EIU Department of English

Annual English Studies Conference

Eastern Illinois University’s English Studies Conference is an annual event held during the Spring Semester that showcases the exciting work being done by our students, faculty, alumni, and local community members in the various areas of English Studies. 

The next conference will be held Thursday, Apr. 8, 2021 and will be completely VIRTUAL. Click here for our 2021 Program and session Zoom linnks (And feel free to check out programs from past conferences below.)

This event is open to the entire university and the public and will feature a range of panels, roundtables, readings, poster sessions, and more in the areas of Creative Writing, Literary & Cultural Studies, Professional Writing, Rhetoric and Composition, and English Language Arts Pedagogy.  Come hear current students discuss their recent creative and scholarly projects and their experiences at internships, local & national conferences, and more.  Gain important tips for the job hunt by attending alumni panels where participants will discuss the ways in which they marketed and applied their English Studies skills to various professions.  And sit in on faculty panels to learn about the diverse research trajectories being pursued by English Studies scholars.

Unfortunately, we had to cancel the 2020 English Studies Conference. Click here to read Dr. Robin Murray's presentation "Making Media Inclusive."

Submission Process:

Students may submit proposals for individual presentations or pre-formed panels consisting of multiple presenters.  The proposal deadline is Friday, March 19, 2021. Submit your proposal here.

For more inquiries, please contact Dr. Marjorie Worthington (mgworthington@eiu.edu)

Past Conference Highlights:

2019 ESC Program                   2018 ESC Program

2017 ESC Program                    2014 ESC Program                2011 ESC Program               2008 ESC Program   

2016 ESC Program                    2013 ESC Program                2010 ESC Program               2007 ESC Program    

2015 ESC Program                    2012 ESC Program                2009 ESC Program               2006 ESC Program

Photo Gallery from the 2019 English Studies Conferenece

                                                                                                  Photo slideshow from the 2018 English Studies Conference

Photo slideshow from the 2017 English Studies Conference

 Photo slideshow from the 2016 English Studies Conference

Photo slideshow from the 2015 English Studies Conference Kick-Off Event: "We Need Diverse Books!" 

      

Student Testimonials:

"It was an awesome opportunity to share my own work, but also to check out what other students are up to. I enjoyed everything I attended and learned A LOT!"

"Enjoyed getting real advice and multiple points of view from the alumni presenters"

"Felt proud to present my work and to hear others"

"Presenters were insightful and enthusiastic.  Loved hearing their thoughts!"

"It was a valuable experience presenting my work in the public for the first time"

"I enjoyed hearing from courses I haven't taken"

"I learned about others' experiences and voices"

"Enjoyed getting out of my comfort zone and presenting in a different format"