RIVERTON, Wyo. — Central Wyoming College invites students and community members to explore a wide range of English and literature courses available during the Fall 2026 semester. Among the featured offerings is Literary Topics: Modern American Literature (ENGL 2492-01), taught by Professor David Gray.
The course will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays and examines American literature from 1945 to the present day. Students will read and discuss influential contemporary works, including The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien and Storyteller by Leslie Marmon Silko, while developing critical writing and analytical skills through class discussions and essays.
O’Brien, one of the most recognized writers of Vietnam War literature, is known for blending fact and fiction to explore the emotional and psychological impact of war. His acclaimed work The Things They Carried examines the burdens soldiers carry both physically and emotionally, while challenging readers to consider the nature of memory, truth, and storytelling.
Silko, a Laguna Pueblo author and one of the most important voices in Native American literature, uses storytelling to preserve Indigenous traditions, identity, and cultural history. Her work Storyteller combines poetry, photography, personal narrative, and traditional stories to reflect the oral storytelling traditions of Native communities and the enduring relationship between culture, memory, and the natural world.
According to Gray, the course would appeal not only to traditional students but also to community members interested in modern American voices, storytelling, culture, and the ways literature reflects personal and collective experience.
In addition to Modern American Literature, CWC’s English program offers a variety of courses designed to strengthen writing, communication, and literary analysis skills. Students can enroll in classes such as English Composition I and II, Technical Writing, Creative Writing: Fiction, and Literature. These courses provide opportunities for students to build academic and professional communication skills while exploring influential literary traditions and contemporary perspectives.
CWC encourages students to register early for Fall 2026 classes and explore the many opportunities available through its English program and other academic pathways. A complete list of courses and offerings can be found at https://www.cwc.edu/schedules-catalogs/.
