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The programs of the Department of English extend beyond the classroom to provide a number of services, experiences, and opportunities for both majors and non-majors, including:
English Department Publications
The English Department has many publications, including Broken Ink, The Oswald Review and The Devil's Millhopper.
The Writing Room
Located in room 112 of the Humanities & Social Sciences Building, the Writing Room is open to all USCA students seeking feedback on any of their written projects. Students are welcome to use the the Writing Room on a "drop-in" basis, but appointments are recommended. Qualified students can also become consultants in the Writing Room, earning both valuable experience and financial compensation. The Writing Room is open regular daytime and evening hours. These hours will be posted each semester.
Certificate Program In Writing
The Certificate Program in Writing is a post-baccalaureate program designed for students not regularly enrolled in the university. Individuals wishing a Certificate in Writing from USCA must complete 15 hours of course work in writing of which at least three must be in theory. This Certificate Program is designed to offer a flexible range of courses in writing at the university level. Thus, it is possible for a student to concentrate on one or more creative writing genres, to hone workplace writing skills, or to expand his or her understanding of writing theory.
Sigma Tau Delta
The English Department sponsors a campus chapter (Epsilon Upsilon) of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society. This international organization recognizes academic achievement and promotes interest in literature and the English language; membership is offered on an invitational basis to superior students majoring or minoring in English or pursuing degrees in English Education or Interdisciplinary Studies with an English concentration.
Phebe Davidson Prize (formerly known as the Oswald Creative Writing Award)
Through the generosity of James L. Oswald of Aiken, the Phebe Davidson Prize is offered annually on a competitive basis to a full-time student at USCA whose work demonstrates superior achievement in writing.
Kaplan Writing Award
The Kaplan Writing Award is given annually on a competitive basis to the student whose writing exemplifies the qualities valued and stressed by Professor Virginia Kaplan during her years of teaching English at USCA: depth of thought, clarity of expression and command of language.
Oswald Freshman Writing Award
The Oswald Freshman Writing Award is presented annually on a competitive basis to a first-year student who demonstrates excellence in expository writing. The award is a 500-hundred-dollar scholarship.
James and Mary Oswald Distinguished Writers Series
Each year the English Department brings to Aiken a number of distinguished visiting writers. Also, the series typically presents younger, less-established artists, having showcased many talented writers at the beginning of their careers. During the past ten years, such significant literary personalities as Nikky Finney, Peter Taylor, Marge Piercy, Mark Strand, Donald Hall, Alison Lurie, and Robert Creeley have given public readings and have met with USCA students. All presentations by visiting writers are free and open to the public.
Broken Ink
The English Department supports Broken Ink, USCA's award winning literary magazine. The magazine, produced entirely by student staff and contributors, is published twice annually and offers students from all departments the opportunity to publish their creative writing and art, as well as provide experience in editing, layout, and magazine production.
Special Courses
In addition to regular course offerings, the English Department also offers special topics and special interest courses. Some of these courses, such as creative writing, are offered on a regular basis, while others can be offered when there is sufficient student demand.
