Department of English

The autobiography of Frederick Douglass, published in 1845, was a standard bearer of the abolitionist movement. Having escaped slavery as a young man, Douglass became a famous activist, orator, statesman and businessman. But it is another aspect of his story that is just as intriguing to Habiba Ibrahim, professor of English at the University of Washington: Douglass never knew, nor is there an official record of, his exact age.

“Dover Beach,” a poem by 19th century British writer Matthew Arnold, can be read as both a romantic lament and, as many scholars have concluded, a dark, existential commentary on the loss of religious faith. Through close reading, a way of reading for insight, not information, English Professor Charles LaPorte dissects “Dover Beach.”

What marks the start of the Anthropocene – the geological epoch marked by human impact on the planet? The debate hinges, in part, on how we define “signature events,” the important information left behind as clues. But finding signature events transcends the study of the Anthropocene; it’s how we read to make meaning of a text, a collection of data, even a piece of art. This episode features Jesse Oak Taylor, associate professor of English.

_{“Ways of Knowing” is an eight-episode podcast connecting humanities research with current events and issues. This season features faculty from across the humanities as they explore race, immigration, history, the natural world – even comic books. Each episode analyzes a work, or an idea, and provides additional resources for learning more.} 

While it's hard to determine if today's poetry scene is any more successful than other times without taking a deep dive into data, there's currently a lot to celebrate in the Seattle poetry world: local poets are receiving critical acclaim and national recognition, a slew of books are being published and poets are choosing to move to the city to develop their craft. David Nikki Crouse, director of the UW's Creative Writing Program, is quoted.

Three graduate students who earned doctoral degrees in spring 2023 received the Graduate Medal from the College of Arts & Sciences. 

Earlier this month, poets Javier Zamora and Ricardo Ruiz met at the sixth annual Lee Scheingold Lecture in Poetry & Poetics to discuss their work, immigration, and the importance of representation in all forms of media, including poetry and prose. In their latest, writer McKenna Sweet recaps the event and reiterates the key takeaways from the poets’ works

Stephanie Kerschbaum, associate professor of English at the UW and author of the new book "Signs of Disability," will discuss her latest work at Edmonds Bookshop on May 18.

The idea for UW English professor Stephanie Kerschbaum’s book “Signs of Disability” started with only one sign: a yellow road sign in her neighborhood that read “Deaf Person in Area.” Read writer Shira Zur's recap of the moment that lead to the creation of the Kerschbaum’s book.

Start the new year with lectures, performances, and more.

Nathan Jones (2015) tells stories through animation. Both of his UW degrees — creative writing and art — are reflected in is his work. 

Known to millions as Grammar Girl, successful author and podcaster Mignon Coughlin Fogarty got her start as a UW English major. 

Start the new year with lectures, performances, exhibitions and more.

Winter brings shorter days and inclement weather, giving us more and more time inside. On the couch. Wondering what to watch. If you’re in between shows (or looking to add another one or two to the mix), find your fellow UW alumni on streaming services. These are a few of the Huskies we love to see on our small screens.

Professor Megan Callow will facilitate coordination among the many stakeholders involved in writing instruction and writing support on the Seattle campus.