English Literature and Language at St. Mary’s
The St. Mary’s University Department of English Literature and Language focuses on the human experience to enhance competency in visual, oral and written communication, to develop respect for multiple perspectives through analysis and to explore the world through the lens of ethical scholarship, rhetorical inquiry and creativity in the pursuit of the common good.
Student Spotlights
Renée Padilla
Master’s Student in Library Science, University of North Texas“As a graduate of St. Mary’s University, I’m excited to continue my journey at the University of North Texas to study Library Science.
The English Literature and Language Department prepared me in many of the expected ways—my coursework strengthened my writing and introduced me to inspiring authors and poets. But more so, the ELL community helped me discover myself.”
Alex Salinas
Marketing Communications Specialist, Sirius Computer Solutions“The Master of Arts in English Literature and Language program at St. Mary’s University prepared me well to be a writing professional and a poet. Above all, the rigorous theory courses supplied me with the passion to be a purposeful lifelong reader—the guy who will now always gift books year-round to friends, because books are perspective, and knowledge is our greatest liberator.
Did I mention the professors are pretty dope?”
Lane Riggs
Ph.D. Student in Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design, Clemson University“The English Literature and Language program at St. Mary’s University was so welcoming and friendly, I immediately made friends within the program. And of course, a lot of the ELL faculty are super helpful and are always there for advice.
It’s a small community and you can really tell that the faculty want you to succeed and will do what they can to help you.”
English Literature and Language Events
Yearly, the department holds a variety of events to enrich the education of our students outside a classroom setting.
- Poetry and the Engaged Citizen
In June 2020, the department held a virtual event entitled “Black Lives Matter: A Reading and Rally for Change.” The event was recorded and can be viewed below.
Contact Josh Doty, Ph.D. at bdoty@stmarytx.edu for more information.
Undergraduate Research
Each spring semester, St. Mary’s University hosts its annual Research Symposium and Creative Activities Exhibition, which fosters scholarly dialogue among students and faculty. Presenters at the exhibition display an assortment of projects including scientific investigations, analytical reviews or projects, innovations/inventions, honors theses, senior projects and original works of art, media, poetry or writing. The event is open to undergraduate, graduate and law students.
The Spring 2020 Symposium was held virtually and their presentations were published in an interactive ebook.
Accessible Literature
There are virtually no American Sign Language (ASL) interpretations of higher level readings, such as Homer’s “The Odyssey,” so a group of former and current students from the Department of English Literature and Language decided to change that.
The endeavor was made possible through a $1,500 grant from Humanities Texas, a nonprofit with a goal to create opportunities for lifelong learning and advance education throughout the state.
Find us on social media to view photos and videos of students, faculty and staff in the Department of English, Literature and Language:
Academic Programs in the Department of English Literature and Language
Faculty in the Department of English Literature and Language
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Margaret Cantú-Sanchez, Ph.D. Visiting Assistant Professor of English -
Mallory Coley, Ph.D. Visiting Assistant Professor -
Bonita Dattner Pfleiger, Ph.D. Visiting Assistant Professor of English Literature and Language -
Benjamin “Josh” Doty, Ph.D. Chair of the Department of English Literature and Language -
Mary Lynne Gasaway Hill, Ph.D., FRSA Professor of English Literature and Language -
Refugio “Ito” Romo, Ph.D. Professor of English Literature and Language -
Melissa Scully Visiting Lecturer of English Literature and Language -
Nicole López, Ph.D. Visiting Assistant Professor of English