OSU English Department

The study of English literature and language is fundamental to any education. Not only does it provide familiarity with the literary works that shape cultural heritage and the structure, history, and use of the language, but it also develops the ability to think analytically, to write effectively, and to consider various points of view.

Since its inception in the 1960s, the English Department at Oklahoma State University has attracted and served students with a diversity of interests. It offers a variety of courses, most of them small lectures and discussion classes. The curriculum supports intensive study in specific areas but allows students to combine them according to their own professional goals. BA, MA, MFA and PhD degrees are awarded through the department, and a full range of courses is offered in six areas:

The English Department also works with OSU to provide additional services: the Writing Center, the International Teaching Assistant Program, the OSU Writing Project, and exciterbulb.

Department News

For older news items, please see our news archive

Faculty Openings

The English Department is seeking applicants for a Visiting Proffesor (rank open) – Poetry, a Visiting Assistant Professor – Modern/Contemporary Literature, a Visiting Assistant Professor – TESOL/Linguistics, as well as multiple Visiting Assistant Professorships in Composition and/or Undergraduate Literature. For more details, please see the openings page.

Search Underway for Endowed Professorship in Literature

The Department of English seeks applicants for the Houston-Truax-Wentz Endowed Professorship in English. Tenured Full Professor position with a specialization in any area of literature, beginning August 2012. Ph.D. in Literature with a distinguished publication and research record required, as well as a demonstrated commitment to quality undergraduate and graduate teaching. Salary competitive.

The Houston-Truax-Wentz Endowed Professorship in English was established to enhance excellence in teaching and scholarship in the Department of English at Oklahoma University. We seek an established scholar and teacher in any area of literature compatible with departmental research interests.

Additional information can be found here.

Oklahoma State University Humanities Conference Call For Papers

Our call for papers for the 2012 Oklahoma State University Humanities Conference is now available here. A pdf with more details on the conference can be found here.

ITA Test Dates

A quick reminder: the test for ITAs will be conducted August 17th and 20th by appointment. More info on the test can be found at: uat.okstate.edu

A discription of what the test can also be found here. A schedule can be found here.

The students can attend the mandatory ITA Orientation on either the 15th or the 16th at 3:30 at 301 Classroom Building.

More info on the ITA program at Oklahoma State, as well as the new schdule, can be found at the English Department's ITA page.

The English Department Welcomes New Faculty

Mar. 2, 2011. We are pleased to announce the addition of six new faculty members to our department:

Ondrea Ackerman (PhD, Columbia University) - Post-1900 literature.
Nancy Caplow (PhD, University of California at Santa Barbara) - Linguistics with a specialization in Phonetics & Phonology.
Angie Estes (PhD, University of Oregon) - Creative Writing - Poetry.
J.C. Hallman(MFA, University of Iowa Writers' Workshop) - Creative Writing - Non-fiction.
Brian Jacobson (PhD, University of Southern California) - Screen Studies - International.
Jeff Menne (PhD, Vanderbilt University) - American Screen Studies

Please join us in welcoming these new faculty members to the OSU community.

Grad Students Busy With Publications, Conferences

Apr. 5, 2011. Winter and spring have been busy times for English Department graduate students who have continued to publish scholarly and creative works, present at conferences, and garner awards. The English Graduate Student Association has compiled a list of graduate student accomplishments on their website.

Dr. Rollins to be Given OHC's Highest Honor

Jan. 23, 2011. On February 24, 2011, Dr. Peter C. Rollins, OSU Emeritus Professor of English will receive the Oklahoma Humanities Award, the highest honor given by the Oklahoma Humanities Council. In their announcement, the OHC commended Dr. Rollins "for his record of teaching, research, and outreach as a scholar in the humanities." For more information about the award, including information on attending the Awards Dinner, visit the website for the Oklahoma Humanities Council.

Dr. Lewis Awarded NEA Creative Writing Fellowship

Nov. 23, 2010. Lisa Lewis, poet and director of the Creative Writing program, has been named as one of 42 recipients of a National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing Fellowship. The Creative Writing Fellowships alternate annually between poetry and prose. This year, the NEA received 1,063 eligible applications; the 42 poets recommended will each receive a fellowship of $25,000. A complete list of recipients is available at the NEA website.