The Department of English Language and Literature is one of the largest and most vibrant departments in the University of New Mexico. Our students, graduate and undergraduate, pursue diverse studies in our Creative Writing, Literary Studies, Medieval Studies and Profesional Writing and Rhetoric programs. They enjoy a rich learning environment with active student organizations such as the English Graduate Student Association and Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, regular lecture series and readings and a student produced literary magazine, Blue Mesa Review.

The English Department also provides essential core courses required of every undergraduate who attends UNM. With traditional classroom based instruction, on-line courses and hybrid sections we have the flexibility to meet the needs of our unique student population.

Learn more:

• Creative Writing
• Literary Studies
• Medieval Studies
• Rhetoric and Writing

Creative Writing: The Creative Writing program offers both an undergraduate degree and a Masters in Fine Arts. Students can focus on one of three genres –fiction, poetry or creative nonfiction but are encouraged to explore all forms and stretch their own definitions of genre. Our diverse student population helps create a vibrant and welcoming community, something we encourage with our many program events. Read the Creative Writing Director's welcome letter here.

Literary Studies: Literary Studies at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at the University of New Mexico involve the examination of cultural productions that articulate a rich history of human experience. Undergraduates can follow one of three concentration: liberal arts, pre-graduate, or pre-law all of which use the study of literature to inform the particular area of focus, providing a rich foundation for life after graduation. Graduate students can choose to focus in American Literary Studies or in British and Irish Literature. The program offers a variety of opportunities for travel, research and professional development, with the ultimate goal of producing graduates with exceptional experience and excellent hiring potential.

Learn more about American Literary Studies here
Learn more about British and Irish Literature here
Learn more about British and Irish Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Studies here
Learn more about Old and Middle English Language and Literature Studies here

Medieval Studies: The Medieval Studies program has a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of Medieval civilization from approximately 650 - 1450 a.d. and allows students to take advantage of relevent courses in Old and Middle English, Philosophy, Art History, History, and Foreign Language & Literature. This approach produces a culturally rich academic environment and allows students to focus on nuances of study they might not otherwise have the resources to explore. The program offers MA and PhD concentration degrees and has in place a professional community and support for graduate students in the Medieval Graduate Students in English organization. Learn more at the MEGSE website. Undergraduate students may choose to major in English in the Liberal Arts Concentration, focusing their course work on Medieval Literature or they may follow the period studies minor. A University-wide Medieval Studies minor is offered through the Institute for Medieval Studies.
Learn more about Medieval Studies in English here.

Rhetoric and Writing: Rhetoric and Writing is the academic home within the English Department for faculty and students pursuing interests in the following areas:

• Writing research
• Writing pedagogy
• Professional writing
• History of rhetoric
• Rhetorical theory
• Writing program administration

Rhetoric and Writing faculty, staff, and graduate students collaborate on the following administrative projects:

• Undergraduate Professional Writing major and minor
• MA in Rhetoric and Writing for teachers and writers
• PhD in English, Rhetoric and Writing focus
• Core Curriculum writing courses
• Teacher training and support
• Writing Across the Communities campus-wide initiative