lab is bringing immersive technology to the Spirit of Springfield’s Bright Nights at Forest Park in what marks the XR Lab’s first large-scale community partnership. Visitors to Santa’s Magical Forest will be able to step into an interactive augmented-reality (AR) experience designed and developed by WNE students. 

University News, Arts and Sciences
Students engaging in discussio around a table with a WNE professor.

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Educators: WNE–Duggan Partnership Builds the Teacher Pipeline

WNE and Duggan Academy have been collaborating for nine years to provide high school students with valuable college-level experiences and unique opportunities to explore college life, engage in hands-on learning, and consider careers in education. 

University News, Arts and Sciences
Headshot of Joi-Lee Key-Washington with a graduation cap on and wearing a pink jacket.

Criminal Justice Student Joi-Lee Key-Washington Honored with Outstanding Springfield Youth Award

WNE first-year student Joi-Lee Key-Washington has been recognized with the Outstanding Springfield Youth Award, which honors young individuals who make a meaningful difference in promoting safety, integrity, and positive influence in their neighborhoods. 

University News, Arts and Sciences