<p>I am interested in applying to UMich and so was wondering, how is the English major/department at UMich? And what distinguishes the English department at UMich from other universities?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>I believe UMich is considered to have a strong English department. They have a program called the Hopwood Awards, which are cash awards for a creative writing competition for undergrads and grad students. Creative writing seems quite strong. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.lsa.umich.edu/english/hopwood/%5B/url%5D">http://www.lsa.umich.edu/english/hopwood/</a></p>
<p>Arthur Miller decided to attend UMich because of the Hopwood Awards, thinking that the university had some commitment to writing. He won the award later and continued to participate in the program after he became successful.</p>
<p>U Mich posts FACTS on LSA website based upon US News and National Research Conference rankings.
English was ranked # 12 in the nation in 2005.</p>
<p>I was a chemistry major there a couple decades ago, and really enjoyed the three English classes I took: Introduction to Poetry, Shakespeare, and Bible (As Literature). The last class is still taught by Ralph Williams, who was the second or third professor on campus to win the teaching award voted on by the students. I actually kept in touch with him for a few years after graduation; he represents a significant part of my memories of college.</p>
<p>I was an English major there, also a couple decades ago--got my MA in English there, too. At that time, it was an incredible program; I was fortunate to be in their Honors Program, and had really, really strong professors (one is now president of Drew University). I was also very fortunate to win a couple of those Hopwoods :). As far as I understand, the program is just as strong now, and is always ranked extremely high. I think it's a great choice for English.</p>