Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 General Catalog (Spring 2014) 
    
2013-2014 General Catalog (Spring 2014) ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

English


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Department Head: Jeannie B. Thomas
Location: Ray B. West 201
Phone: (435) 797-2733
FAX: (435) 797-3797
E-mail: english@usu.edu
WWW: http://english.usu.edu/

Associate Department Head:

Kristine A. Miller, Ray B. West 309, (435) 797-3646, kristine.miller@usu.edu

Director, Graduate Studies:

Evelyn Funda, Ray B. West 312G, (435) 797-3653, evelyn.funda@usu.edu

Advisement, Undergraduate Studies:

CHaSS Advising Center, Taggart Student Center 302, (435) 797-3883, mary.leavitt@usu.edu
Linda Morse, Ray B. West 208, (435) 797-0261, linda.morse@usu.edu

Director, Undergraduate American Studies Program:

Paul Crumbley, Ray B. West 420C, (435) 797-3860, paul.crumbley@usu.edu

Director, Graduate American Studies Program:

Melody Graulich, Ray B. West 211B, (435) 797-3855, melody.graulich@usu.edu

Director, Folklore Program:

Stephen C. Siporin, Ray B. West 204B, (435) 797-2722, steve.siporin@usu.edu

Director, Writing Program:

Brock Dethier, Family Life 201B, (435) 797-3546, brock.dethier@usu.edu

Director, USU Writing Center:

Star Coulbrooke, Ray B. West 104B, (435) 797-3853, star.coulbrooke@usu.edu

Director, Departmental Honors Program:

Phebe Jensen, Ray B. West 302A, (435) 797-1406, phebe.jensen@usu.edu

Chair, Creative Writing Emphasis:

Jennifer Sinor, Ray B. West 302B, (435) 797-3304, jennifer.sinor@usu.edu

Chair, English Teaching Emphasis:

Steven Shively, Ray B. West 204F, (435) 797-0235, steve.shively@usu.edu

Chair, Literary Studies Emphasis:

Brian W. McCuskey, Ray B. West 301C, (435) 797-0262, brian.mccuskey@usu.edu

Chair, Literature and Writing Master’s Specialization:

Michael Sowder, Ray B. West 301D, (435) 797-7100, michael.sowder@usu.edu

Chair, Technical and Professional Writing Emphasis and Theory and Practice of Professional Communication Doctoral Program:

Ryan Moeller, Ray B. West 312B, (435) 797-8637, rylish.moeller@usu.edu

Chair, Technical Writing Master’s Program (online):

David E. Hailey, Ray B. West 313A, (435) 797-2741, david.hailey@usu.edu

Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Arts (MA) in English; BS, BA, MS, and MA in American Studies; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theory and Practice of Professional Communication

Undergraduate emphases: BS, BA in English—Literary Studies, Professional and Technical Writing, English Teaching, and Creative Writing

Graduate specializations: MS, MA in English—Literature and Writing; MS in English—Technical Writing; MS, MA in American Studies— Folklore, Public Sector Folklore

Undergraduate Programs

General Objectives

The Department of English engages students and faculty in the public presentation of ideas. By studying how individuals in specific historical, cultural, and rhetorical circumstances present their ideas to others through the medium of language, students learn how to present their own ideas persuasively. They learn to raise key questions, gather relevant information, reach well-reasoned conclusions, weigh alternative systems of thought, and communicate effectively with others. The means by which they develop these abilities range from analyzing and creating literary works through presenting ideas in the classroom to composing professional documents and conducting cultural analysis. But, whatever the means, students majoring in English or American Studies acquire communicative, analytical, and interpretive skills that prepare them for a wide range of careers.

After completing a set of core requirements, students in English fulfill additional requirements in one of four emphases: (1) the Literary Studies emphasis, which gives students a knowledge of the texts and writers of American, British, and world literature and their cultural contexts; (2) the Professional and Technical Writing emphasis, which gives students a knowledge of writing and rhetoric in professional contexts; (3) the English Teaching emphasis, which gives students a knowledge of the materials and pedagogy of teaching secondary-level English in the public school system; and (4) the Creative Writing emphasis, which gives students a knowledge of the genres and craft of literary writing. The English Department also offers a major in American Studies.

