English and Theatre Department
What We Do:
If you ask our faculty about their research interests, you will hear many different answers. You will hear that we study medical narratives, Shakespeare, Latinx Literature, Lighting Design, Victorian Studies, Poetry, Creative Non-Fiction, Environmental Literature, James Joyce and playwriting, to name just a few of our specialties – and that we love our work.
When you come to class, you'll find that passion informing our teaching. We teach our students to read deeply and well, and to engage with literature on many fronts, whether performing a scene from one of Shakespeare’s comedies, crafting a poem, analyzing a narrative, constructing a set or developing a writing portfolio.
Our distinguished faculty help our students succeed in the classroom, in co-curricular activities and in their lives as professionals and as citizens.
How We Stand Out:
- Our teaching is grounded in Jesuit values such as cura personalis (care for and with the whole person) and the importance of the imagination.
- Our classes develop increasing sophistication in reading, writing and verbal communication, skills that serve our students all their lives.
- Our faculty model the innovation and professionalism that we teach our students.
- Our students succeed in the “real world,” and they learn to measure what success means.
- Our dedicated faculty members work with students outside the classroom — to develop a literary magazine, to present papers at student conferences, to mentor creative activities and to prepare for graduate and professional school.
- Our faculty and students take part in distinctive events that highlight the Arts and Humanities. to see our most recent events.
Programs:
Inside the Classroom:
Lessons in English and Theatre reach far beyond the classrooms and stage. Our students learn to channel their passions and step outside their comfort zones to discover something new about themselves and the world around them.
- Teaching emphasizes creativity, intellectual curiosity and incisive analysis.
- Formal written assignments develop strong written and verbal communication skills for thoughtful expression.
- Readings elicit questions opinions, discussion and written responses
- On-stage performances and experiential learning opportunities encourage students to take the lead in the classroom and beyond
- Faculty contribute to the growth and development of nearly every Scranton student through our First Year Writing program.
Student Research:
Many of our students develop their research while working closely with faculty. For example
- Bradley Wierbowski, Class of 2013, developed a paper written in Dr. Whittaker’s class for the International Conference of Sigma Tau Delta, where it took first place in the category of British Literature. Brad later won the Sigma Tau Delta Junior Scholarship and a Barry Goldwater Scholarship; he is currently studying science at Harvard.
- Emily Bernard ('22), mentored by Dr. Willenbrink, developed and original full-length play, Piece of Cake, when she was a Student Scholar in the Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities. Emily and Dr. Willenbrink worked together over the course of a year as she performed research, wrote and rewrote a play entitled Piece of Cake, about two Wyoming brothers who have a falling out over their family's store, women, and Ed Asner.
- Maille Alardyce ('23) and Gabriella Palmer ('26) have worked with Dr. Willenbrink as Research Assistants which included organization and correspondence concerning research materials.
Career Outcomes:
You’ll find Scranton graduates with an English or Theatre degree in:
- Medicine
- ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Teaching
- Secondary Education
- Law
- Library Science
- Business
- Journalism
- Public Relations / Digital Marketing
- Public Service / Politics
- Publishing
- Acting
- Directing
- Production Management
- Set and Costume Design
- Writing / Editing
Graduates leave The ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ with the ability to thoughtfully articulate ideas and the aspiration to share their wisdom to make a difference. Alumni News
The Department's Home:
McDade Center for Literary & Performing Arts
English Links
English & Theatre on Instagram
Theatre Links
From the Blog
From the
