uta-department-of-english

Overview

The University of Texas at Arlington Department of English focuses on developing writers for the 21st century through a dual emphasis on the analysis and production of texts. Situated within the College of Liberal Arts, the department offers a comprehensive range of programs for undergraduate and graduate studies. Key faculty members bring diverse research interests and specializations, contributing to the department's dynamic and multidisciplinary environment.

Key Personnel

Tim Morris

• Position: Professor and Department Chair

• Education: PhD, Princeton University (1983)

• Research Interests: American poetry, sport literature, children's literature, digital culture

• Contact: [tmorris@uta.edu](mailto:tmorris@uta.edu)

• Office: 420 Carlisle Hall

• Notable Work: Published three books and numerous articles on figures like Emily Dickinson and topics ranging from suburban life to baseball.

Desirée Henderson

• Position: Professor and Associate Dean for Education, College of Liberal Arts

• Education: PhD, University of California San Diego (2001)

• Research Interests: American literature (18th and 19th century), women's writing, life writing

• Contact: [dhenderson@uta.edu](mailto:dhenderson@uta.edu)

• Office: 611 Carlisle Hall

• Notable Work: Published books such as "Grief and Genre in American Literature, 1790–1870" and "How to Read a Diary: Critical Contexts and Interpretive Strategies for 21st-Century Readers."

Jacqueline Fay

• Position: Professor and Faculty Ombuds

• Education: PhD, University of Notre Dame (2003)

• Research Interests: Early medieval literature and culture, ecological perspectives in medieval texts

• Contact: [jacqueline.fay@uta.edu](mailto:jacqueline.fay@uta.edu)

• Office: 609 Carlisle Hall

• Notable Work: Co-editor of "A Handbook of Anglo-Saxon Studies" and "Blackwell Encyclopedia of Medieval British Literature."

Cedrick May

• Position: Professor

• Education: PhD, Pennsylvania State University (2003)

• Research Interests: African-American literature, early-American literature, digital humanities

• Contact: [cedrick.may@uta.edu](mailto:cedrick.may@uta.edu)

• Office: 605 Carlisle Hall

• Notable Work: Authored "The Collected Works of Jupiter Hammon" and "Evangelism and Resistance in the Black Atlantic, 1760–1835."

Educational Programs

Undergraduate Studies

• Degree Options:

• Bachelor of Arts in English (BA)

• BA with Secondary Certification (BATCH)

• Coursework Requirements:

• 120 hours, including UTA core curriculum, 12 upper-level English classes, and an 18-credit minor

• Notable Resources:

• Advising: [English Advising](https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/liberal-arts/departments/english/advising)

• Faculty Directory: [Faculty Directory](https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/liberal-arts/departments/english/people/faculty-directory)

• Undergraduate Studies: [Undergraduate Studies](https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/liberal-arts/departments/english/undergraduate)

Graduate Studies

• Programs Offered:

• Master of Arts (MA)

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

• Specializations:

• Comprehensive education in English Studies

• Additional Information: [Graduate Programs](https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/liberal-arts/departments/english/graduate)

Faculty Specializations and Research Interests

• Gabriel Aguilar: Technical Communication, humanitarian communication, Chicano and border studies

• Desirée Henderson: 18th and 19th-century American literature, feminist literary criticism, autobiography studies

• Jacqueline Fay: Early medieval literature, plant and animal ecology in medieval texts

• Cedrick May: African-American literature, digital humanities, film studies

• Amy Tigner: Shakespeare, early modern women's writing, culinary studies in literature

Contact Information

• Address: 1225 W Mitchell, Arlington, TX 76019

• Phone: 817-272-2692

• Department Website: [UTA Department of English](https://www.uta.edu/english)

• Social Media:

• [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/UTAEnglish)

• [Twitter](https://twitter.com/UTA_English)

• [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/utaenglish)

Overview of Top English Programs in America

Best English Programs According to US News

1. University of California--Berkeley
2. Yale University
3. Harvard University
4. Princeton University
5. Stanford University
6. University of Chicago

2025 Best Colleges for English Majors According to Niche

1. Columbia University
2. Yale University
3. Stanford University

Top Schools According to Various Sources

• Harvard University: Renowned for its rich literary traditions and influential faculty.

• University of Chicago: Known for its rigorous PhD program and transformative role in literary studies.

• Columbia University: Plays a significant role in the history of literary study in the United States and abroad.

• Stanford University: One of the founding departments and a cornerstone of humanities at Stanford.

Yale University

• Faculty & Programs:

• Pericles Lewis: Known for his role in editing the Norton Anthology of World Literature.

• Faculty's strong emphasis on literary analysis and creating an interdisciplinary approach.

• Notable Achievements:

• Danielle Chapman: Released new works of poetry and memoirs.

• Yale-NUS College: An international collaboration with the National University of Singapore (NUS).

• Events:

• Regular literary events and colloquiums fostering an active intellectual environment.

University of California, Berkeley

• Faculty & Programs:

• Emphasis on comprehensive literature and innovative studies, such as Latinx/Chicanx Literatures.

• Notable Achievements:

• Professor Linda Fitzgerald: Noted for receiving the Golden Bear Staff Achievement Award.

• John Alba Cutler: Co-founded "Pasados," a new journal focusing on Latinx Literary Studies.

• Community Engagement:

• Active social media presence and diverse public events enhancing community involvement.

University of Chicago

• Faculty & Programs:

• Focuses on a wide range of literary studies including media studies, gender and race studies, and environmental humanities.

• Known for integrating creative writing with literary criticism.

• Notable Achievements:

• Home to influential journals like "Modern Philology" and "Critical Inquiry".

• Recent public engagement in "Expression," the 81st meeting of the English Institute.

• Events:

• Hosts significant academic conferences and literary events.

Columbia University

• Faculty & Programs:

• A diverse curriculum covering periods from medieval to the 21st century.

• Offers strong undergraduate and graduate programs in English and Comparative Literature.

• Notable Achievements:

• Faculty's significant contributions to literary and cultural studies.

• Renowned for its influential role in both national and international literary scholarship.

• Community Engagement:

• Active presence on social media platforms and regular updates on department activities.

Stanford University

• Faculty & Programs:

• Offers a well-rounded program integrating British, American, and global literature.

• Recognized for interdisciplinary training in literary studies.

• Notable Achievements:

• Jonathan Levin, former English student, appointed president of Stanford.

• Strong emphasis on creative writing as exemplified by faculty like Aracelis Girmay.

• Events:

• Frequent literary events, including book release events and writing workshops fostering student engagement.

Actionable Insights

For UTA Department of English:

• Leverage Faculty Excellence: Highlight notable faculty and their contributions to attract prospective students.

• Enhance Community Engagement: Increase social media presence and organize public events to foster a vibrant academic community.

• Promote Interdisciplinary Studies: Develop and market unique interdisciplinary courses that integrate literary studies with other fields.