Department of English

News and Upcoming Events

Tyrone Williams (1954-2024) Tyrone Williams (1954-2024)

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Book Speed Dating

Are you an English major or English major curious? Do you enjoy quality time with a good book? Are you in a "reading rut" and looking to expand your horizons? Then join the English department for a book speed dating event where you could win books, make friends, eat snacks and potentially form long-term relationships with new ideas and authors.

When: Wednesday, Jan. 11th 3:00-4:00PM

Where: Hinkle Hall Lounge

Celebrating Books in English 

All are welcome to attend an event celebrating the recent publications of books by English professors Norman Finkelstein, Kristen Renzi, and Graley Herren. The event will take place on Wednesday, November 13, 3:30-5:00 pm, on the first floor of McDonald Library (by the back garden). The authors will sign copies and speak about their respective books, and light refreshments will be served afterwards.

C Dylan (Conner) Bassett and Yalie Saweda Kamara Reading
Thursday, Feb. 22 at 6:00 p.m.

The University Library and the English Department are co-hosting C Dylan (Conner) Bassett and Yalie Saweda Kamara reading from their recently published books on Thursday, February 22nd, 6:00 PM reception, 7:00 PM reading, in the library first floor interior garden area.

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Dr. Norman Finkelstein Reading
Wednesday, October 25 at 7 p.m.

Please join the University Library in welcoming Emeritus Professor of English Dr. Norman Finkelstein as he reads from his latest book of poetry, "Further Adventures" on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. in the McDonald Library first-floor garden area. The evening will include a conversation about his work facilitated by Professor of English Dr. Kristen Renzi, followed by a reception. This event is sponsored by the University Library and the endowed Humanities Reading Room. For more information, please contact Library Assistant Director Alison Morgan.

2023 Fortin Award Winner

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Dr. Kristen Renzi

Associate Professor
Department of English
Chair, Department of Race, Intersectionality, Gender, and Sociology

Selection Committee Statement:

This year’s recipient of the Roger A. Fortin Award for Outstanding Teaching and Scholarship in the Humanities is Associate Professor Kristen Renzi of the Department of English. Prof. Renzi joined Xavier’s faculty in 2013. Since then, she has been extraordinarily active in her teaching and scholarship. Her reputation as a caring and patient teacher is well known in the College. Most notably, Xavier students praise her teaching for introducing them to the life of the mind. One student marveled: “Dr. Renzi challenged me to think about the world in a new and exciting way.” Another observed: “She is awesome. Respectful, kind, patient, and makes us really think critically about what we were assigned to read.” Her scholarly activity has likewise been remarkably productive; she has published three books (including two poetry collections) and over a dozen essays and articles. In both her scholarship and her teaching, she has proven to be a keen listener, ever open to the perspectives and voices of the outsider or misfit. Besides teaching a wide range of courses for the English Department, Prof. Renzi help found and currently chairs the Department of Race, Gender, Intersectionality, and Sociology (RIGS). In all respects, Professor Renzi is an exemplary teacher-scholar.