Programs
Undergraduate
Degree Type: BA
Fostering Your Imagination
Are you an enthusiastic writer thinking about turning your passion into a career? Develop your voice in Ashland University’s Creative Writing program.
A degree in Creative Writing is an asset to nearly any career you pursue because it helps you develop critical thinking and clear expression.
Undergraduate
Degree Type: BA
Join Us on a Literary Journey
Are you passionate about literature and language? Join the English Department at Ashland University to start your literary journey across centuries and around the globe.
Undergraduate
Degree Type: BA
Passing Your Love of Language On
Do you have a love of language and literature and want to teach? Bring your passion to life for the next generation of high school students in the Integrated Language Arts program at Ashland University.
This program prepares you for teacher licensure in Integrated...
Undergraduate
Advantages of Minoring in Spanish
Minoring in Spanish at Ashland University can be very rewarding to your future career. Why? It shows you are flexible, work well with diversity, excel in challenging situations, and have strong communication skills. Knowledge of a foreign language can land you a job and can...
Graduate
Degree Type: MFA
Expand your writing practice and refine your craft within the supportive community of Ashland University’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program.
Curriculum
Faculty & Staff
Dr. Hilary Donatini
Chair, English Department, Associate Professor of English
306, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5224 / hdonatin@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
306, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5224 / hdonatin@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
Deborah Fleming
Professor of English, Editor and Director of Ashland Poetry Press
308 , Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5789 / dfleming@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
308 , Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5789 / dfleming@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
Dr. Maura Grady
Associate Professor of English, Director of English Composition Program
316, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5670 / mgrady3@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
316, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5670 / mgrady3@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
Dr. Richard Gray
Assistant Chair, Department of Languages and Literatures, Associate Professor of French
210, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5792 / rgray6@ashland.edu
Department of Foreign Languages , Department of Languages and Literatures
210, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5792 / rgray6@ashland.edu
Department of Foreign Languages , Department of Languages and Literatures
Dr. Christian Kiefer
Director of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
101, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
/ ckiefer2@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
101, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
/ ckiefer2@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
Dr. Joe Mackall
Retired Professor of English
Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
Department of Languages and Literatures
Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
Department of Languages and Literatures
Dr. Sharleen Mondal
Associate Professor of English
302, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5393 / smondal@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
302, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5393 / smondal@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
Dr. Naomi Saslaw
Professor of English
314, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5198 / nsaslaw@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
314, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5198 / nsaslaw@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
Dr. Kelly Sundberg
Assistant Professor of English
314, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5199 / ksundber@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
314, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5199 / ksundber@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
Dr. Jayne Waterman
Associate Professor of English
312, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5284 / jwaterma@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
312, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5284 / jwaterma@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
Dr. Russell Weaver
Professor of English
310 , Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5117 / rweaver3@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
310 , Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5117 / rweaver3@ashland.edu
Department of Languages and Literatures
Department News
Madeline Worcester Named Valedictorian at Spring 2022 Commencement
Madeline Worcester, an Integrated Language Arts major from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, has been named as one of two Valedictorians of the 2022 graduating class at Ashland University.
Worcester shared the following reflection on her time at AU:When I delved into the college selection process nearly six years ago, there were two primary facets of a "dream school" that I considered constantly: I wanted to take classes from all disciplines, and I wanted to shine as an individual instead of a number. Even though my college journey has been difficult, I do believe that my four years at Ashland University have fulfilled both of these paramount ideals. The English professors at AU have taught me more about writing and analysis than I ever expected to know, and I have treasured core classes from the realms of theatre to psychology. Similarly, I have appreciated every opportunity and internship experience along the way; many of these chances and communities would not have been open to me at a larger institution. Ultimately, my hope is for bright futures and an even brighter world for all recent graduates.We are thrilled that Madeline earned this honor and grateful that she spent her college years with us. Best wishes and congratulations, Madeline!Worcester, left, along with fellow Valedictorian Molly Gregory and Salutatorian Addie Coder
...Read more
Worcester shared the following reflection on her time at AU:When I delved into the college selection process nearly six years ago, there were two primary facets of a "dream school" that I considered constantly: I wanted to take classes from all disciplines, and I wanted to shine as an individual instead of a number. Even though my college journey has been difficult, I do believe that my four years at Ashland University have fulfilled both of these paramount ideals. The English professors at AU have taught me more about writing and analysis than I ever expected to know, and I have treasured core classes from the realms of theatre to psychology. Similarly, I have appreciated every opportunity and internship experience along the way; many of these chances and communities would not have been open to me at a larger institution. Ultimately, my hope is for bright futures and an even brighter world for all recent graduates.We are thrilled that Madeline earned this honor and grateful that she spent her college years with us. Best wishes and congratulations, Madeline!Worcester, left, along with fellow Valedictorian Molly Gregory and Salutatorian Addie Coder
...Read more
Graduating Senior Spotlight: Part Two
The Department of Languages and Literatures wishes its graduating seniors the best as they apply for jobs and begin the exciting transition to the next chapter of their lives! This post is the second and final installment in a series to spotlight these seniors, who generously shared their favorite memory of being a major in the department and their post-graduation plans.
Caleb CrowleyI switched majors quite often, eventually landing on an English major after choosing to forego an education degree. The department head Dr. Donatini was wonderfully helpful in my major transition, especially since my class requirements meant a lot of help in a few substitutions and scheduling properly.
