English - Lewis & Clark College Quick Links Apply Visit Alumni Library Giving The Source Newsroom Majors Art (Studio) Art History Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Classics Computer Science Computer Science and Mathematics Data Science Economics English Environmental Studies French Studies German Studies Hispanic Studies History International Affairs Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Sociology and Anthropology Student-Designed Major Theatre World Languages Minors Art and Art History Artificial Intelligence Asian Studies Chemistry Chinese Classics Computer Science Cybersecurity Dance Data Science Earth System Science Economics Education English Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies French Studies Gender Studies German Studies Health Studies Hispanic Studies History Japanese Latin American and Latino Studies Law and Policy Mathematics Middle East and North African Studies Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Political Economy Political Science Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Russian Theatre
Students in our Working with Medieval Manuscripts course get hands-on experience in the Watzek Library Rare Book Room.
Home / Academics / English English We are a community of scholars and artists dedicated to the study and creation of literature in English. Faculty work closely with students to hone their skills as readers and writers, and to make meaningful connections between literature, their lives, and the world beyond the classroom. We are proud to be part of a vibrant arts community at L&C and in Portland—home to the world’s largest independent bookstore, Powell’s Books! Majors Art (Studio) Art History Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Classics Computer Science Computer Science and Mathematics Data Science Economics English Environmental Studies French Studies German Studies Hispanic Studies History International Affairs Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Sociology and Anthropology Student-Designed Major Theatre World Languages Minors Art and Art History Artificial Intelligence Asian Studies Chemistry Chinese Classics Computer Science Cybersecurity Dance Data Science Earth System Science Economics Education English Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies French Studies Gender Studies German Studies Health Studies Hispanic Studies History Japanese Latin American and Latino Studies Law and Policy Mathematics Middle East and North African Studies Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Political Economy Political Science Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Russian Theatre Why Choose a Degree in English? We choose to immerse ourselves in the English language’s rich and varied literary tradition, its long history and expansive present, because we believe literature is synonymous with good—ethical and pleasurable—living. Reading, we encounter other people and ideas across time and space. Writing, we give clarity and shape to the world and our experiences of it. A degree in English will make you a more creative thinker, perceptive reader, and lucid writer. It will also prepare you to critically discern, express, and navigate complexity in ways that will serve you well in life and in any career. Apply Visit What You’ll Study We offer both a major and minor, as well as a concentration in creative writing with a focus on poetry, fiction, or nonfiction. Our curriculum invites students to explore and extend a literary tradition that spans over 1,000 years, emerging from Britain, the United States, and English-speaking communities around the globe. We offer introductory surveys, topics courses on a wide range of literary themes, upper-division courses devoted to a single author or historical period, and creative writing workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. In the classroom, our faculty draw upon a variety of approaches and techniques, but we all emphasize close attention to textual detail, collaborative discussion, genuine inquiry, and thoughtful, effective communication–both on the page and in real time. Literature happens outside the classroom, too! The English department’s celebrated Visiting Writers Series brings nationally recognized authors on campus to present their work, speak with the L&C community, and lead workshops with students enrolled in English classes. Our students frequently showcase their own scholarship and creative work in a variety of venues, including the student-run Lit Review, the Gender Symposium, the Ray Warren Symposium on Race & Ethnicity, the Festival of Scholars, and other events organized by Arts@LC. The annual Senior Poetry, Fiction, and Nonfiction Readings, in which students in our creative writing capstone courses read from their portfolios, are some of the most keenly anticipated events that we host. Many of our students earn course credit while on an overseas program. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students, the England humanities program is designed and led by an English faculty member. Curriculum Connect With Lewis & Clark! After you hit submit, we will follow up with information about L&C, and you will have the opportunity to share a bit more about yourself. Loading...
Favorite Class
English 450, Modernist short stories, taught by Professor of English Rishona Zimring
I took several classes with Rishona focused on British modernist literature, and they were always my favorites, but in the seminar we got to dive deeper than usual into the works of just three authors. I am very proud of the thesis I wrote on Katherine Mansfield, and it feels like one of my most notable accomplishments from my time at L&C. I found the idea development, research, and writing processes to be invigorating, even though at first they felt very daunting. Working on such a extensive, in-depth project, about something I was truly passionate about, ultimately made me a better thinker and a better writer.
It taught me how to approach difficult texts with enthusiasm and confidence. Additionally, the class felt like a real community, facilitated by Karen and bolstered by Chaucer’s writing.
Getting to spend an entire semester diving into the work of one author, especially one as complex and popular as Wilde, allowed me to really understand the readings in relation to both his life and the larger societal context. I also really enjoyed getting to write a research paper at the end of the semester and learn a lot more about something that had interested me during the course.
Feminist Theory with Associate Professor Kim Brodkin
The texts we engage with are deeply fascinating, moving, heartbreaking, and compelling, and I feel that this served as the perfect capstone for my gender studies experience and L&C.
Medieval Literature with Associate Professor Karen Gross
It taught me how to spend time with a text, appreciating not only the value it has now, but also how it functions as a piece of history. I enjoyed taking the time to puzzle out each piece of the story, and I got to learn more about how the stories we tell ourselves are repeated and altered through the passage of time.
This class was through the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program and taught inside the Columbia River Correctional Institution. Half of the class were outside students, who commuted from the L&C campus, and the other half were inside students, who were incarcerated at the prison. I met some of the most creative people I’ve ever had the pleasure of being in a room with through the Inside-Out program. It was incredible to be part of a group dedicated to creating art in an environment built to be soulless.
We used a number of different art forms (visual and literary) to discuss the importance of telling stories: why we tell them, who we tell them to, and everything in between. Joan Didion’s quote, “We tell ourselves stories in order to live,” was Megan’s inspiration for the class. I’d take it a thousand times more if I could, and I’d recommend it just as many times.
