As an aspiring English major, I'm quite interested in Western Washington University's program but I'm not sure about it. So anyone who's currently enrolled or is a graduate, could you please shed some light on how comprehensive the coursework is? Are there any awesome faculty I should look out for?
Western Washington University (WWU) has a strong program for English majors, offering a diverse array of courses covering different periods, genres and perspectives. The professors are experienced, knowledgeable, and are known for their open-door policy, meaning they are often available and eager to discuss class materials or provide guidance on your papers.
The curriculum at WWU is quite comprehensive. You are required to take foundation courses to gain a thorough grounding in the field of English literature, as well as the skills to analyze and interpret literary texts from different angles. Once you've completed the foundation courses, you can choose from a variety of electives in areas such as creative writing, cultural studies, film studies, linguistics, technical writing, and women's literature among others. This allows you to tailor your studies to your interests.
The faculty at WWU's English department are also worth mentioning. While there are many stellar professors, a few names often pop up for their engaging teaching style and commitment to their students. For example, Professor Laura Laffrado is well-respected for her expertise in nineteenth-century American literature. Professor Kathryn Vulic, who teaches medieval literature, is also highly regarded by students for her in-depth knowledge and dynamic class discussions.
Keep in mind that professors you might benefit from taking classes with may vary based on your own interests! For instance, if you're interested in creative writing, you might want to take classes with professors who specialize in that area.
In addition to the coursework and faculty, there are numerous opportunities for engagement outside of the classroom. The English club offers social and academic events like reading groups and poetry nights. You might also consider joining Jeopardy Magazine, the university’s undergraduate-run literary journal, or taking advantage of the university's study abroad programs to study literature in a different cultural context.
Feel free to reach out directly to the English department with any additional questions you may have. They can provide more information about the program and might even be able to connect you with current students who can share their personal experiences.
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