UC Santa Barbara's Department of English emphasizes critical approaches in a full range of literary historical periods, in both national and transnational literatures in English. It is distinctive for eight multidisciplinary centers that cut across traditional boundaries and allow faculty, post-doctoral and visiting scholars, graduate and undergraduate students to collaborate on critical and creative activities. Gifts to the Department of English support students publishing initiatives, develop new ways of teaching, and advance research of faculty, undergraduates, and graduate students.