Department of English | Illinois State University

Photo of Dr. Kass Fleisher, with text reading 'It is with great sadness that the Department of English shares news of the passing of Dr. Kass Fleisher. An in-person campus memorial will be held on April 4,2023 from 6 pm to 9pm at the Brown Ballroom in the Bone Student Center. An online writing community memorial will be held this spring.'

In Memory of: Dr. Kass Fleisher

An in-person campus memorial will be held on April 4,2023 from 6 pm to 9pm at the Brown Ballroom in the Bone Student Center.

Photo of book titled 'Let America Be America Again'

Dr. Chris De Santis's new book.

Follow the link to read an article and learn more about Chris De Santis's new book: Let America Be America Again

K. Aaron Smith pictured holding his new book, 'A New Form-Function Grammar of English' and smiling.

Dr. K Aaron Smith's new book.

A book which approaches the structure of English theoretically and practically from a form-function perspective.

Book 'We find Ourselves in Other People's Stories' laying flat on a table.

Professor Amy Robillard's new book.

A collection of personal essays that theorizes the relationships between language and violence, between narrative and dementia, between genre and certainty, and between writing and life.

Front Cover of book, Mimola or the story of a casket.

Susan Kalter translates Mimola or the Story of a Casket by Antoine...

A novel published as part of the Publications Unit’s new translation series Undiscovered Americas.

Front cover of book, Reform and Literacy Education.

Professor Hochstetler

Professor Hochstetler's new edited collection offers an exploration of the complex issues surrounding literacy education.

Steven Kagle

The Department of English gratefully acknowledges a generous gift from our colleague, Professor Steven Kagle, Emeritus which established the Drs. Steven and Jill Kagle Undergraduate Assistantship Fund in 2019.

Congratulations to Dr. Roberta Trites

for winning the Children's Literature Association's 2023 Anne Devereaux Jordan Award!

Undergraduate Courses

Internships & Careers

First Year Writing

Students listening a lecture in a computer hall.

The Publications Unit

Downstate Legacies, FC2, Obsidian, and more! The Publications Unit with the Department of English provides professional & hands-on experience for students in the program!

Visit the Publications Unit website

Diversity & Inclusion

The Department of English prides itself on a commitment to diversity and inclusion in its students, professors, and curriculum.

Learn about our commitment to diversity

A woman of color speaking in front of a classroom.

Support Us

You can help the Department of English.

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News

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Quotes from Students

Dylan Maroney, Junior, English

The best thing that I’ve experienced in the Illinois State University English Department is the compassion that the faculty have for their students. Whether it be offering scholarly assistance, giving advice on getting a job or internship, or providing a guiding hand, they help ensure the current and future success of their students.

Alexa Parker, Junior, English & Anthropology

Being in Illinois State University’s English Studies program has been amazing. There are so many course offerings to explore and so many new interests to discover. The vast range of courses has really benefited me, as I am a double major, and thus I can better tailor my academic experience to fit my unique plan.

Mason McCoy, Senior, Publishing

Coming out of high school unsure about what I wanted to do, I find myself picking up skills that make me a more marketable professional and will help me find a job in whatever field I decide to make a career in.

Welcome to Illinois State University Department of English website.