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Immerse yourself in the world of literature, books, and creative writing–in a college and community obsessed with the written word.

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Top Public University for Writing

Iowa's strength in writing reaches new level in annual U.S. News & World Report ranking

News and Announcements

Exterior of Schaeffer Hall showing Liberal Arts name

Greteman explains how the term "liberal arts" emerged in ancient times

Monday, September 18, 2023
Blaine Greteman, professor and chair, breaks down the meaning and origin of the term "liberal arts" in this submission to The Conservation.
Book cover of Reproduction: A Novel by Louisa Hall

Reproduction by Louisa Hall review – pregnancy, pain and Frankenstein

Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Are pregnancy and childbirth the most or least natural things we do? At the heart of Louisa Hall’s brainily visceral new novel is a reading of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as a book whose uncanny energy is forged in the crucible of reproduction.
closeup image of female hand writing in notebook

Opinion | English and Creative Writing Majors Graduate with Beneficial Skills

Thursday, May 4, 2023
Naomi Rivera Morales shares an Opinion piece in the Daily Iowan on how an English and Creative Writing degree allows students to grow into a skilled, versatile individual.

Upcoming Events

Ida Cordelia Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor Lecture-Jane Smiley promotional image

Ida Cordelia Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor Lecture-Jane Smiley

Thursday, October 5, 2023 7:00pm to 8:00pm
University of Iowa Main Library
The Department of English welcomes Ida Cordelia Beam Speaker, Jane Smiley, to speak on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Jane is a Pulitzer-Prize winning author and alumni of the University of Iowa's Department of English. A reception will follow. Her visit is made possible with the support of the Provost's office and the Department of English.
Krause Series in Contemporary Nonfiction: Margo Steines promotional image

Krause Series in Contemporary Nonfiction: Margo Steines

Friday, October 6, 2023 7:00pm
Prairie Lights Books
Margo Steines, author of the nonfiction book "Brutalities," will read at Prairie Lights Books on Friday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.
Krause Series in Contemporary Nonfiction: Micah Fields promotional image

Krause Series in Contemporary Nonfiction: Micah Fields

Thursday, October 19, 2023 7:00pm
Prairie Lights Books
UI Nonfiction Writing Program alum Micah Fields reads from his new book, We Hold Our Breath: A Journey to Texas Between Storms, on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at Prairie Lights Books. This Krause Series in Contemporary Nonfiction event is sponsored by the Nonfiction Writing Program. All are welcome.