Dr. Stephen Spencer

Welcome to the English Department at the University of Southern Indiana. We offer emphases in Literature, Creative Writing, Rhetoric and Writing, and English Teaching and provide opportunities for majors to study with a diverse group of faculty who are committed to teaching, creative work, and scholarly research. The English program also offers internships that provide practical experience and opportunities for majors to get involved in many activities and student groups.

As someone passionate about the study of literature and writing, I enjoy answering the question, “What can I do with a degree in English?” The study of English is about creativity, critical thinking, and communication. Through the study of literature and writing, English majors develop their own creative capacities, acquire a broad range of experience in the liberal arts, and develop the ability to think critically about themselves, the world, and complex ideas. English majors also develop effective communication skills through the practice of reading, writing, and speaking. These are important skills for success in any profession or for graduate study. To learn more about opportunities for English majors, follow this link:  http://www.usi.edu/libarts/english/what.asp.

The English faculty at USI are active professionals in their fields who want to inspire students to be life-long learners. In the past year English Department faculty have won numerous awards, presented twenty-four papers at regional, national, and international professional conferences, published four encyclopedia and dictionary entries, published eight articles in refereed journals, published four creative pieces in literary journals, published five articles or chapters in books, and co-edited a scholarly book.

English majors at USI are involved in many student activities, including Sigma Tau Delta (the English Honor Society), Ropewalk Writer’s Series and Retreat, Medieval Studies Forum, and the Student Writers’ Union. We offer study abroad opportunities through faculty-sponsored trips, including Shakespeare in Canada every summer, and semesters abroad. English students may also take advantage of internship opportunities, including Southern Indiana Review, activities associated with Ropewalk and other events, the FishHook (student creative writing journal), The Amalgam (student research journal), The Shield (USI’s student newspaper), local media outlets, local businesses, New Harmony Historical Society, and local schools.

If you are interested in learning more about the English program at USI, do not hesitate to contact me. I would be happy to schedule a visit to meet with me, an English faculty member, or our students.

Stephen Spencer, Ph.D.
English Department Chair