The Department of English emphasizes expository and creative writing, teaching, literary criticism, critical theory, and cultural studies in its graduate programs. The undergraduate curriculum is designed to help students to write effectively, to read critically, and to acquire a sense of the development of literature written in English and of its relation to society. The primary language of the collection is English, with some critical and historical works in German and French. There is no attempt made to purchase translations into other languages of works by British and American authors. English language literature and theory are purchased from around the world, with special emphasis on American, British, African, and Caribbean writers.
Some effort is made to collect material by and about Canadian and Australian writers.
There is significant interest in various ethnic and racial groups within the United States, most notably African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders. There is an emerging interest in transnational literature, theory, and culture that is, the study of material that crosses traditional national boundaries. Transnational studies is highly interdisciplinary, thus close collaboration with area studies bibliographers is essential. Great emphasis is placed on the critical study of cultural artifacts, including literature, film, and mass media. Novels, short stories, and poetry are also purchased.