The Hotchkiss School
English
Abbey’s remark captures much of the spirit in which the English Department teaches and learns. Without sacrificing the more traditional study of English, we strive to agitate the minds of our students, to help them read more critically, write more persuasively, and speak more eloquently about what we read and the lives we lead. We keep discussions lively, analyses astute, and expectations high. Though the English Wing is the heart of campus, we don’t limit our teaching and learning to the confines of our hall. The Tremaine Gallery, Elfers Hall, the Hotchkiss Woods, and the Housatonic River all serve as extensions of the classroom.
Further, outside of the academic day, we bring published writers and working actors to campus for workshops and lectures. We’ve had recent visits from Tobias Wolff, Lore Segal, Billy Collins, Judy Blunt, David Huddle, Jonny Epstein, Margaret Bradham Thornton, and Doug and Andrea Peacock.
We challenge, cajole, direct, question, and above all, urge students to see how literature can help them become active participants in the stirring up of our world.