Department of English
English at Brown
Fostering an open understanding of literatures and cultures in English
English at Brown
Fostering an open understanding of literatures and cultures in English
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News
SEISMA Magazine
INSIDE THE MIND: PAUL ARMSTRONG
Here we explore the field of Cognitive Literary Studies using two of Armstrong’s fascinating books: How Literature Plays with the Brain: The Neuroscience of Reading and Art (Armstrong, 2013) and his more recent Stories and the Brain: The Neuroscience of Narrative (Armstrong, 2020). The discussion delves into the differences between taxonomic and phenomenological literary theories as well as facets of cognition such as perception and sense of self as they relate to reading and literature. Let us consider how a neuro-phenomenological approach to literary studies can facilitate our understanding of the interrelation between humans and literature.
Bill Clinton visits campus in 20th annual Casey Shearer ’00 Memorial Lecture
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton spoke with Derek Shearer about current political issues, his own personal interests and gave career advice to future generations.
I Would Have Never Bought This Home if I Knew It Flooded
I have spent much of the past decade at the soggy edges of this country listening to the people whose homes and businesses flood worse and worse year after year as tides rise higher and storms become stronger. While I still haven’t gotten over the shock of hearing someone describe what it’s like to lose a home or a loved one, another story, submerged in this trauma, has started to surface.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Studies
We study how literature works, how we understand it, and how we write about it. We examine closely matters of language, form, genre, and critical method.
Nonfiction Writing Program
The Nonfiction Writing Program, unique to Brown University in its scope, teaches the writing of nonfiction in its predominant modes: the academic essay, creative nonfiction, and journalism.
Graduate Studies
Brown's doctoral program in English offers professional training in literary criticism, critical theory, intellectual history, and all aspects of research and pedagogy in the humanities.
For First Year Students
There are several ways to start your journey with English at Brown.
The Department of English offers several pathways for incoming students to deepen and strengthen their ability to think and write about literature and culture.
The Nonfiction Writing Program brings together three forms of writing: academic essay, journalism, and creative nonfiction.