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Department of English

At Saint Louis University — Madrid, students can work closely with faculty to tailor their program to meet their goals. You'll graduate from SLU-Madrid with the research, analytic and communication skills to succeed in a wide range of professions.

Student and professor talking in PAH patio

Study of English includes literature, rhetoric and professional and creative writing. Deepen your understanding and appreciation of literature's imaginative value, gain a global perspective on English literature as world literature and hone your skills to express and argue for your ideas in a range of contexts.

A degree in English complements studies in business, engineering, political science and psychology and demonstrates cultural and linguistic proficiency for non-native speakers seeking work in English-speaking environments.

Along with literature courses, our students take courses in various creative and professional writing genres. These courses can enhance personal creativity, emotional intelligence, communication skills and professional competence. Also, both pre-medical and pre-law majors often use English as a preparatory degree for professional studies. The emphasis on analytical thinking and effective writing skills is a valuable asset in graduate professional studies, where English majors rank among the most successful applicants.

You may complete a minor, graduate or undergraduate degree in English on the Madrid campus or move freely between the Madrid and St. Louis campuses.

Degree Programs

Faculty

Our faculty offer students courses on significant themes, theories and topics that vary each semester.

Student Writing Prizes

Each year, the Department of English recognizes currently enrolled permanent and visiting students who excel in academic and creative writing. Contests and instructions on how to enter are announced in March, and winners are recognized at the annual awards ceremony.

Submissions will be judged based on the criteria listed for their category and should be turned in no later than April 1.

Manresa Award for Academic Writing in English

Eligible submissions are papers submitted to a SLU-Madrid undergraduate course within the past year. Limited to two entries per person. Send entries to anne.mccabe@slu.edu.

Papers will be judged on:

  • Independent, original thinking.
  • Resourceful and responsible use of outside research.
  • Persuasive techniques of argumentation.
  • Fair treatment and acknowledgment of other stances.
  • Effective prose.
Georgia Johnston Creative Writing Contest

Limited to one entry per genre, per person. Poetry entries may be a collection. Send entries to timothy.day@slu.edu.

Works will be judged based on:

  • Perceptive, insightful exploration of image, character and/or theme (fiction or poetry).
  • Perceptive, insightful exploration of theme, place and/or personality (non-fiction).
  • Clear, lively use of language.
  • Close attention to structure and craft.
  • Good faith attempt to ensure accuracy and fairness (non-fiction).

 

Center for Eloquentia Perfecta

SLU-Madrid's Center for Eloquentia Perfecta assists students with developing, writing and editing English essays and assignments.

Learn More About the Center for Eloquentia Perfecta