Department of English : University of Rochester

An exterior view of the front of Morey hall from the Eastman Quad.

Welcome to Morey Hall

Home to the Department of English, Morey Hall is named for William Carey Morey, 1843-1925, class of 1868. Professor Morey taught Latin, history, and political science, and also helped found the Rochester Historical Society.

Major & Minor

Pursue a degree or take courses in one of our four distinct program tracks.

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Graduate Studies

The National Research Council ranks our English PhD program among the best in the country.

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Research

Our faculty and students participate in numerous individual and collaborative research projects.

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Faculty News

Blake/An Illustrated Quarterly names new co-editor

Join us in welcoming Tilar Mazzeo, who has been named the co-editor of Blake/An Illustrated Quarterly, a peer-reviewed scholarly journal devoted to William Blake (1757–1827) and his circle. Dr. Mazzeo is a best-selling author and a literary and cultural historian. She succeeds English professor and former co-editor Morris Eaves, who died in 2024.

Published by the Department of English, Blake has been produced at Rochester since the 1980s. The quarterly contains articles, notes, and book reviews. It also includes annual features including a review of sales of works by Blake and his followers, and checklists of publications and discoveries, music, and exhibitions.

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PLUTZIK READING SERIES

2025-2026 Readers Announced

The 63rd season of the Plutzik Reading Series will feature four authors: Catherine Barnett (Sept. 16, 2025), Sigrid Nunez (Nov. 4, 2025), Robyn Schiff (Apr. 7, 2026) and Kirstin Valdez Quade (Apr. 22, 2026). All readings are free and open to the public. Click below for more details.

COURSE REGISTRATION

Space available in courses for Fall 2025

Registration is now open to all students for the Fall 2025 semester. Classes begin on Monday, August 25, 2025. Check out the undergraduate and graduate courses being offered by the Department of English, Film & Media Studies and International Theatre Programs.

FREE STUDENT LIBRARY

Borrow a book to enjoy

Looking for your next great read? Students are encouraged to borrow a book from the English Department's free student library. Please return it to the shelf on the 4th floor of Morey Hall when you're done. Titles are rotated regularly. You can also grab a free bookmark!