DEPARTMENT OF LITERATURE, WRITING AND FILM
Welcome to one of the most dynamic and creative departments on campus! Whether you are interested in writing the next “Great American Novel,” pursuing a career in the ever-evolving field of professional writing, or becoming a visual storyteller through the medium of film, this department offers varied and practical program opportunities that help students achieve their personal and professional goals.
UW-Whitewater has been training future English teachers since the university began as Whitewater Normal School in 1868. Today, we are proud to have one of the most vibrant English Education programs in the state. Our programs in Creative Writing and English literature allow students to develop their creative talents and hone their analytical skills. The Professional Writing and Publishing program prepares students for a wide range of employment opportunities involving writing, editing, publishing, and visual rhetoric, and our Film Studies program combines film analysis with opportunities for practical, hands-on experience.
From First-Year English to senior capstone courses and independent research projects, our esteemed faculty teach and mentor students at all stages of their academic careers at UW-Whitewater. We serve the community through a range of public outreach efforts, and publish scholarly and creative work with distinguished presses and in leading national and international journals.
In addition, the Department of Literature, Writing, and Film supports a range of co-curricular activities, including internship opportunities, The Muse (our student arts and literary magazine), the Hawk Cinema club, the Professional Writing Core club, and Either/Or, a national literary magazine edited by our Creative Writing faculty and students.
Contact us
Elizabeth Lamb
Department Assistant
262-472-1036
Laurentide Hall 3209
UW-Whitewater offers students a wide variety of scholarships, both through the university, individual colleges, and departments. The Department of Literature, Writing, and Film has a number of scholarships and awards geared specifically toward our students, including:
- Agate Nesaule Scholarship for English Literature Majors
- Corinne E. Forster Scholarship
- Edie Thornton Memorial Scholarship
- Joe and Becky Hogan Scholarship
- Kristine Grimsrud Memorial Scholarship
- Silver/Savage Literature, Writing and Science Scholarship
- Jack Heide Creative Writing Award
- Jack Heide Outstanding Major Award
- The Robert and Marion Burrows Award
More information about these and other scholarships is available through the scholarship portal.
The Department of Literature, Writing, and Film supports a number of student clubs and organizations, including The Muse, our student art and literary magazine, Hawk Cinema Club, and The Professional Writing Core.
The department also sponsors a student film criticism journal, Reading Film, and The Warhawk Reading series, which brings in visiting writers to campus.
The department also organizes an annual Creative Writing Festival for area high school students. Recent keynote speakers have included novelist Nickolas Butler and journalist and author Erik Larson.
Explore our academic programs
English
Major/Emphasis, MinorStorytelling has been a key form of human communication, commentary, and creative expression since the beginning of recorded history, and an understanding of its nuances and creation is essential to fully understand the human experience. Analyze texts of many different cultures, backgrounds, and styles, as well as learn to create and refine your own works. This well-rounded study of the English language will prepare you for many successful career paths.
English (Creative Writing)
Major/Emphasis, Minor, Certificate (Undergraduate)Are you passionate about creatively expressing yourself through the art of writing? With an emphasis in Creative Writing, you will be given an outlet to fully immerse yourself in your craft with courses focused on writing fiction and poetry, screenwriting, multicultural literature and drama, and putting pen to paper to workshop the hundreds of ideas bouncing around in your mind.
English (Literature)
Major/Emphasis, MinorUnlock the world of the written word through an emphasis in Literature, exploring the common themes and detrimental differences of vast array of works and genres. Learn how to engage with literature critically and thoughtfully through courses on subjects such as African-American, Asian, British, Middle-Eastern, African, and American literature, as well as the study of biblical and Shakespearean influence on English texts.
Film Studies
Major/Emphasis, Minor, Certificate (Undergraduate)Discover new worlds and perspectives as you analyze movies and cinematic visual styles and assess the historical development of film and related types of media as evolving art forms. You'll also delve into the ways in which history and representations of culture reflect or respond to questions of ethics and social justice.
Professional Writing and Editing
Certificate (Undergraduate)The undergraduate Professional Writing and Editing certificate helps students in all majors and with all career goals advance their abilities to write clearly and effectively.
Professional Writing and Publishing
Major/Emphasis, Minor, Certificate (Undergraduate)Every industry — from business, to government, to education, to the arts and beyond — is in need of writers who can develop, create, edit and publish clear and compelling written content and communications.
What does my contribution directly support?
Student scholarships
Literary and arts publications
Research and innovation
Guest lectures, film screenings, and workshops
How much money can make an impact?
Donate now to support the Department of Literature, Writing and Film at UW-Whitewater
If you're interested in starting a scholarship or making a pledge, please contact Danielle Story, major gift officer, at storyd@uww.edu.