Departments Department of English

The first page of the William Shakespeare play “The Merchant of Venice.” Students have created an online transcription of the play as part of The Cacodemon Shakespeare Project, an effort that was assisted by the Digital Integration Teaching Initiative. Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University

Shakespeare, for the 21st century

When COVID-19 pushed learning online, Shakespeare went with it. A student-led digital version of the playwright’s work, “The Merchant of Venice,” showcases how the themes are still relevant centuries later.

by Irvin Zhang and Kaitlyn Budion August 18, 2020

Dragon Prayer Book, Northeastern's medieval manuscript. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Deciphering the medieval secrets of the Dragon Prayer Book

Erika Boeckeler, an associate professor of English at Northeastern, happened upon a mysterious, uncatalogued book in the university’s archives. What she and a team of students have discovered has given them a glimpse into medieval life.

by Ian Thomsen and Irvin Zhang October 3, 2019

09/04/19 - BOSTON, MA. - A microfilm transcription of a text written by women that have been forgotten to history Snell Library on Sept. 4, 2019.. Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University

Where are all the women in early modern English literature?

Northeastern’s Women Writers Project is posthumously giving women a voice by transcribing and republishing their long-forgotten writing from the 1500s to the 1850s.

by Emily Arntsen September 6, 2019

Tiffany Jieting Yu, who is studying English and theater at Northeastern, “wanted to make art” with her peers in theater across the city of Boston. When she couldn’t find such a group, she made one. Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University

How a ‘crazy’ idea became a Boston-wide student theater festival

Tiffany Jieting Yu wanted to start a theater festival for young, emerging playwrights, actors, and directors that wasn’t exclusive to just one institution or college. And now, she and a team of friends are just weeks from pulling it off.

by Molly Callahan March 25, 2019

Left: Jessica Silbey, professor of law. <i>Photo by Mark Ostow</i>; Right: Theo Davis, professor of English. <i>Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University</i>

Two Northeastern professors receive prestigious Guggenheim Fellowships

Professors Jessica Silbey and Theo Davis are among a diverse group of 173 scholars, artists, and scientists to be named 2018 fellows by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, an honor recognizing prior achievement and exceptional promise.

by Greg St. Martin April 12, 2018

Professor Hillary Chute. Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University</i>

Professor’s book explores the essence of comics—from superheroes, to sex, to the suburbs

Hillary Chute’s new book, Why Comics: From Underground to Everywhere, examines the history and culture of comics. It delves into the superhero phenomenon but also the essence of comics’ appeal more broadly and how the art form differentiates itself from others.

by Greg St. Martin January 10, 2018

10/03/17 - BOSTON, MA. - Ted Moss, associate teaching professor of English, runs, Meadow Farm, as a hobby, at his home in Hingham, MA. Moss has a fruit and veggie orchard, and many animals - including chickens, geese, ducks, beehives, cat, and dogs. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Beyond campus, professor cares for his animals and organic orchard

Ted Moss, associate teaching professor of English, and his husband, Nick Macke, own a hobby farm in Hingham, Massachusetts, where they care for an organic orchard and a crew of animals including ducks, chickens, goats, geese, bunnies, and even bees. “They’re our extended family,” Moss says.

by Greg St. Martin November 1, 2017

Hillary Chute, professor of English and art and design, is a comics scholar whose writing and teaching on the medium has spanned a decade. <i>Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University</i>

‘The mainstream has caught up with Comic-Con culture, not the other way around’

Comic-Con arrives in Boston this weekend. Here, professor Hillary Chute, an expert on comics and graphic novels, talks about the vibe at these events as well as the unique nature of the medium.

by Greg St. Martin August 9, 2017

Uncovering the story behind Jane Austen’s novels, 200 years later

Trailblazing English novelist Jane Austen lived in Bath for five years, from 1801 to 1806. During that time in the famed spa city of England,…

by Molly Callahan July 18, 2017

George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984 isn't the only book that offers lessons about today’s political and social climate. Photo via iStock.

Books to read in the ‘alternative facts’ era

In the month since President Donald Trump took office, sales of George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984 have catapulted the book to the top of Amazon’s bestseller list. But, according to our experts, it’s not the only book that offers lessons about today’s political and social climate. Here’s a list of book recommendations from Northeastern English professors.

by Molly Callahan February 23, 2017