Department of English
The English Department offers a dynamic study of literature across historical periods, geographical boundaries and diverse political and social contexts.
Department of English Statement of Solidarity
The English Department stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the non-violent protestors who have fearlessly used their bodies and voices to demand justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. We mourn for those who have suffered and lost loved ones as a result of police brutality. We are outraged by the mounting state-sanctioned violence against black people and their communities; this crime of anti-blackness, as Cornel West reminds us, is a manifestation of the ideological “boot crushing the neck of American democracy.” We salute all those who have taken to the streets or served as allies in this fight. We are inspired by the collective outcry against unchecked forms of institutionalized racism that continue to disproportionately effect the lives of black, brown, and indigenous communities in the U.S.
It is precisely in times like these that we witness the unique capacity of literature to remind us of the innate dignity of all human life. Moving forward, the English Department reaffirms its commitment to the enduring work of anti-racism. We recognize that our teaching, research, and service must lean into the task of making our own institution accountable to its expressed mission to create a diverse and inclusive community guided by compassion and ethical conduct. As teachers and researchers, we take seriously our relationship to knowledge production and creation and remain steadfast in our dedication to educate and learn about advocacy, allyship, and social injustice in our classes.
For list of resources for funding, please visit: Black Lives Matters Funding Resources List,
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Featured Event
Cropper Creative Writing Contest
The 2020-2021 Lindsay J. Cropper Creative Writing Contest is now accepting submissions. A prize of $150 will be awarded in each of the three categories (poetry, fiction or nonfiction). We welcome submissions from all USD undergraduates! Deadline is: Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.

Upcoming Events
- Feb2
Baked In: Systemic Racism Around and Within Us Series
Tuesday, February 2, 2021 // 4 p.m.Virtual Event - Feb3
Souls of Black Folks: Poetry, Essays and Readings Series
Wednesday, February 3, 2021 // 4 p.m.Virtual Event - Feb8
In the News
English Alumnus Charlie Daly Co-Authors Book with Father
// November 16, 2020
Tuesday, November 17, 2020, Charlie Daly (English, Class of 2012) celebrates the publication of his father’s memoir, which he co-autho…
Lindsay J. Cropper Creative Writing Contest
// November 12, 2020
The 2020-2021 Lindsay J. Cropper Creative Writing Contest is now accepting submissions. All entries should be submitted through the Cropper …
English Alumna Chelsea McLin Opens Online Bookshop
// November 9, 2020
Chelsea McLin, an English major (with Creative Writing emphasis) and Ethnic Studies minor who graduated in 2017, recently opened a small pop…
Torero Tidbits: Plethora of USD Virtual Events to Choose from on Oct. 29-30
// October 28, 2020
The world of virtual events seems limitless. At the University of San Diego, for the next two days, Oct. 29 and 30, there are several prime …
New Minor in Creative Writing
// October 6, 2020
The Department of English is thrilled to announce that a Minor in Creative Writing has been approved by USD's Undergraduate Curriculum Commi…
Why Choose English at USD?
Close-Knit Community
Students build deep and lasting connections with their faculty and fellow students. The support and respect each student receives fosters a community that is committed to academic excellence, scholarly inquiry and mutual respect among colleagues. Browse the English Department Newsletter, and visit us in Founders Hall, Room 174.
Additional Programs and Special Presentations
The English department offers exciting addition programming, such as the opportunity to tutor in the Writing Center and Southeast San Diego Tutoring Project. Special programming includes our Honors society, Sigma Tau Delta, career workshops, student readings, and special lectures, including Joanne T. Dempsey Memorial Lecture series.
Creative Writing
Led by our award winning creative writing faculty, our creative writing concentration offers genre specialties in poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. Foundational to our creative writing program is the Lindsay J. Cropper Creative Writing Center, which sponsors the annual Lindsay J. Cropper Memorial Writers Series and our online literary journal, The Alcalá Review.
Research and Study Abroad Opportunities
Students are encouraged to further their learning through research and experiential learning opportunities. Whether the experience takes the form of attending plays at Britain's National Theatre, participating in our senior research class, Senior Project, or working with the Digital Humanities Tudor Plays project, students augment their coursework and bolster their resumes/portfolios with "real-life" experiences.
Department of English
College of Arts and Sciences
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5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110