English

At Olivet, students explore all aspects of language arts. Olivet’s focus is to teach students to communicate effectively, to interact critically with a wide range of texts, and to apply these skills in their lives of service to God and humanity.

Photo of English professor having a conversation with two students

About the Degree

Starting freshman year, students receive instruction directly from their professors, instead of just reading and meeting a list of deadlines on their own. Students who excel in writing often work closely with their professors in presenting lectures, grading papers and tutoring at-risk students.

Chicago’s Literary Community Next Door

With convenient access to some of the top publishers, book sellers and writing professionals in the country, Olivet students often journey to Chicago for literary events.

Professor having a conversation with a student outside of Burke
Detail shot of a lamp outside of Burke
Group of friends having a conversation in front of Burke

Explore

Areas of Study Within the Department

At Olivet, students explore all aspects of language arts. Olivet’s focus is to teach students to communicate effectively, to interact critically with a wide range of texts, and to apply these skills in their lives of service to God and humanity.

Starting freshman year, students receive instruction directly from their professors, instead of just reading and meeting a list of deadlines on their own. Professors are ready to prepare students for professional success. And, they’re equally eager to pray with students and help them find!

Detail photo of Aurora yearbook

Aurora Yearbook

English majors have opportunities to contribute articles for Olivet’s student yearbook. Finding the stories and capturing the personal angles are a creative pursuit.

View Past Issues of the Aurora Yearbook

Close up photo of a female student in a classroom

Short Story Contest

Sharpen your pencils and charge up your laptops. The ONU English Department annually sponsors a short story contest for current ONU students.

Learn More the About Short Story Contest

Detail photo of TYGR magazine

Student Publications

TYGR, the student art and literary magazine published each academic year, is dedicated to cultivating individual perceptions of the elements that make up our world. Written and published by students with faculty advisors, this magazine brings together a unique collection of the elements of Olivet’s creativity.

By the Numbers

4545

minutes from Chicago

1414:1

student-to-faculty ratio

6060

pages in the 2019 issue of Olivet’s Tygr Student Art & Literary Magazine

Professor Beth Schurman

Chair, English Department

Dr. Beth Schurman

Preparing the next generation of English teachers is a passion for Dr. Beth Schurman. She is an experienced high school English teacher and also a higher education teaching professional. She works with Olivet student teachers, to observe them and provide feedback during their teaching experience. An accomplished writer and speaker, she has presented at the National Council of Teachers of English and the Midwest Association of Teacher Educators conferences.

English Faculty

Outside the Classroom

Teaching Opportunities

Students who excel in writing often work closely with their professors in presenting lectures, grading papers and tutoring at-risk students.

Off-Campus Study

More than a dozen study abroad programs provide opportunity for experiencing the Christian faith in other cultures and countries.

Learn More About Off-Campus Study

Mission Work

Olivet’s Shalom Project provides opportunities for students to serve people living on the continents of Asia, Africa, South America, as well as in the U.S., through volunteer trips.

Learn About the Shalom Project

I went to Burkina Faso, Africa, to teach students how to organize and format thesis papers. There I was taught how to organize and format my life.