Unique Opportunities

Study Abroad 
            English majors may receive credit for participating in any number of Study Abroad programs; such participation usually takes place in a student's third year.  English majors are especially encouraged to study in Britain.  Of special interest to majors is the Study Abroad Program in England.  This program offers sixteen students per year the opportunity to live and learn both in London and at the University of Lancaster.  Students participate in an intensive four-week seminar while living in London, and then move on to Lancaster, where they enroll in the British autumn term, live with British and international students, and are taught by British faculty.  Students receive one course credit for the seminar in London, and three course credits for the courses taken at Lancaster.  Because this is an affiliated program, grades and financial aid are transferred, and courses may count toward major requirements. 

            The College also has another affiliated program that offers students the opportunity to study abroad in the spring semester or during summer break as well as during the fall semester.  Advanced Studies in England (ASE) is a program based in Bath: a city large enough to reflect some two thousand years of culture, yet small enough to provide a friendly, intellectually-challenging atmosphere.  Students are taught by professors from University College and Oxford University, and spend a week in residence at Oxford (their instructor's home campus) and at Stratford-Upon-Avon.

            Students wishing more information about the University of Lancaster program or the ASE program in Bath should explore the Gettysburg College Study Abroad Program site or visit the Study Abroad Office on campus -- 2nd floor, CUB.

            Each semester The Gettysburg Review selects one student (usually a senior) to work as its office intern.  Internships are designed to teach the rudiments of publishing, particularly of publishing a literary magazine.  Chores range from clerical matters, through the putting up of posters, to proofreading and mask/reading of manuscripts.  Some former interns currently hold good jobs in publishing.  Internships are graded pass/fail and the course may be counted as an elective toward the major.  Interested students should speak with the Editor and request an application form.  Twelve hours per week of on-site activity and a paper are required. 

Poetry and Prose Readings by Authors of National Stature
            The Department of English regularly hosts readings by nationally-known poets, novelists, and nonfiction writers.  Such visitors are often co-sponsored by the Writing House, The Gettysburg Review, or other related organizations.  The Gettysburg Review also sponsors a series of readings by distinguished poets who have appeared in the journal.  Department visitors often meet with students for meals or coffee, and very often visit writing classes.  Recent visitors have included nonfiction writer Geraldine Brooks, novelist Vikram Chandra, short story writer Peter Ho Davies, memoirist J.D. Dolan, freelance writer Kim Wiley, poet Stephen Dobyns, and former poet laureate of the U.S. Rita Dove.

The Gettysburgian
            The Gettysburgian, the student newspaper of Gettysburg College, is a weekly publication that covers campus news, features, sports and specialty stories.  The paper is a student run organization which offers an opportunity to develop an understanding of how a newspaper works on all levels-from business management, to circulation, to writing.  All students are invited to work for the paper, especially those interested in publishing, editing, and writing.  Please contact the Editor-in-Chief of the paper at x6449 or via e-mail at burgian@gettysburg.edu.

The Mercury
            Since 1899, The Mercury has served as Gettysburg College's literary magazine.  Published annually, The Mercury seeks to showcase the best student work in both the literary and visual arts.  Students serve as editors of submitted material in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, drama, and the visual arts.  Each issue runs approximately 40 pages.  Every year The Mercury requires new editorial staff.  Contact Professor Kathryn Rhett at krhett@gettysburg.edu for more information.

The Writing House
            Located in a double rowhouse across from campus on 133-135 North Washington Street, the Writing House is a residential program for students who are interested in written expression.  The fifteen students who live in the Writing House are exposed to a diversity of visitors, speakers, and activities.  Students meet regularly with professors and professional writers who are interested in expression, both how it is realized and how it is received.  Specific activities include dinners with nationally known writers, readings, and field trips to cultural events. The goal of the House is to invite students to live together who share a common interest in writing.  The forms of writing are quite varied: journalism, writing science, writing history, fiction writing, poetry writing, creative nonfiction, and dramatic writing.  The Writing House consists of three floors, which include five singles, five doubles, four baths, a kitchen, and a lounge with a tv/vcr.  The campus literary magazine, The Mercury, also has an office in the house. 

The Writing Center
            The Writing Center, staffed by peer tutors and several English department faculty members, is a valuable campus resource.  The Center is a place where students can come to talk about their work, to discuss and clarify ideas, to polish their writing style.  This process can benefit any writer-from the first-year student struggling with his or her first college paper to the student writing an application letter to the senior writing an honor thesis. The Writing Center also offers an exceptional opportunity for prospective teachers in any discipline.  Staff members practice collaborative learning techniques as they work one-on-one with their peers.  Potential tutors should contact Professor Lane at x6756.  Students can qualify for a position by securing a recommendation from any Gettysburg College professor, completing an interview with Professor Lane, submitting a writing sample, participating in the peer associate workshop, showing enthusiasm about working with their peers.  View the Writing Center website.

Internships
            English majors participate in and receive course credit for a number of internship opportunities.  Such internships have traditionally been in such fields as advertising, public relations, radio and television communications, print journalism, and publishing.  English majors regularly participate in internships at The Gettysburg Review, The Gettysburg Times, public relations firms in the New York and Washington areas, etc.  Careers for English majors are by no means limited to these fields, however, and any industry which requires highly developed verbal, written, and analytical skills might offer an opportunity for an internship.  For example, in coming years, many students might intern in the burgeoning software and telecommunications industries.  

Student Assistantships
            Each year funds are available for a limited number of student teaching assistantships, and exceptional upper-level English majors are encouraged to gain teaching experience through acting as an assistant to a faculty member.  Students generally help in class by leading small-group discussions, giving additional personal attention to their peers, and perhaps commenting upon student papers and exams.  Student Research Associateships are also available.  For students interested in careers in teaching or scholarship, such opportunities are invaluable.

The Croll Lecture
            Each year the English Department sponsors a lecture in honor of an English major and graduate of the College, the well-known scholar, Morris Croll.  The lecturer is normally of a national stature in her or his field, and is chosen on the basis of professional prominence, a personal history of mentorship, and accessibility to students.