The English Department offers a Folklore minor and an interdisciplinary American Studies major and minor. The American Studies Program, situated within the English Department, gives students the opportunity to explore American life and cultures from interdisciplinary perspectives, while preparing them for careers in academic or professional fields. Students may pursue either an American Studies major or minor or a folklore minor. The English Department also offers an English Teaching Minor, an English Minor (Standard Nonteaching), and a minor in British and Commonwealth Studies.

The English Department also offers specific courses supporting other fields of specialization, courses fulfilling University Studies requirements, and enriching educational experiences through opportunities for creativity and expression enhancing lifetime activities.

Admission and Graduation Requirements

The requirements for admission and graduation are commensurate with those described on the Undergraduate Admission  and Undergraduate Graduation Requirements  pages. To remain in good standing and to obtain approval for graduation as English majors or minors, students must earn a grade of C or better in all English classes and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.75 in their major and minor courses. All courses listed as major or minor subject courses must be taken on an A-B-C-D-F basis, and major or minor subject courses passed with less than a C grade must be repeated. Transfer students are required to complete at least 15 semester credits of major subject courses and 10 semester credits of minor subject courses in residence at USU.

Students in the English Teaching major and minor may also apply to the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) . See pages for procedures and requirements pertaining to teacher licensure and admission requirements, or go online to: http://www.cehs.usu.edu/

Sample Four-year Plans

Sample semester-by-semester four-year plans for students working toward a bachelor’s degree are available in the English Department.

Students should consult with their advisor to develop a plan of study tailored to their individual needs and interests.

Program Assessment

For information about how the English Department assesses its programs, click on the Assessment link on the departmental home page at: http://english.usu.edu/

Departmental Honors

Students who would like to experience greater academic depth within their major are encouraged to enroll in departmental honors. Through original, independent work, Honors students enjoy the benefits of close supervision and mentoring, as they work one-on-one with faculty in select upper-division departmental courses. Honors students also complete a senior project, which provides another opportunity to collaborate with faculty on a problem that is significant, both personally and in the student’s discipline. Participating in departmental honors enhances students’ chances for obtaining fellowships and admission to graduate school.

Students are eligible for admission to the English departmental honors program if they: (1) are majoring in English or in American Studies, (2) have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3, and (3) have a GPA in English courses (excluding ENGL 1010  and ENGL 2010 ) of at least 3.5. In order to earn a departmental honors degree, students must maintain these GPA levels, take 15 credits of approved upper-division English coursework for Honors credit, and complete and orally defend a Senior Honors Thesis. Typically, students take four 3-credit courses with honors contracts and one 3-credit independent study course (ENGL 5910 , Senior Honors Thesis) in order to complete the 15 required credits for the program. For more information, follow the Honors Program link at: http://english.usu.edu/

Additional Information and Updates

English programs are constantly being updated. Students should therefore confer with the English advisor (contact CHaSS Advising, Taggart Student Center 302). 

Financial Support and Scholarships

Scholarships, assistantships, grants-in-aid, and work-study programs are available through the University. In addition, the English Department employs a few students as tutors in The Writing Center and oversees various cooperative education and internship opportunities for students. Departmental scholarships are available on a competitive basis to juniors and seniors, as well as to some sophomores. Applications are accepted in January and February and are available in the college dean’s office, Main 338. For further information, click on the scholarships link at: http://english.usu.edu

Graduate Programs

Research

PhD students have opportunities to participate in unique research activities available at facilities associated with the Department of English, such as computer classrooms and labs directed by faculty members. These research activities complement faculty expertise and curriculum strengths in the department, including workplace-focused graduate research, theory and practice of online education, and training in writing and professional communication.

The TPPC program makes extensive use of Web-based communications systems. The English Department at Utah State has a national reputation for its achievements in online education and continues to develop innovative ways to deliver state-of-the-art, Web-based instruction to students in Utah, across the U.S., and around the world. Depending on their research and teaching interests, TPPC students  may be actively involved in these efforts.

