What to Expect
Life in the English Department
Feel at Home
The rumors really are true: English majors have more fun. Our undergraduates can be found at a coffee house in Old Town Fort Collins discussing their writing; at the Globe Theater in London; and on the plains of Zambia, where we collaborate with local schools and community health centers.
Students majoring in English might form lasting friendships in the classroom or connect at a reading by nationally acclaimed writers such as Lauren Groff, Yusef Komunyakaa, and Ada Limón.
Through your involvement in social activities, writing competitions, and social justice initiatives, you will find that CSU’s English department is the perfect place to build a resume—and a life.
Hear from Recent Grads
Reaching out
Grace Detwiler used her keen sense of initiative to open the ominously creaking door to writing opportunities in the realm of the macabre.
The Student Experience
CSU English senior Natalia Sperry recounts studying abroad, collaborations with professional writers, department community.
“I think it’s important for English students to know about the Honors Program, which can sometimes seem like a STEM or research-oriented program...It can allow for meaningful creative opportunities to work with professors one-on-one."
— Natalia Sperry, BA in Creative Writing ’20
Education Abroad
There are many opportunities to study abroad while earning your English degree, including three summer programs led by department faculty
WHAT: This summer CSU faculty-led program takes students to Livingstone, Zambia to assist Zambians in educational settings (schools, after school programs, adult literacy programs, physical education programs), community health areas (clinics, home-based care, health education programs), gender equality programs, and sustainable building. Coursework focuses on ethics, motivations, and sustainability of development work.
WHEN: May 15 - June 3, 2023 (Program participants will depart Denver on a group flight on May 13 or 14.)
- NOTE: Pre-Course prepatory meetings will take place during the spring term on the CSU Campus and/or online.
WHERE: Described by many as "the Real Africa", Zambia is a country of wide open spaces rich in wildlife, with magnificent forests, wild rivers and wetlands - studded with lakes and impressive waterfalls. Livingstone is historically an English speaking community. Livingstone is also the gateway to Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe to the South. Zambia's National Parks, such as the Kafue, have a staggering amount of wildlife and unparalleled game viewing opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to work on community driven projects and enjoy the natural beauty of all that Zambia has to offer.
PROGRAM LEADER: Ashley Davies, Senior Instructor, Department of English, and Jennifer Reinke, Associate Professor, Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University.
LEARN MORE / APPLY
Semester-Long Options & Funding
Semester in Todos Santos, Mexico
This 10-week semester program in residence at CSU’s Todos Santos Center in Mexico features coursework from a variety of disciplines with a different academic focus, or theme, every semester.
In partnership with CSU's School for Global Environmental Sustainability (SoGES), the Spring 2023 semester academic focus is Sustainability. The spring semester features courses on environmental justice, intercultural competency, online storytelling, and sustainability.
Semester at Sea
Semester at Sea is a multiple country study abroad program open to students of all majors emphasizing comparative academic examination, hands-on field experiences, and meaningful engagement in the global community.
Students live, take coursework, and travel aboard the MV World Odyssey ship as a part of a unique shipboard community comprised of students, faculty, staff, lifelong learners, and ship crew for 100+ days, exploring at least 10 countries and 4 continents.
Education Abroad Scholarships
Office of International Programs Scholarships
The Office of International Programs (OIP) offers several additional need-based and merit-based scholarship opportunities. Awards range from $250 to $2,500.
Organizations and Opportunities
Inklings: The English Social Club
Meet and hang out with your English Department peers and get to know others across the Fort Collins English community. Our rotating schedule of activities will give you a chance to share your ideas and your work with a group that can relate.
When: Thursdays @ 7pm in Eddy 100
Community Literacy Center
The Community Literacy Center strives to create a range of sustainable community-based literacy programs to promote community action and social change with multiple populations. Our goals are to contribute directly to the literacy needs of Larimer County by offering programming that complements existing literacy education opportunities and to advocate for increased public awareness about the needs and contributions of our diverse community.
Dead Poets Society
Calling all poets! Join your classmates and share your love for all things poetry at a meeting with the Dead Poets Society. This student-run club hosts weekly discussions centered on a particular poetic theme. In addition, two workshops are offered per semester for students to comment and discuss their own writing with their peers.
When: Tuesdays @ 7pm in Eddy 100
Rekindle the Classics
Rekindle your love of classic literature with the CSU Department of English and Poudre Libraries Rekindle the Classics. Join graduate students and faculty in lively and informative discussions of literature favorites.
Greyrock Review
For the People
The Greyrock Review is an undergraduate literary journal created and published by a group of undergraduate students during a year-long internship. The content of The Greyrock Review comes from submissions from students of all majors who seek to show off their talents and become published writers and artists. The goal is to support and promote the literary arts, while learning the intricacies of printing, promoting and publishing a high-quality literary journal.