Writing, Language and Literature Department
Explore global cultures through language, literature, and creative expression.
UW-Superior’s Department of Writing, Languages and Literature offers a rich, international approach to studying languages, literature, and communication. Students can choose from a variety of majors and minors, including:
- Writing
- English
- English K-12 Education
- Spanish K-12 Education
- Broad Field Language Arts 4-12 Education
- Spanish (minor)
- Global Studies (minor)
Students can also expand their learning through correlated language study-away programs, gaining cultural and linguistic experience abroad.
Learn from Award-Winning Faculty
Our faculty are published authors, scholars, and educators who bring creative inspiration and real-world expertise into the classroom. Students benefit from their professional networks, mentorship, and dedication to helping each learner grow as a writer, communicator, and critical thinker.
Curriculum Informed by Local Writing Professionals
In 2015, the Writing Program established a Community Advisory Board made up of local writers, editors, and publishers. Each spring, the board:
- Reviews curriculum and emerging trends in the field
- Meets with faculty and students
- Shares insights on what skills graduates need to succeed
This collaboration ensures that the Writing curriculum remains current, practical, and aligned with industry expectations.
Studying Writing at UWS allowed me to pursue my passion and provided incredible opportunities for collaboration with peers and instructors. The support I received from my classmates and the WLL department enhanced my academic journey and created educational opportunities that otherwise might have been overlooked.Â
One thing that you get to experience at UWS is a variety of classes, from economics to language, you get to learn a lot of new things. Best of all, you get to study away, which can give you so many new and different options in life after school.
As a first-generation student, it was important to me to choose a school and program that held my interest, challenged me, and supported me. The writing program at UWS did that – and I’m eternally grateful for the privilege of learning here.Â
Additional Information
Involvement Opportunities
Visiting Writers Series
The Visiting Writers Series brings accomplished authors to UW-Superior for literary readings, class visits, and informal conversation with students and community members on the writer’s craft. Readings are free and open to the public. Past visiting writers include Linda LeGarde Grover (short fiction), Francesca Abbate (poetry), Louis Jenkins (prose poetry), Ellen Baker (historical fiction), and Chad Faries (memoir).
The Nemadji Review
Writing majors, writing minors, and all UW-Superior students have the opportunity to take part in the publication of the student-run literary magazine, The Nemadji Review. This print journal is published annually in the spring; includes creative and scholarly work by UW-Superior students as well as undergraduates from other colleges; and is entirely compiled, edited, and designed by student staff.
Careers in Writing Night
This annual event brings students interested in writing careers together with professional writers in the community for one-on-one conversations and mentoring. The evening is co-hosted by Career Services and the Writing Program.
English as a Second Language
UW-Superior offers four English as a Second Language (ESL) courses to help international students in their first semester adapt to the challenges of learning in English at the college level. These ESL courses are designed specifically for degree-seeking or exchange students who have met the minimum English proficiency requirement for undergraduates and have been admitted to UW-Superior.
Newly-admitted international students may be required to take the UW-Superior ESL Placement Test. Based on their placement test scores, students may be required to enroll in one or more ESL courses, in addition to other university courses, during their first semester.
Prospective students who want to earn a degree and whose English level is below the minimum proficiency requirement may apply for conditional admission to UW-Superior. For information about international undergraduate admissions at UW-Superior, visit International Admissions.
NOTE: The ESL courses at UW-Superior are not a full-time ESL program, and the courses are NOT intended for international students whose main purpose is to study ESL full-time.