Department of English
Located in Willingham Hall
Creative Writing • Literature
Mercer's English Department encourages students to develop their critical reading, writing and thinking skills through the close reading, study and writing of literature. We treasure both the literary classics and those new voices that are broadening and deepening the literary expression of our shared humanity. Thus, students find a wide array of both traditional and innovative subject matters in the department's courses.
Whether delving into William Shakespeare, exploring the new international voices of English literature, or honing their own craft as writers, students have the opportunity to work with one of the most innovative, dedicated and student-centered faculties in the country. Actively publishing scholars and literary artists, Mercer's award-winning English Department faculty unite a passion for literature with a firm dedication to undergraduate teaching. Students therefore study in a department in which academic expertise goes hand-in-hand with personal mentoring.
Literature Track
An eleven-course program designed to familiarize students with the literary traditions of England and America while at the same time providing the opportunity both to encounter newer writings from across the globe and to pursue additional depth in an area of interest.
Creative Writing Track
An eleven-course plan of study designed to help beginning creative writers develop an individual voice as a writer and familiarize themselves with the basics of literary self-expression in a variety of forms.
Certification Track
A twelve-course program that prepares those seeking certification to teach English in secondary schools (grades 6-12). Students work closely with both their English advisor and an advisor from the Tift College of Education.
Minor
A minor in English consists of five courses above the 100-level and three courses numbered 300 or above.
Departmental Honors
Students studying on the Literature, Creative Writing or Certification Tracks who have a departmental grade point average of 3.5 or above in their upper-division courses may pursue Departmental Honors in English.
Georgia Poetry Circuit
Originated in and maintained by the English Department, the Georgia Poetry Circuit brings two to three nationally known poets to Mercer and Macon each semester. Past poets who have spoken on the circuit include Billy Collins, Derek Walcott, W.S. Merwin and Pattiann Rogers.
Ferrol A. Sams, Jr. Distinguished Chair of English
Established in 1993, the Sams Chair brings to Mercer an outstanding poet, dramatist, or fiction writer who conducts an advanced creative writing course and presents readings and lectures. Past chair holders include Dana Gioia, Rebecca Gilman, Louis Simpson and Gloria Naylor.
The Dulcimer
The campus literary and artistic magazine, The Dulcimer, is widely supported by departmental faculty and majors who often serve as contributors, editors and faculty sponsors.
The Cluster
The campus newspaper, The Cluster, provides an opportunity for English majors to hone their writing skills and gain journalistic experience.