Hope College
Department of English
126 E. 10th St.
Holland, MI 49423

english@hope.edu
phone: 616.395.7620
fax: 616.395.7134

Information for Prospective Students

Welcome to the Hope College English Department! A degree in English is a wonderfully rich and flexible choice for any career that requires skill with words and a deep knowledge of human relationships.

Our graduates work in a vast variety of fields. Many become passionate teachers at every level, from elementary school to graduate school. Others are lawyers and business executives. Still others work for social justice agencies, non-profit groups, and government. Many are involved in publishing, writing professionally, and editing. A degree in English from Hope can take you anywhere.

While at Hope, students have amazing opportunities to study abroad, work closely with faculty members, and gain work experience through internships across the country. The department is dedicated to showcasing student work and helping students build professional resumes and portfolios. English students at Hope also benefit from an exceptional community environment on campus. We encourage collaboration and growth in every aspect of life—and we have fun! We’d love to have you here.

Check out some students sharing their unique paths and experiences at Hope College.

Ten Reasons to Study English at Hope College

1. Excellent teachers, and lots of them. We are a large department (30 faculty members, full time and part time), and all of us place first-rate teaching as our highest priority.
2. Scholarly and artistic productivity. Since 2000, Hope English professors have published more than 30 books and hundreds of articles, poems, and stories. You'll learn from people who are experts in their fields.
3. Small classes. Our writing workshops are never larger than 15, and our literature classes rarely top 25. We'll know you by name, and you'll get to know us and your classmates well in this setting.
4. Two majors. Within the English department, you can elect to major in literature or in creative writing.
5. Nationally renowned Visiting Writers Series. Each year, we bring 8-10 of the nation's top poets and fiction writers to campus for readings, class visits, Q & A sessions, and as much face-to-face time with students as we can manage.
6. Internships. We encourage students to try out their vocational ideas by working in local companies and organizations, and we'll help you find a placement suitable to your interests.
7. Off-campus study opportunities. Theater in London. Literature in Scotland. The arts in New York. History and literature in Vienna. Internships in Philadelphia or Chicago. Australian literature Down Under. Communal living and studying in an old logging camp in the Oregon mountains. You'll find lots of ways to extend and enrich your study of literature or writing in an off-campus study program.
8. Personal advising. English majors work closely with a faculty advisor to choose courses, discuss careers, apply to graduate schools, and talk shop.
9. Wide career opportunities. Our grads go into teaching, law, business, ministry, social justice work, journalism, and a dozen other fields.
10. Good homework. You get to read or write poems and stories, a rewarding way to spend your time.

Questions?

If you have questions about studying English at Hope College, please feel free to contact the department chair, Peter Schakel (616.395.7116 or schakel@hope.edu) or our department Office Manager, Sarah Baar (616.395.7620 or baar@hope.edu).