English Language and Literature

We have more than 100 English majors and a dozen faculty members who join the larger Harding community in a mission to use our hearts and minds in service to God and humanity.

The English language & literature department has a three-fold academic mission:

Beyond academic preparation, our goal is to create an atmosphere that encourages our students to grow in their appreciation of the power of literature and film as a positive force in their lives, and through them, the lives of others.

Whether it is participation in one of our organizations such as Scribblers, competing in the Jo Cleveland Creative Writing Contest or attending a writing workshop, our department offers English majors and others numerous opportunities to use their creativity and knowledge.

For more information, please see the contact info listed below.

News

Alumni News

The departmental newsletter is published every spring / summer. Send your news to English Language & Literature Department, Box 12248, Harding University, Searcy, AR 72149-0001 or e-mail Dr. Terry Engel.

Creative Writing Opportunities

Creative writing is encouraged through student organizations and writing courses in fiction, poetry and television/film.

Creative Writing Opportunities at Harding University (pdf)

Jo Cleveland Creative Writing Contest
Named after a beloved English teacher who encouraged creativity and critical thinking, this contest is sponsored by the English language & literature department, with faculty members acting as judges in four categories: fiction, poetry, nonfiction and screenwriting. The contest is open to all Harding University students. Winners receive small cash awards and are published in the department literary magazine, "Shapes and Names." For more information, please email the English language & literature department at english@harding.edu or contact the main office at 501-279-4421.

The Scribblers
Begun by student Sondra Smith in 1993, this small group meets regularly on an informal basis. Its sponsor is Terry Engel of the English language & literature department, but membership goes beyond English majors, and the group is driven by student interest. Aside from encouraging and critiquing each other, the Scribblers sponsor and present public readings. There are no dues.

Shapes and Names
This literary magazine is published each spring in conjunction with the Jo Cleveland Creative Writing Contest.

Sigma Tau Delta
Harding's chapter of the International English Honor Society (Pi Mu) offers English majors and minors opportunities to submit their work to the organization's national journal, "The Rectangle." The organization's sponsors are Dr. Michael Claxton and Dr. Kathy Dillion.

Contact Information


English Language and Literature

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At Harding University, you'll have the opportunity to be transformed academically, relationally and spiritually so you're prepared to change the world.