New Reading Room Series

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The Reading Room Series, spearheaded by undergraduate student Grayson Stoik, is an effort to celebrate writing at Western Illinois University, build community amongst English faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students, and feature the… Continue reading

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE — Alex Weidenhamer

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Alex Weidenhamer completed his M.A. in English, with a focus on speculative literature, philosophy, and gender. He’s now looking into PhD programs and life’s next adventure. What is your idea of perfect happiness?… Continue reading

What Teaching College Night Classes Taught Me About Teaching High School English

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“The job is yours if you want it!” This sentence was music to my ears after hours of background checks, tax forms, and applications. “You start tomorrow.” This sentence was the wakeup call.… Continue reading

English Department Scholar of the Year

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The department of English is delighted to celebrate this year’s Scholar of the Year, Erica Parrigin, a full-time student on the QC campus! At this year’s department awards ceremony, held everywhere and nowhere… Continue reading

Working from home – COVID-19’s effect on students

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As we finish up the year under such unusual circumstances, it still seems strange not to be in Simpkins. Whether it’s everyday activities or special events like English awards night, it’s sad not… Continue reading

day three of my new life

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0            At some point, I stopped asking myself when things had started going wrong, along with the follow up as to whether I ever really knew or just forgot on purpose. By the… Continue reading

Teaching from Home–Covid-19 Empties Simpkins Hall

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English’s home in Simpkins Hall is the envy of faculty and students across the Western campus. A magnificent Works Progress Administration building from the 1938, its beautiful stone facade, high ceilings, oak woodwork,… Continue reading

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE – Tiffany Dimmick

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You’re probably used to seeing Tiffany’s name in your email inbox on a regular basis, as she coordinates meetings, promotes events, and keeps everything running smoothly in Simpkins Hall. An alum who graduated… Continue reading

2018-2019 Awards and Announcements

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Award Winning Students Each spring, the English Department awards $20,000 in scholarships and fellowships for our graduate and undergraduate students.  We are pleased to announce the following students were awarded English scholarships this… Continue reading

Letter from the Chair

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In English, we are students of the imagination. This is the great strength of reading the traditions of literature. Works of poetry and fiction ask us to imagine the world, and I believe… Continue reading