English Program

The Department of English at St. Bonaventure offers two undergraduate majors:

Bachelor of Arts in English (see below)
Bachelor or Arts in Literary Publishing and Editing (go to website)

Bachelor of Arts in English

The major in English offers courses in the literature and literary history of England and America and communication courses in creative, professional, and digital writing and public speaking. English courses are open to all students, regardless of their major.

The chief purpose of a major in English is to enable students to analyze, contextualize, and evaluate significant literature and other writing in the English language, as well as to develop the student’s ability to read, write, and speak English as effectively as possible.

The department takes pride in the success its graduates have achieved in graduate studies, publishing, education, marketing, law — indeed, in virtually every major career area not demanding extensive and particular technical preparation.

Alumni Spotlight

Her professors’ dedication and excitement helped Iris Archer, English and Adolescence Education double major, find a model for the type of teacher she wants to be. Meet Iris and other English alumni.

Student Testimonials

Panzarella Writing Awards

An annual celebration of excellence in writing by undergraduate students, organized by the Department of English.

Go to the Panzarella Writing Awards

Composition Program

The Program provides and supports writing instruction across the University.

Go to the Composition Program

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Chattertons Poetry Club

Boy yelling "No apologies for art!" into a microphone

Chattertons is a club dedicated to the art of poetry.

Whether our members draw inspiration from rap and hip hop, traditional poetry or theater, we all write, study, and perform poetry.

In addition to weekly poetry workshops, we facilitate open mic nights in Café La Verna, visits from famous performance poets and a poetry event each semester displaying all of the talent the club holds.

The Laurel Literary Magazine

Lighthouse with a rainstorm in the background

The Laurel is St. Bonaventure’s campus literary magazine and the oldest continuously-published college literary magazine in the United States. The magazine is published in the fall and spring.

Contributions of poetry, short fiction, nonfiction, photographs, and non-photographic visual art are welcome.

All editorial decisions, including the selections of work to publish, are made democratically by staff members—all of whom are current students.

For more information, visit the Laurel's WordPress page, created and maintained by students, or the the Laurel's website.

Program information

The Department of English offers a variety of courses, which, with a few exceptions, are open to qualified students whether or not they major in English.

The department offers a B.A. in English and a minor in English.

Bachelor of Arts in English

The major in English enables the student to understand, appreciate and evaluate the significant literature in the English language as well as to develop the student's ability to read, write, and speak English as effectively as possible.

Degree requirements and a four-year plan for the English major

Students successfully completing the English major will have the knowledge and skills to:

Demonstrate critical reading practices of literary and rhetorical texts, with attention to contexts such as history, culture, race, gender, class, intersectionality, genre, period, production, and theory.
Produce effective written, oral, and digital communication necessary for literary and rhetorical criticism, creative writing, social advocacy, and professional success.
Identify and address ethical concerns related to literature and language, including diversity, equity, justice, and social oppression.

Minor in English

For non-majors, the English minor provides a solid grounding in English literature and the sharpening of reading and writing skills to complement their major fields.

Requirements for the minor in English

Want to minor in English? It's easy! English minor form

Interested in Literary Publishing & Editing?

The English Department also offers a B.A. in Literary Publishing & Editing. To learn more, visit the Literary Publishing & Editing Program.

Smith co-edits works, publishes chapter, and presents paper

Nov 08, 2024 | Dr. Caitlin Smith, assistant professor of English, has co-edited with Jan Stievermann and Eddie Glaude Jr. two final manuscripts accepted for publication in spring 2025 by Oxford University Press. Smith also published a chapter in “The Routledge Companion to Herman Melville,” and presented a paper at a conference at Catholic University.

Poet, scholar Orchid Tierney to give poetry reading at St. Bonaventure University

Oct 17, 2024 | St. Bonaventure University will host a poetry reading by Orchid Tierney on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. in the Athletics Hall of Fame, Reilly Center.

Dr. Erin Sadlack named new dean of Arts & Sciences at St. Bonaventure

Apr 17, 2024 | Dr. Erin Sadlack has been named dean of the School of Arts & Sciences at St. Bonaventure University. She begins work July 1.

Dr. Kaplan Harris

Chair of the English Department

Associate Professor of English

(716) 375-2685

Send an email

Plassmann Hall 316

Are you a former English major or minor? Share your news with us! Please send us an email.