Through its structure of concentrations and course offerings the Department promotes original approaches to a broad scope of topics in literature, language, writing, and visual culture. Students are encouraged to investigate various theoretical perspectives in depth and to research new or previously marginalized fields. A strong emphasis on pedagogical theory and practice is closely interwoven with every area of the program's intellectual research and creative activity. Through close collaboration with UWM's Center for Twentieth Century Studies, students have the opportunity to hear and meet leading scholars and critics who are challenging the boundaries of the humanities. The Department continues to recruit an outstanding faculty of scholars and writers, leading to the recent high ranking given the program by the National Research Council.
Students enrolling in the program come from around the nation and abroad.
Many have degrees in disciplines outside of English, for the program is serious in its support of interdisciplinary work. We urge students to take classes in other disciplines, and the English Graduate Faculty includes members from other departments. The concentrations are ways of providing a foundation for the student's plan of study. Most students take courses in more than one concentration, and most faculty work in more than one concentration. Exams are individually designed by the student and his or her committee.