The Department of English and Comparative Literature offers programs in English, American, world, and comparative literature, and creative and professional writing. Our MA prepares students for teaching careers or doctoral studies. Our MFA in creative writing trains professional writers in the history and craft of poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, script- and screen-writing. Home to the Steinbeck Fellows and the Lurie Visiting Distinguished Author programs, the department also houses the Center for Literary Arts, which brings distinguished poets, fiction writers and creative nonfiction writers to campus to give public readings.