Coursework

As part of the work on their degree, students in the program complete a minimum of 60 approved semester credits beyond their master’s degree. The required courses include ENGL 7000  (Advanced Research Methods in Professional Communication), ENGL 7410  (Theory and Research in Professional Communication), ENGL 7900  (Research Internship), and ENGL 7970  (Dissertation Research). Additional coursework is completed through a rotating series of seminars focused on the ongoing research projects and interests of faculty. In addition, to support the breadth of perspective required to understand professional communication as it operates in society at large, students are required to take at least 6 credits (and a maximum of 18 credits) of graduate-level coursework outside of the Department of English. Students are encouraged to select courses that will help them develop expertise in an area (either disciplinary or interdisciplinary) that will complement their research and/or pedagogical goals.

Admission Procedure

Applicants for admission to the program must have a master’s degree in a subject area that complements their professional reason(s) for earning a PhD in Theory and Practice of Professional Communication. They must also have earned scores no lower than the 40th percentile in the Verbal section and in either the Quantitative or the Analytical section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.

Applicants to the program should send materials to two offices at Utah State University, as described below.

To the School of Graduate Studies, applicants should send four items:

  1. A completed application form, along with the application fee.
  2. Two copies of all official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, showing GPA. The minimum requirement is 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for the last 60 credits of undergraduate courses taken and for all graduate credits taken
  3. Three letters of recommendation (at least two of which must be from former professors if the applicant has been enrolled in school during the last five years).
  4. GRE scores no older than five years.

To the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of English, applicants should send four items:

  1. A letter of intent providing background information about the applicant’s training, interests, and experiences, as well as an overview of the applicant’s career goals and specific reasons why graduate training in professional communication is important to the applicant.
  2. A completed Graduate Instructorship Application for PhD Students form (indicating whether or not the applicant wishes to be considered for a graduate instructorship).
  3. A current vita.
  4. Two writing samples (a total of 20-40 pages). The samples may include academic or nonacademic writing, but should demonstrate both the applicant’s critical and research skills. Each sample must be accompanied by a 1-page introductory preface. For additional details, including current application deadline, see the TPPC website at: http://tppc.usu.edu/

Financial Assistance

Both departmental support and formal research grant support are available to graduate students on a competitive basis. Highly qualified graduate students may also be nominated to compete for University fellowships. Students who wish to be considered for financial aid must meet the application deadlines described above.

Graduate instructorships are available through the Department of English. The assignment will be 50 percent time—approximately 20 hours of work per week. The normal teaching load is two sections of writing classes (e.g., composition or introduction to technical communication) for fall and spring semesters.

In addition, students are normally responsible for paying resident (instate) tuition and fees if they are residents of Utah, and both resident and nonresident (out-of-state) tuition and fees if they are not Utah residents. However, PhD students who are employed as graduate instructors (or who are recipients of certain fellowships) are eligible for tuition waivers. If they are Utah residents, their resident tuition costs will be waived. If they are not Utah residents, both the resident and nonresident tuition costs will be waived. Recipients of these tuition waivers will still be responsible for paying fees each semester.

Master’s Degree Programs

The Department of English offers courses of study leading to the MS and MA degrees in English and in American Studies. Applicants seeking the English degree may be admitted into the Literature and Writing specialization or the Technical Writing specialization. Applicants seeking the interdisciplinary American Studies degree may draw from a combination of courses dealing with American culture: literature, history, art, government, etc. Folklore is one of the specializations in American Studies, with courses in all aspects of folklore study, including public sector folklore.

For a more complete description of the Department of English graduate programs, see the department’s website: http://english.usu.edu/

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements specified in Admission Procedures , applicants for admission to the English Department master’s degree programs should have a BS or BA degree with an undergraduate major in a subject area relevant to the master’s program they desire to enter. The English Department accepts the Miller Analogies Test in place of the GRE general test, but encourages applicants to take the GRE. The department also requires a 5-10 page writing sample appropriate to the program the applicant desires to enter. The Technical Writing specialization has additional requirements; see the following website: http://techcomm.usu.edu/grad/

International applicants from non-English-speaking countries who desire an MS or MA degree in English should have a BS or BA degree in English from an accredited, English-speaking university. Students whose command of written English is not adequate to the demands of writing a graduate thesis in English may be required to take courses in Intensive English or may be counseled to obtain a second bachelor’s degree at USU (30 credits minimum).

