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Utica University
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English

  1. Academics
  2. Our Programs
  3. English

About This Program

You’re passionate about the written word. Reading and writing are your ways of understanding the world — and yourself. You understand the power and complexity of language. English may be the major for you.

Department

English Department

Why Utica University

Declaring an English major at Utica University means joining a close-knit community of literature lovers, writers and creative thinkers both in an out of the classroom. In the Literary Society, students host poetry readings and attend theater performances. And in producing Ampersand, the college’s yearly literary magazine, students showcase their literary and artistic work.

Harold Frederic, author
Harold Frederic, author

The Literary Society was formed as the Harold Frederic English Society  in the fall semester of 1999 to offer students both inside and outside the English major the opportunity to participate in and contribute to the literary and creative life of the college. It was originally named in honor of the Utica native and noted nineteenth-century American novelist who chronicled the city's religious and ethnic groups at the turn of the century in his acclaimed novel The Damnation of Theron Ware. Dr. Kelly Minerva, assistant professor of English, is the club's faculty advisor.

In the past, the Society has hosted at Halloween a "Scary Poetry Reading" in which members of the club, the college community, and the greater Utica community read their favorite frightening verse by authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Browning. The Society was also influential raising funds to buy books for the Breakfast Reading Club, a reading program for young children at Kernan Elementary School in West Utica. 

The Literary Society puts on open mics, does community service around literacy, and has one literary themed outing a year. Meetings are weekly.

Those interested in participating should contact Professor James Scannell at jscanne@utica.edu
 

Membership Requirements

For induction into the Utica University chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honors society, the English Department's criteria include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Completion of two university courses in English language or literature beyond freshman courses (i.e., beyond those at the 100-level).
  • A minimum 3.5 GPA in English and Literature courses, and a 3.0 GPA overall.
  • Completion of 3 semesters of college course work, 2 at Utica University.
  • Good character demonstrated through consistent adherence to the principles of academic honesty and professional behavior as defined in the Utica University Student Code of Conduct.

To learn more about Sigma Tau Delta, please visit http://www.english.org/sigmatd/

A prize of $2,000 is given annually for a poetry collection published in the previous year by a resident of upstate New York. The winner will also give a reading and teach a master class at Utica University.

Learn More

Contact Information

Office of Admissions

(315) 792-3006
admiss@utica.edu

General Information

Track

  • Major

Degree

  • B.A.

Location

  • Utica Campus
Utica Excellence, Utica Value

English at Utica

“There are three things, after all, that a poem must reach: the eye, the ear, and what we may call the heart or the mind. It is most important of all to reach the heart of the reader.”

Robert Frost Poet

Career Opportunities

With a core set of skills that can be readily applied to the work world, English majors can put their creativity and ability to convey written messages clearly and coherently to work in various fields, including:
    • Educator
    • Public Relations
    • Publishing
    • Journalism
    • Librarian
    • Pre-Law
Sigma Tau Delta logo

Distinction

The Utica University English Department sponsors a chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society. Faculty members mentor students through independent study projects in all areas of literature, rhetoric, and linguistics.
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Experiencing the Arts

The Professor Harry F. and Mary Ruth Jackson Lunch Hour Series presents a series of literary and musical programs each semester, free of charge and open to students, faculty, staff, and the public.

What You'll Learn

Through the study of modern and ancient literature, English majors develop analytical and critical thinking skills, along with a broad perspective of the world around them. Taught by Utica’s exceptional faculty that includes published authors, literary scholars, and linguists, English courses help students become articulate, intelligent communicators who are prepared for a wide range of career paths.

Full English Curriculum and Learning Objectives
Books Desk Writing generic

English Faculty & Staff

Dr. Gary Leising
Gary F. Leising, Ph.D.
  • Distinguished Professor of English
Dr. John Cormican
John D. Cormican, Ph.D.
  • Professor of English
Dr. Jason Denman
Jason R. Denman, Ph.D.
  • Professor of English
Kelly Minerva
Kelly A. Minerva, Ph.D.
  • Assistant Professor of English
Professor Dorothy Obernesser
Dorothy H. Obernesser, M.A.
  • Assistant Professor of English
Dr. Lisa Orr
Lisa M. Orr, Ph.D.
  • Professor of English
Dr. Elizabeth Threadgill
Elizabeth J. Threadgill, Ph.D.
  • Associate Professor of English
Ane Ribeiro-Costa, Ph.D.
Ane Caroline Ribeiro Costa, Ph.D.
  • Assistant Professor ENG
Kimberly A. Etman, M.S.
  • Adjunct Instructor of English
Christopher L. Hicklin, Ph.D.
  • Adjunct Lecturer of English
Ron Klopfanstein, M.A.
  • Adjunct Lecturer of English
James H. Knippen, M.F.A.
  • Adjunct Instructor of English
Christy S. Landry-Pitcher, M.S.
  • Adjunct Instructor of English

A Degree That Works

Utica English alumni have gone on to success in business communications, teaching, law, journalism, advertising, and publishing, among many other fields.

Utica College - DePerno Hall
Alumni Voices Sean FeenerPlay Video

Alumni Voices: Sean Feener

A brief conversation with Sean Feener, a graduate of Utica's English program who went on to study law at Boston College.

Student Voices Rose ZaloomPlay Video

Student Voices: Rose Zaloom

Talking with Rose Zaloom, a Utica English major with a double minor in theatre and creative writing, about how the program opportunities at Utica University fit perfectly with her plans of becoming a playwright and actor.

Book Poetry Heart generic

Teaching through example

Among the esteemed English faculty at Utica College, you'll be learning from published professors of poetry, fiction, and literary criticism.

English and Literature at Utica University

Dr. James Scannell
Faculty

In Memoriam: Professor James M. Scannell

James “Jim” Scannell, beloved English professor at Utica University, passed away on May 13, 2022 from complications due to a...
Books on display as part of the Sylvia Plath Collection in the Gannett Library.
On Campus

Prestigious Sylvia Plath Collection Acquired by Utica University's Gannett Library

Utica University has acquired a valuable collection of work by and about Sylvia Plath, a noted American 20th century poet,...
Benjamin Garcia, poet
In the News

Utica University Eugene Paul Nassar Poetry Prize Winner Announced

Benjamin Garcia has been named the winner of this year’s Eugene Paul Nassar Poetry Prize at Utica University, for his...
All Stories

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