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English

The Department of English offers students the opportunity to follow their passion for reading and writing. Our English programs ground students in the knowledge and practice of cultural, literary, and rhetorical interpretation and history, and offer them the platforms to develop into highly proficient academic, creative, and professional writers.

In addition, we train teachers in a variety of pedagogical models and encourage them to reflect critically upon the teaching profession and their place therein. We produce literate citizens and teachers of exceptional merit, with the ability to interpret and contextualize acts of signification in relation to their conditions of production and reception.

Contact Us

Office: Ross 1284
Phone: (970) 351-2707

Dr. Burke Hilsabeck
Department Chair
Burke.Hilsabeck@unco.edu

Office Hours

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday

Department News and Announcements

Sino-Enchantment, the Fantastic in Contemporary Chinese Cinemas

Professor Kenneth Chan Publishes New Book

Professor Kenneth Chan has published a new book with Edinburgh University Press entitled Sino-Enchantment: The Fantastic in Contemporary Chinese Cinemas (2021). Focusing on the increasing presence of fantastical elements in Hong Kong, Taiwanese, mainland Chinese, and transnational Chinese films through the theoretical lens of "Sino-enchantment," the book is the first of its kind in cinema studies.

Food and Feast in Premodern Outlaw Tales

Kristin Bovaird-Abbo, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Publishes Co-Edited Collection of Essays

“In Food and Feast in Premodern Outlaw Tales editors Melissa Ridley Elmes and Kristin Bovaird-Abbo gather eleven original studies examining scenes of food and feasting in premodern outlaw texts ranging from the tenth through the seventeenth centuries and forward to their cinematic adaptations. Along with fresh insights into the popular Robin Hood legend, these essays investigate the intersections of outlawry, food studies, and feasting in Old English, Middle English, and French outlaw narratives, Anglo-Scottish border ballads, early modern ballads and dramatic works, and cinematic medievalism. The range of critical and disciplinary approaches employed, including history, literary studies, cultural studies, food studies, gender studies, and film studies, highlights the inherently interdisciplinary nature of outlaw narratives.” More information about this publication can be found here.

Emily Forcier stands next to a poster detailing her research work

English MA Student Emily Forcier Presents Graduate Research

"My research focuses on the daily, disciplinary, and emotional labors of writing professionals at community colleges. The purpose of this study was to fill a research gap for more systematic and empirical research of the teaching English at community colleges. I wanted to learn about the experience of working in a community college setting and am hoping this knowledge can be shared with graduate students who may seek future employment at community colleges." 

Writing Center

We believe every writer needs a reader, and all writers, even strong writers, can benefit from visiting with a Writing Center Consultant. Our consultants come from a variety of majors and backgrounds and are trained to work with writing of all types, from all disciplines. You’re the content expert. We’re the writing experts. Let’s work together!

Writing Center Services

  • One-on-one assistance with writing from any major or level
  • Help with writing at any stage of the writing process - from brainstorming to proofreading and editing
  • Assistance with any type of citation style and formatting
  • Patient and kind consultants who genuinely want to help writers best communicate their ideas
  • Three types of sessions to fit student needs: in-person, email, and Zoom
  • Walk-in sessions available in our Ross Hall 1230 location during week days

Contact The Writing Center

Email: writingcenter@unco.edu or English@unco.edu 
Phone: 970-351-2056

Location: Ross Hall 1230

Writing Center Website

International Film Series

Administered by the English Department's Film Studies program, the International Film Series (IFS) at the University of Northern Colorado partners with campus groups and community organizations to bring you the very best international and domestic films! 

Films are screened on Wednesday and Thursday evenings in Lindou Auditorium (basement of Michener Library). Learn more about IFS.

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Students during history of book class

The History of the Book

English 495, The History of the Book, demonstrates how books were created before the printing press.

Being able to get a true feeling of all the components of the book, from how it's made to how it began, has been immensely satisfying as an English major and fellow book lover.

Rory Harbert, Class of 2019

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