English»Why English?

Why English?

We could list a plethora of reasons you should join us, but we’ve narrowed it down to a handful.

Five Reasons to Consider English

You’ll gain exposure to living writers.

Alex Stinton ’14 had breakfast at the Rose O’Neill Literary House with visiting fiction writer Tim O’Brien and discussed his writing with other students. “For a fledgling writer such as myself, O’Brien is somewhat of a literary father figure, his books are mentors. I was able to sit down with him for two hours talking about craft, good contemporary novels to read, similarities between Vietnam and Iraq, and—of all things—baseball,” Alex said.

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You can follow in your favorite poets’ footsteps—literally—on the Kiplin Hall trip.

Alex Stinton ’14 traveled to England as part of the 2012 summer program at Kiplin Hall. “The Kiplin Hall Program, led by Dr. and Mrs. Gillin, was probably the greatest single experience of my undergraduate career. Reading Wordsworth, for example, is a life experience in itself, but reading Wordsworth’s poems in what was once his home, or atop the mountain that inspired him—that is the ultimate experience. Also, the Gillins are quite the dancers, and everyone should know,” he said.

You might win a $70,000 literary prize.

In her will, Sophie Kerr, a 20th century writer and native of the Eastern Shore, bequeathed half a million dollars to Washington College. Each spring, the Sophie Kerr Prize—the largest undergraduate literary award in the country—is awarded to the graduating senior who has the best ability and promise for future fulfillment in the field of literary endeavor. The endowment is also used to bring to campus a succession of the nation’s top writers, editors and scholars, to buy library books and to fund campus literary activities. “The literary atmosphere thrives both in the classroom and around campus, from speaker series and readings, to Sophie Kerr weekend, to the Rose O’Neill Literary House. For writer and non-writer alike, Washington College offers a special appreciation and sensitivity to the creative spirit,” said Katie Manion, the 2012 Sophie Kerr Prize winner.

You’ll have a place to call your own at The Rose O’Neill Literary House.

Fondly dubbed “The Lit House,” the restored Victorian is a place for students stop by to relax with a good book, work on their poetry and prose, cook a meal with friends, or just escape from everyday life for a few hours. With posters on the walls, shelves full of books, a working printing press, and comfy couches, the Lit House is at the center of our literary culture.