English at Samford: Exploring Literature, Film, and Meaningful Connections
The Samford English Department fosters a deep understanding of literary and cinematic traditions while equipping students with the skills to think critically, write creatively and engage with diverse communities. Through intellectual and vocational pursuits, students develop the ability to analyze, interpret and communicate ideas with clarity, creativity and compassion.
Objectives and Goals
Our Faculty Value:
- Effective classroom teaching that fosters intellectual curiosity and personal growth.
- Lifelong learning through the rigorous study of literary and cinematic traditions that have shaped the modern world.
- Meaningful contributions to the scholarly community through original research and critical inquiry.
Our Students Develop:
- Creative and analytical works that showcase intellectual depth and sophistication.
- Strong skills in analysis, communication and creativity.
- A broad, diverse perspective on the world, engaging with global communities thoughtfully and meaningfully.
Our Graduates Demonstrate:
- A versatile skill set suited for success in a wide range of careers.
- Excellence in critical thinking, persuasive writing and speaking, information literacy, interpretation and project management.
- The ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups and foster a commitment to civility and justice.
Is This Program for Me?
- Curious – Eager to explore new ideas, cultures and perspectives.
- Creative – Passionate about storytelling, expression and innovative thinking.
- Analytical – Skilled at interpreting texts, films and complex concepts.
- A Reader – Drawn to literature, film and the power of words.
- A Writer – Excited to craft compelling arguments, stories and analyses.
Develop your skills, expand your perspectives and prepare for a dynamic career in a wide range of fields.
What Sets Us Apart?
- Exceptional Internship Opportunities – Gain real-world experience through internships that connect classroom learning to professional careers.
- Accessible, Supportive Faculty – Learn from dedicated professors who mentor and guide you in your academic and career journey.
- Outstanding Scholarships – Benefit from generous financial aid opportunities to support your education.
- Personalized Vocational Guidance – Discover your passions and career path with expert advising and mentorship.
- Comprehensive Job Preparation – Develop the critical thinking, writing and communication skills employers value in a wide range of industries.
Samford’s English program equips students with the knowledge, experience and support needed to thrive in their careers and beyond.
Career Preparation
Market Ready
- Curriculum with Workplace Preparation – Courses emphasize real-world applications, helping students develop marketable skills.
- Networking Opportunities – Build valuable professional connections through faculty mentorship, alumni engagement and industry events.
- Workplace Skill Development – Gain hands-on experience in writing, editing and communication through student publications.
- Project Management Training – Develop organizational and leadership skills through coursework and extracurricular activities.
Samford’s English program is designed to equip students with the skills and experience needed for success in a variety of professional fields.
Career Opportunities
- Teaching
- Law
- Ministry
- Nonprofit work
- Publishing, writing and editing
- Medicine
Internships
- Publishing & Media: Southern Living magazine, Country Living magazine (Hearst Publishing), Oxmoor House Books, Over the Mountain Journal, Starnes Publishing (280 Magazine), Red Sky Studios, Sidewalk Film Festival
- Nonprofit & Public Policy: Alabama Possible, American Heart Association, Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Freedom Center: Public Policy Institute, One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center, Women’s Missionary Union (Missions Mosaic, New Hope Publishers), Jessie’s Place, Empower Ministries
- Corporate & Business: EBSCO Industries, Daxco, BASS Ltd (Bassmasters.com)
- Education & Community Engagement: Blueprints College Access Initiative (Impact Alabama), Campus Outreach, Homewood Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
- Film & Media Production: Documentary filmmaker T.N. Mohan
Fellowships
- Fulbright Fellowship – Ministère de l'Éducation Nationale, de la Jeunesse et de la Vie Associative (Bischeim, France)
- Mary Baldwin University – Shakespeare and Performance Fellowship
- Alabama School of Law Fellowship
Samford’s English program provides the academic foundation, hands-on experience and professional connections needed to launch successful careers.
Accolades, Alumni and Faculty
Awards and Recognition
Samford Awards
- President’s Cup, 2014 - Caroline Reid (’14)
- President's Cup, 2015 - Audrey Ward (’15)
- Mann Center Award, 2015 - Laura Ann Prickett
Scholarships
- Andrew Young - MA Film Studies, Emory University (Full scholarship)
- David Rodriguez - Ph.D. SUNY-Stony Brook
- Audrey Ward - Comparative Literature, UNC
- Alyssa Duck - Emory University, scholarship to both the T. S. Eliot International Summer School at the University of London and the Samuel Beckett Summer Project at Trinity College Dublin.
Alumni Careers
- Law
- Higher Education
- Ministry
- Film Studies
- Publishing
Notable Alumni
- Heather Jassy - Senior VP Values Aligned Business at Etsy
- Kathryn Ormsbee - author, blogger
- Brit Blalock - MFA NYU, 2012 Pushcart Award nominee, Copywriter & content marketer at Directorpoint, Birmingham, AL
- Christopher George - Pastor-Smoke Rise Baptist Church, Mobile, AL
- Preston Miller - Lawyer, Kings Simmons, Birmingham, AL (former Presidential Scholar at Cumberland School of Law)
- Frances Isbel - JD University of Alabama
- Deandra Little - PhD
- Christopher Hill - PhD
- David O’Dell - MBA, Branch Manager, America’s First Federal Credit Union, Birmingham, AL
- Matt Ennis - Health Care, Director, Cahaba Valley Health Care, Birmingham, AL
Curriculum
Concentrations
Creative Writing Concentration
The creative writing concentration blends a strong foundation in English literature with intensive training in writing poetry, short fiction and literary nonfiction. Students engage in both the history and theory of literary forms while honing their craft through hands-on writing experiences.
Because creative writing requires extensive reading, students will explore genres and pivotal literary movements in depth. However, the cornerstone of this concentration is the craft-based workshop—small, interactive classes where student work is examined alongside the work of established literary masters.
During their senior year, creative writing students demonstrate their expertise by completing a thesis project, which combines their own original writing with critical analysis of published authors. This capstone experience showcases both their creative talent and analytical depth, preparing them for careers in writing, publishing and beyond.
Film Studies Concentration
The English major with a concentration in film studies combines a deep exploration of English literature with a strong focus on film analysis and history. While studying fundamental literary subjects such as Shakespeare, students also examine the evolution of cinema, the contributions of influential auteurs and the complex relationship between film and literature.
Students engage in in-depth studies of significant film genres, pivotal cinematic movements and national film traditions. The concentration emphasizes critical film analysis, requiring students to interpret films thoughtfully, engage with current scholarship and develop original arguments through writing and research.
During their senior year, students demonstrate their expertise by completing a thesis project, which may focus exclusively on film or explore the intersection of film and literature. This capstone experience prepares graduates for careers in media, film criticism, academia and beyond.
