EIU Department of English

Annual English Studies Conference

Wednesday, April 9, 10:00am-5:00pm

2025 KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Dr. Rachael Ryerson

"Queer Representation in Comics"

April 9, 1:00pm, Coleman Hall Auditorium (1255 Coleman Hall)

Link to YouTube Recording of Talk 

View Select Graduate Projects and Presentations 

Click for entire conference PROGRAM and Zoom links to virtual afternoon sessions

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. This year our conference will be held once again in-person with a separate showcase (TBD date) featuring additional graduatl virtual/hybrid sessions. 

This event is open to the entire university and the public and features 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. 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. Even sit in on faculty panels to learn about the diverse research trajectories being pursued by English Studies scholars. 

Submission Process:

Students may submit proposals for individual presentations or pre-formed panels consisting of multiple presenters. The proposal deadline for next year's conference is Friday, March 14, 2025. Click HERE to submit your proposal!

For more inquiries, please contact Dr. Melissa Ames (mames@eiu.edu)

Past Conference Highlights:

2022 ESC Program                         2023 ESC Program                      2024 ESC Program

2021 ESC Program                         2020 ESC Program                      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  

2024 English Studies Conference Photo Album           

Photo from the 2019 English Studies Conferenece

                                                                                                  Photo from the 2018 English Studies Conference 

Photo from the 2017 English Studies Conference

 Photo from the 2016 English Studies Conference

Photo 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"