About the Department
For more than a century, the Department of English and Comparative Literature has fostered a deep engagement with literature and language at San Diego State University. In our classrooms, students develop depth of perspective and critical acumen as they study the literatures of the world—from ancient times to the digital era—and prepare for careers in law, business, education, digital industries, writing, editing and publishing, and public service.
The department affirms San Diego State University’s Commitment to a diverse campus climate that promotes human dignity and mutual appreciation for each member of our community. Freedom from discrimination, harassment, and violence against persons or property is a basic right and is requisite for learning.
Upcoming Events
//All Events//

MAY
8
MFA Graduation Fiction Reading
7:00 pm
Scripps Cottage
Celebrate the 2026 MFA Fiction Graduates at a special reading.

MAY
14 & 15
Commencement
See below
Viejas Arena
2026 Ceremony Schedule:
Graduate Students 5/14 @8:00 a.m.
Undergraduate Students 5/15 @1:00 p.m.

MAY
15
MFA Graduation Poetry Reading
7:00 pm
Scripps Cottage
Celebrate the 2026 MFA Poetry Graduates at a special reading.
Department Bookshelf
//All Books//

Wordsworth's Vagrants: Police, Prisons, and Poetry in the 1790s
Quentin Bailey

Becoming Monkey King: The Untold Story
2025
Shouhua Qi

“From the Nobel to Oprah: Toni Morrison, Body Politics, and Oprah's Book Club”
Edith Frampton

Changing the Subject
Stephen-Paul Martin

“Disruptive Ruptures: The Necessity of Black/Girlhood Imaginary.”
Lashon Daley

Reading the Old Norse-Icelandic “Maríu saga” in Its Manuscript Contexts
Daniel Najork









