UMM News FeedEnglish and Book Arts
Read, write, and make books on the coast of Maine.
The UMM campus sits on the rugged coast of Downeast Maine, a region that has long inspired poets, writers, and artists. Drawing inspiration from this setting, the English Program offers individualized training in literature with a special focus on writing, publishing, and book arts.
The UMM English and Book Arts Program is unlike any other bachelor’s program in the country. It combines the study of literature with writing and the art of making and publishing books in a remote coastal setting. Students in the program elect courses in American, British, and world literature, and film. They practice their craft as writers through these courses and through workshops in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and screenwriting. Through class work and internship opportunities, students gain invaluable experience in book and periodical publication in its many different forms—fine letterpress, desktop, digital, and multi-media publishing.
Students are directly involved in editing, book design, printing, binding, cover design, advertising, marketing, and distribution of various publications, including books produced by the UMM Press. In addition to its papermaking facilities, the Program has a book arts studio equipped with two Vandercook presses, a C&P Old Style Press, and etching and lithography presses. Work takes place in small classroom settings and in the professional book arts studio, all located in the last untouched region of the Eastern Seaboard.
Career Preparation
There is no better time to study English than the present. Historically, the demand has never been higher for individuals with outstanding skills in written and spoken communication. With its emphasis on writing, publishing, and individualized instruction, the English and Book Arts Program uniquely prepares its majors for success.
The Program provides a seamless transition to graduate degrees in English, creative writing, and book arts, but it also provides a solid foundation for other careers: journalism, law, editing, publishing, marketing, public relations, archives and museum management, and broadcasting. Importantly, all students leave the Program with resume-builders—job-related skills in writing, editing, and publishing.
Program of Study
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Faculty
- Robert Froese, Professor of English
- Marcus LiBrizzi, Professor of English
- Gerard NeCastro, Professor of English
- Bernie Vinzani, Associate Professor of Art
- Carol Wolf, Associate Professor of English
Student Organizations, Publications, and Venues
- The Dead Poets Society
- The Binnacle
- Washington County Writer’s Symposium
- Annual UMM Poetry Fiction Reading
- Open Mic Nights
- Alternative Film Series
- Options to mount an original play at the Performing Arts Center or Art Galleries