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.
Preparation and Self-Discovery
The English Literature and Language Department prepared me in many of the expected ways…The ELL community helped me discover myself.”
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.”
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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.
Gain Industry Experience
The Rattler
St. Mary’s students have the option to apply for a position in The Rattler student newspaper, where they can gain writing or photography experience.
Pecan Grove Review
St. Mary’s students can apply to be a part of the editorial board of The Pecan Grove Review literary journal. The Pecan Grove Review gives students writing experience as well as the opportunity to understand and obtain realistic publishing experience.
Community Reading Experience
The Community Reading Experience provides an opportunity for St. Mary’s students and the San Antonio community to engage in reading, participate in meaningful conversations about literature and meet published authors.
Become a Writing Professional and Poet
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.”
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 cool?”
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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
Celebrating National Poetry Month, Poetry and the Engaged Citizen is an event that features poets from the St. Mary’s student, faculty, staff and alumni community. All are welcome to attend.
Mexican American Studies Symposium
The Mexican American Studies (MAS) Symposium promotes dialogue, workshops and provides resources for educators and community members interested in advancing Mexican American Studies in San Antonio and the United States.
Community Reading Experience
The Community Reading Experience provides an opportunity for St. Mary’s students and the San Antonio community to engage in reading, participate in meaningful conversations about literature and meet published authors.
Questions About English Literature and Language Events? Contact Us.
Contact Josh Doty, Ph.D., at bdoty@stmarytx.edu for more information.
English Honor Society
Sigma Tau Delta is an English honor society for students to confer distinction for high achievement in English language, literature and writing. Sigma Tau Delta is dedicated to fostering literacy and all aspects of the discipline of English.
Undergraduate Research
Each spring semester, St. Mary’s 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.
A Welcoming Community Full of Friendship
The English Literature and Language program at St. Mary’s University was so welcoming and friendly, I immediately made friends within the program.”
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.”
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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-Sánchez, Ph.D. Associate Director, Center for Mexican American Studies -
Fransesca “Mallory” Coley, Ph.D. Lecturer of English Literature and Language -
Bonita Dattner Pfleiger, Ph.D. Principal Lecturer of English Literature and Language -
Benjamin “Josh” Doty, Ph.D. Associate Dean and Chair of the Department of English Literature and Language -
Mary Lynne Gasaway Hill, Ph.D., FRSA Program Director and Professor of English Literature and Language -
Melissa Scully Lecturer of English Literature and Language -
Nicole López, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of English Literature and Language -
Jamie Crosswhite, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of English