Welcome to the Department of English at Texas Southern University
Be part of a dynamic academic environment with dedicated English majors, Spanish and French minors, graduate students, and faculty. Our exceptional faculty are deeply committed to education, research, and service, encouraging students to excel across diverse fields of study.
Message from Acting Chair of the LIT Department
Welcome to the LIT department!
Toni Morrison believed: “A writer’s life and work are not a gift to mankind; they are its necessity.” In the Department of English and Foreign Languages at Texas Southern University, you will find professors and students who not only echo Morrison’s words—they live by them.
Our English majors, Spanish and French minors, graduate students, and faculty comprise a success-oriented academic community. The shining light of the department is a faculty committed to teaching, scholarship, and university service. Our faculty enjoys sharing their knowledge and intellectual passion with students.
With the help of our esteemed English faculty, students will gain an understanding of African American Literature, American and British Literature, Science Fiction and Horror, Literary Theory, and Creative and Technical Writing. Because we have such a rich catalog of courses, our graduates go on to become teachers, lawyers, editors, published writers, and so much more!
Beyond the classroom, students have the opportunity to engage in organizations and initiatives that nurture their creativity, scholarship, and professional growth. The LIT Languages Society fosters discussions on literature and language, while Pen and Power provides a space for students to refine and showcase their writing. The Martin Bellar Awards recognize excellence in student writing, and The Morrison Society encourages deep engagement with the literary legacy of Toni Morrison. The BJT Writing Symposium brings together writers and scholars to explore the evolving landscape of literature, and The Maroon: A Journal of Arts and Letters offers a prestigious platform for publishing student and faculty works. Additionally, Spanish and French minors have the unique opportunity to participate in Study Abroad programs in Spain or France, immersing themselves in the language and culture firsthand.
We are pleased you are considering joining our community of scholars! You will find inspiration in this department as well as a place to anchor yourself before you set sail on your future professional adventures!
With warm regards,
Iris Lancaster-Lawson, PhD
Acting Chair of the LIT Department