Radford University
School of Writing, Language and Literature
Where Words Shape Worlds
The School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL) houses the Department of English and the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. Combining the strengths of these disciplines, SWLL is Radford University's interdisciplinary hub for language, culture and expression. Through innovation and collaboration, SWLL empowers students to think critically, write powerfully and engage globally.
Academic Programs
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Minors available: English, Creative Writing, Professional Writing and Health Humanities.
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Minors available: Foreign Languages, Spanish, Hispanic Studies, German Studies, Classical Humanities and Intercultural Studies.
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SWLL Events (Fall 2026)
Welcome Brunch
The School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL) welcomes back students, faculty and staff from the Department of English and the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. Join us for some good food and good conversation at the start of the semester!
Date: Wednesday, September 2
Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Hemphill Hall 4700
Contact: Amanda Biviano, Ph.D.
Game Night
The School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL) invites students, faculty and staff to join us for a night of gaming--e.g. board games, card games, video games (maybe?), etc. Folks in any major and any department are welcome. A great way to meet others in an informal context!
Date: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Hemphill Hall 4800
Contact: Frank Napolitano, Ph.D.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL), in partnership with the Chinese Club, will host this annual mid-autumn festival event. One of the most important holidays in the Chinese calendar, this event--free and open to the public--is a great way to celebrate and expand cultural awareness. See you there!
Date: Saturday, October 3
Time: 2 - 5 p.m.
Location: Kyle Hall 340
Contact: I-Ping Fu, Ph.D.
Halloween Party
The School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL) invites all students, faculty and staff to our Halloween party. One of our most popular annual events, we'll celebrate the changing leaves, the cool autumn weather and all things spooky (also...pumpkins!). Bonus points for those that attend in creative costumes!
Date: Thursday, October 29
Time: 7 - 9 p.m.
Location: Hemphill Hall 4800
Contact: Michele Ren, Ph.D. and Nancy Taylor, M.A.
Poetry Reading
The School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL) invites you to a free public reading by our very own RU graduate students enrolled this semester in ENGL 611 (Creative Writing). This is a great event to celebrate creativity, the spoken / written word and the performative aspect of poetry. Come out and support writers!
Date: Tuesday, December 1
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Hemphill Hall 4800
Contact: Michael Marberry, Ph.D.
Holiday Potluck
The School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL) wraps up the Fall 2026 semester with our annual holiday potluck for students, faculty and staff. We'll have lots of good food and opportunities to catch-up with folks before everyone goes on winter break. Plus, this event is a great (brief) distraction from final exams!
Date: Wednesday, December 9
Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Hemphill Hall 4800
Contact: Amanda Biviano, Ph.D.
SWLL News
The School of Writing, Language and Literature had a large contingent presenting at this year's "Feminism is for Everybody" Conference at Virginia Tech University -- including Michele Ren, Ph.D. (Professor of English) and current graduate students Nina Aidam, Kira Ayers, Haley Celso Rosas, Aspen Chase, Ryleigh Kennedy, Catey Mlynski, Catherine Schleife, Grace Sharrett and Jessica Villanueva. Our SWLL faculty and students continue to make us proud!
Pictured: Current Radford University graduate students Kira Ayers and Haley Celso
Rosas.
The School of Writing, Language and Literature took part in this year's College English Association (CEA) Conference with faculty members David Beach, Ph.D. (Professor of English) and Laura Vernon, Ph.D. (Professor of English) presenting, along with current graduate students Kira Ayers (M.A. in English, in process), Madison Brousseau (M.A. in English, in process), Aspen Chase (M.A. in English, in process), Iain MacFarlane (M.S. in English, in process) and Abby Ridpath (M.S. in English, in process). Congrats to all for their hard work!
Pictured: Current Radford University graduate students Iain MacFarlane, Abby Ridpath,
Aspen Chase and Madison Brousseau and faculty member David Beach, Ph.D.
The School of Writing, Language and Literature was well represented at this year's Northeast Modern Language Association (NEMLA) Conference, as faculty members Emily Keck, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor of English) and Sean Keck, Ph.D. (Associate Professor of English) and current first-year graduate student Madison Brousseau (M.A. in English, in process) all presented their amazing research!
Pictured: Title slide from Madison Brousseau's NEMLA presentation
Study Abroad
Available for students in any major, the School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL) offers several study abroad opportunities each year, including Mexico, Spain, Taiwan and more!