About English & Literature

Learn to Communicate Clearly

At Butler, you learn to write well. Good writing is essential to success in just about any field you choose to pursue. Along with teaching you the fundamentals of composition, Butler’s English faculty help you improve your own writing. 

Of course, reading great literature is also important to your development as a writer, so we offer explorations of American, British and world literature, as well as classes in poetry and short stories. We also offer courses in creative writing. You decide your medium; we help you get there.

• Our English courses can be transferred to schools across the state and nationwide
• If you struggle with writing, we offer a nationally recognized ALP program to help you excel

Face it.  Good writing is essential to success in just about any field you choose to pursue.  Our English faculty members will not only teach you fundamentals of composition that apply to most forms of writing, but also help you improve your own.

Of course, reading great literature is also important to your development as a writer, so we offer surveys of American, British and World literature as well as classes in poetry and short stories.  If you want to learn to write fiction, poetry, and drama, we offer classes in Creative Writing.

Express Yourself

You have the opportunity to submit work for publication in our two journals, The Scan, which is devoted to academic essays, and The Quill, which accepts poetry and fiction.

Your appreciation for good writing will be enriched through our Oil Hill Reading Series, which brings notable authors to campus to read their work and interact with students. 

Your ability to communicate well through your writing distinguishes you throughout your college and professional career. At Butler, you will learn to articulate your point of view and communicate with ease.

If you are interested in becoming a published author, the English Department offers several avenues. Our Creative Writing courses prepare you to write fiction and poetry that may find its way into books and journals beyond Butler. At least four students have won state-wide Kansas Voices writing awards.