Major Periods and Issues in English Literature by Professor Rishona Zimring
I came into college knowing I was going to be an English major, but I was nervous about what the classes would be like. Stepping into Rishona’s class felt immediately familiar and comfortable. I learned so much about the texts we discussed, but more importantly, it set me up to think and write about them in new ways and to have the confidence to share my thoughts.
This class dives into the faults in the public education system, allows you to bring in your own experiences from K–12 education, and expands your thinking about the public education system in the United States as a whole. Cari is also the nicest professor you could ever have. She is understanding, caring, and makes an effort to get to know you, which as a result makes classes more fun and engaging.
Major: English With a Concentration in Creative Writing
Favorite Class
Roman Thought and Culture with Associate Professor Gordon Kelly
A strong understanding of the classics is the keystone of interpreting a huge portion of literature, philosophy, medicine, politics, and more. While I am an English major, classics courses have been hugely helpful in revealing all manner of connections and allusions in the English literary tradition.
African American Literature with Associate Professor Kristin Fujie
Professor Fujie facilitates discussion in a purposeful and inclusive manner that encourages students to make connections between different texts and timelines. I often find myself connecting information I have learned in this class with my other courses.
Complement Your Education With One of These Minors English pairs beautifully with many other disciplines. The flexibility of our requirements also makes it likely that students can pursue a minor or even a double-major with English. The most popular minors for our English majors are Classics , political economy , and rhetoric and media studies . What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark Learning about storytelling in my English major has taught me a lot about human behavior, history, and writing techniques that will be helpful for my future career. Burton Scheer BA ’25 English | Gender Studies | Gainesville, Florida More about Burton I want to be a sports broadcaster, however, this is just one of many interests being a Rhetoric and media major can bring out—from digital marketing to government and business. Taj-Jamaal “TJ” Muhammad BA ’26 Rhetoric and Media Studies | English, Theatre | Inglewood, California More about Taj-Jamaal Creative writing has been a great departure from other classes because I really get to express myself to the fullest. Sheyla Dorantes BA ’22 English (creative writing concentration) | Ethnic Studies | Portland, Oregon More about Sheyla What Can You Do With a Degree in English? Our alumni use their BA in English to pursue a wide range of careers within academia, nonprofits, government, marketing, publishing, education, and law. Some of our alumni pursue MFAs and other advanced degrees. Others put their critical thinking, research, and writing skills to work directly after graduation. Our recent alums have held the following professional titles: Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist; Artistic Director; Director of Planning and Community Development; News Assistant at the New York Times; Senior Political Strategist; Fine Art Consultant. Dedicated Faculty Our faculty members are active scholars and creative writers who have been recognized for excellence in teaching and have won some of the country’s most prestigious awards, including the National Book Award, The Graves Award in the Humanities, and The Pushcart Prize.We continue to broaden and deepen our expertise through fellowships and other sponsored learning opportunities through the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Mellon Foundation, and The New York Public Library. Above all, we pride ourselves on bringing our expertise, discoveries, and questions into our classes where we work directly and closely with all of our students (no teaching assistants!) in intimate settings with lots of opportunity for individual feedback. Students interested in collaborating with faculty on research projects beyond the classroom have opportunities to do so in the English department. English faculty also assist students in finding and securing internships in Portland and beyond. Our department has an exceptionally strong creative writing program , and our major requirements encourage students to take courses in both the study of literature and creative writing (poetry, fiction, nonfiction). Associate Professor of English Kristin Fujie More about Kristin Undergraduate students have the advantages of a small college combined with the benefits of an excellent law school. Assistant Professor With Term of English; Prelaw Advisor Andrea Hibbard More about Andrea Meet the Professors Top Lewis & Clark earned a spot on Princeton Review’s 2026 “Best Colleges” list . Equity We are the only liberal arts school in Oregon on Colleges of Distinction’s “Best Equity and Inclusion” list for 2025–26. 12:1 Lewis & Clark College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. 96% Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Lewis & Clark Class of 2024 was already changing the world through employment (71%), continuing studies (22%), and service work (3%), like the Peace Corps. 4-5-6 Lewis & Clark’s 4-5-6 Commitment can help you make the most of your future. Invest in Yourself A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think . Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition . Find Your People The completely student-run Literary Review gives students hands-on experience generating submissions, working on an editorial board, and laying out a magazine. English majors are also frequent contributors to the student-run college newspaper, The Mossy Log , and serve as peer tutors at the Writing Center. Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You Sitting down with a complicated piece of legislation and having to analyze, revise, or critique it under a tight deadline is a key part of my work now and is fundamentally the same skill I learned as an English major at Lewis & Clark. Alex Cohen BA ’19 English | Bethesda, Maryland More about Alex As a copywriter in advertising, it helps to be a writer, but it’s really about going into the big muddy of your subconscious and noodling around till you land a big ol’ catfish of an idea. I really learned to do this work in all those literature and writing classes I took as an English major. Jonah Svihus BA ’18 English | Monterey, California More about Jonah L&C encouraged my natural sense of curiosity, developed my research abilities, and pushed me in my writing: all skills I’ve found essential in my current role. My supervisor has told me that they can clearly see the benefits of my liberal arts education in the way I think about things. Ashleen Smith BA ’23 English | Classics | Madras, Oregon More about Ashleen Featured News An Accelerated Path to Law School Persistence is paying off for Danielle Pon BA ’24, JD ’27, who is currently attending Lewis & Clark Law School as part of the accelerated “3-3” BA/JD program. Read the story More News and Events → Kristin Fujie Associate Professor of English and Department Chair kfujie@lclark.edu 503-768-7353 LCEnglishDepartment Admissions Academics Financial Aid Alumni
