English

The Heart of the Liberal Arts

In Carleton’s English Department we’re passionate about the study of literature and committed to creating works of scholarship and literary art. Although we work hard and value deep thinking, we like to think we’re unpretentious, preferring irony to pomposity, wit to portentousness, clarity to cant–a stance illustrated by our department mascot, the chimney-sweep or “imp.”

While covering a wide range of literary topics and global traditions, historical periods, and critical approaches, the department enjoys a lively banquet of intellectual and social activities, including lectures by distinguished visitors, theater trips, student-faculty games and parties, and an annual picnic. The department also leads off-campus studies programs in London, Ireland, and California.