Crystal Benedicks teaches writing, poetry, and a range of literature classes. Her research interests include Victorian poetics, composition theory, queer theory, and masculinity studies. Her most recent research project examines the legacy of the “Spasmodic” poets, a group of nineteenth-century writers who were laughed out of the literary canon because of their strange, excessive verse.

As the coordinator of the College’s efforts to teach expository writing, Prof. Benedicks takes a special interest in teaching composition courses at all levels, from introductory to advanced. She believes that writing is at the heart of a liberal arts education, and she enjoys the opportunity to work with Wabash students on honing their abilities.

Prof. Benedicks comes to Wabash from New York City, where she earned her doctorate but failed to learn how to cook or garden. She can often be found practicing both with her husband, Prof. Cherry (Theater Department), in their old house near campus.