• Drown Hall, home of Lehigh's English Department, on an almost cloudless, sun-filled day in autumn....
    Drown Hall Drown Hall, home of Lehigh's English Department, on an almost cloudless, sun-filled day in autumn....
  • Emily Dickinson started writing her poems in 1861. Discovered after her death, they were published beginning in 1890. A recluse during her life, 'the woman in white' is now one of the most famous poets in the world. Property of LU Libraries.
    Emily Dickinson Manuscript Emily Dickinson started writing her poems in 1861. Discovered after her death, they were published beginning in 1890. A recluse during her life, 'the woman in white' is now one of the most famous poets in the world. Property of LU Libraries.
  • Book of Hours of Paris use, in Latin. 15th century illuminated manuscript on vellum, probably written in France. The scroll in the picture reads "Hail, full of grace, the Lord (is with thee)." Property of Lehigh Univerisity Libraries.
    Book of Hours  Book of Hours of Paris use, in Latin. 15th century illuminated manuscript on vellum, probably written in France. The scroll in the picture reads "Hail, full of grace, the Lord (is with thee)." Property of Lehigh Univerisity Libraries.
  • The iconic entrance to Drown Hall, the English Department building on Lehigh's campus.
    Entrance to Drown Hall The iconic entrance to Drown Hall, the English Department building on Lehigh's campus.
  • A handwritten written letter to Alexander Hamilton from Washington Irving, who reports he arrived in "such good order" that he plans to accompany the "worthy courier to Bordeaux." Property of Lehigh University Libraries.
    Washington Irving Manuscript A handwritten written letter to Alexander Hamilton from Washington Irving, who reports he arrived in "such good order" that he plans to accompany the "worthy courier to Bordeaux." Property of Lehigh University Libraries.

The First Four

THE FIRST FOUR documents the experiences of the first four women professors hired into Lehigh's Department of English in 1972 and 1973. The film was written and produced in 2013 by four Lehigh students: Nadia Sasso, Meghan Barwick, Laura Casale, and Liana Prodorutti. 

Dr. James Peterson on His New Book

Dr. James Peterson discusses his new book The Hip-Hop Underground and African American Culture, out now.

English at Lehigh

Welcome to the English Department! You can explore the department's offerings and get a sense of what we're about by navigating the menus above. Below is a departmental "mission statement" of sorts that describes our focus on Literature and Social Justice and suggests some of the ways in which we are experimenting with new approaches to teaching and research. You'll also find an events calendar; please check back regularly for updates.

The Department of English has developed a focus on Literature and Social Justice, the outcome of a multi-year effort to revitalize the traditional period-based approach to literary studies. Like the university as a whole, the department is committed to cultivating graduates who will be engaged citizens and community members, in addition to successful professionals and life-long learners.

Core Activities

  • An exploration of how studying literature contributes to questions of social justice.
  • An immersion in historical periods informed by strong theoretical commitments.
  • An engagement with contemporary literature and culture.
  • An emphasis on theorized pedagogy, reflective practice, and the scholar-teacher model.
  • An interaction with Lehigh's varied interdisciplinary programs, including Africana Studies; Classics; Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Jewish Studies; and American Studies.