My best memories in the department have been my classes with my advisor Dr. Waterman along with Dr. Grady, Dr. Sundberg, and Dr. Mondal. Specifically, Dr. Grady’s Film and Literature class helped me recognize how film techniques could translate concepts from literature onto the screen. This gave the books we read a greater life when I could experience them in two separate mediums. Further, Dr. Mondal and Dr. Waterman’s abilities to implement historical context to the literature we read greatly improved the class experience. Their expertise and background knowledge gave a much deeper understanding and comprehension of the pieces, thus assistingme and my classmates in developing more in-depth and unique thesis statements to argue.
I want to highlight my work with Dr. Sundberg especially. When I joined the department, I dreaded the concept of creative writing, believing that I could never write anything worthwhile. In only two classes with Dr. Sundberg, my perspective entirely shifted, and I have learned thoroughly to love the creative writing process. Her feedback always pulled the best out of mywork and influenced my process in every paper after her classes, whether creative or research-oriented.
After graduation, I will be working in social media marketing for a video game...Read more
Caleb CrowleyI switched majors quite often, eventually landing on an English major after choosing to forego an education degree. The department head Dr. Donatini was wonderfully helpful in my major transition, especially since my class requirements meant a lot of help in a few substitutions and scheduling properly.
My best memories in the department have been my classes with my advisor Dr. Waterman along with Dr. Grady, Dr. Sundberg, and Dr. Mondal. Specifically, Dr. Grady’s Film and Literature class helped me recognize how film techniques could translate concepts from literature onto the screen. This gave the books we read a greater life when I could experience them in two separate mediums. Further, Dr. Mondal and Dr. Waterman’s abilities to implement historical context to the literature we read greatly improved the class experience. Their expertise and background knowledge gave a much deeper understanding and comprehension of the pieces, thus assistingme and my classmates in developing more in-depth and unique thesis statements to argue.
I want to highlight my work with Dr. Sundberg especially. When I joined the department, I dreaded the concept of creative writing, believing that I could never write anything worthwhile. In only two classes with Dr. Sundberg, my perspective entirely shifted, and I have learned thoroughly to love the creative writing process. Her feedback always pulled the best out of mywork and influenced my process in every paper after her classes, whether creative or research-oriented.
After graduation, I will be working in social media marketing for a video game...Read more
Honors Convocation Recognizes Outstanding Students
On Sunday, April 24, AU recognized student achievement at the annual Honors Convocation. Pictured above is Sarah Yeaste, Outstanding Junior in the Department of Languages and Literatures. Ashley Kovac, Outstanding Sophomore, and Andrew Cook, Outstanding Senior, were unable to attend the ceremony. ...Read more
Graduating Senior Spotlight: Part One
The Department of Languages and Literatures wishes its graduating seniors the best as they apply for jobs and begin the exciting transition to the next chapter of their lives! This post is the first installment in a series to spotlight these seniors, who generously shared their favorite memory of being a major in the department and their post-graduation plans.
Madeline Worcester
I am an Integrated Language Arts major at Ashland University.
Since I have been extremely involved with the English Department for the duration of my college career, I have numerous experiences I would classify as "favorites" not only from the department exclusively, but of my college experience altogether. Ironically, my best and most treasured moments of college stem from my current internship off-campus at Medina High School, where I serve as the student teacher for AU alumnus David Mohn. We have been able to share countless laughs and stories of Ashland throughout the years, and we have spent many free periods discussing books, pedagogy, theatre, and various trivia. His guidance has made me a tremendously better teacher and person overall.
I also had the chance to work for the MFA in Creative Writing program for two consecutive summers. The MFA community is so vibrant and captivating, and the opportunities available for both students and interns are simply phenomenal. I am so fortunate that I was able to hone my own craft while supporting the education of others through this unique summer opportunity. Furthermore, I am excited to serve as the intern for my third summer this year as the program transitions back to an in-person model.
My other favorite memories naturally stem from the classes I took within the department, where I was able to engage with brilliant peers and educators alike. I enjoyed taking Dr. Waterman's full American Literature course rotation, especially when my friend (a...Read more
Madeline Worcester
I am an Integrated Language Arts major at Ashland University.
Since I have been extremely involved with the English Department for the duration of my college career, I have numerous experiences I would classify as "favorites" not only from the department exclusively, but of my college experience altogether. Ironically, my best and most treasured moments of college stem from my current internship off-campus at Medina High School, where I serve as the student teacher for AU alumnus David Mohn. We have been able to share countless laughs and stories of Ashland throughout the years, and we have spent many free periods discussing books, pedagogy, theatre, and various trivia. His guidance has made me a tremendously better teacher and person overall.
I also had the chance to work for the MFA in Creative Writing program for two consecutive summers. The MFA community is so vibrant and captivating, and the opportunities available for both students and interns are simply phenomenal. I am so fortunate that I was able to hone my own craft while supporting the education of others through this unique summer opportunity. Furthermore, I am excited to serve as the intern for my third summer this year as the program transitions back to an in-person model.
My other favorite memories naturally stem from the classes I took within the department, where I was able to engage with brilliant peers and educators alike. I enjoyed taking Dr. Waterman's full American Literature course rotation, especially when my friend (a...Read more