The annual application deadline is January 15 for those who wish to be considered for a graduate instructor position. The final annual deadline is April 20 for all other applicants who wish to begin their course of study fall semester.

Anyone who has not been accepted into a graduate program in the English Department must have permission from the department’s Director of Graduate Studies to enroll in English graduate courses.

General Requirements

All candidates for the MS and MA degrees must meet the School of Graduate Studies requirements . Only grades of B- or better will be accepted for credits in support of the degree programs, and students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 to remain in the program.

All candidates must complete a comprehensive examination covering the material of their graduate program; however, the nature of this examination varies according to the particular specialization and the advice of the candidate’s supervisory committee.

All candidates are required to defend their Plan A thesis or Plan B papers. After successfully defending their Plan A thesis, students must submit a department-approved final draft to the School of Graduate Studies assistant dean (Main 164). After successfully defending their Plan B papers, students must submit a department-approved copy to University Library Special Collections.

All candidates who are first-year graduate instructors are required to take ENGL 6820  (Practicum in Teaching English) during their first semester. The candidate’s supervisory committee will determine whether ENGL 6820  will be accepted as part of the candidate’s graduate program.

Financial Assistance

The Department of English has a limited number of graduate instructor positions and Moyle Q. Rice Scholarships available on a competitive basis for both English and American Studies graduate students. Additional financial aid is available through the journal of Western American Literature. All applicants who wish to be considered for a graduate instructorship should contact the Director of Graduate Studies in the English Department. The application deadline for instructorships is January 15.

English Faculty

Professors
Brock Dethier, composition, creative writing, teach education
Paul J. Crumbley, American poetry, nineteenth-century American women writers, American identity, the wilderness experience
Melody Graulich, American Literature, American Studies, Western American literature, feminist studies; editor, Western American Literature
Patricia Gantt, teacher education, young adult literature, American studies, women and gender studies, southern literature
Phebe Jensen, sixteenth- and seventeenth-century British literature, Shakespeare
Joyce A. Kinkead, composition and rhetoric; teacher education
Stephen C. Siporin, folklore, folk narrative, material culture, folk ethnicity
Jeffrey Smitten, eighteenth century British literature, Scottish literature, literary theory and criticism
Jeannie B. Thomas, folklore, legend, gender, material culture

Professors Emeriti
Jan Bakker, nineteenth- and early twentieth-century American literature
Christine Hult, composition and rhetoric, teacher education
Barre Toelken, folklore, Native American studies, medieval literature

Associate Professors
Christine Cooper-Rompato, medieval literature, commonwealth
Lisa Ann Gabbert, folklore, American studies
Evelyn I. Funda, American literature, Western American literature
Keith A. Grant-Davie, composition and rhetoric, reading theory, technical communication
Shane Graham, postcolonial literature and theory, contemporary fiction and drama, multicultural literature
David E. Hailey, Jr., technical communication, online information, CBT technology
Sonia Manuel-Dupont, linguistics, technical communication, teacher education
Brian W. McCuskey, nineteenth-century British literature
John E. McLaughlin, linguistics, technical communication, Native American languages
Kristine A. Miller, twentieth-century British literature
Ryan M. Moeller, professional writing, rhetorical theory, rhetorics of technology
Steven Shively, teacher education, American literature, multicultural literature
Ronald R. Shook, technical communication, linguistics
Jennifer Sinor, creative writing (nonfiction), memoir, autobiography
Michael Sowder, creative writing (poetry), American literature
Charles Waugh, fiction writing, literature and globalization

Associate Professors Emeriti
Theodore Andra, British literature, technical writing
Kate M. Begnal, twentieth-century literature, postmodernism, literary theory and criticism
Patricia Gardner, world literature, children’s and young adult literature, folklore
Jan E. Roush, American Studies, folklore, Native American Literature
Anne Shifrer, poetry, women writers, twentieth-century literature

Assistant Professors
Ben Gunsberg, creative writing, teacher education
Keri Holt, early American literature, regionalism, transnational studies, borderlands
Rebecca Walton, technical communication, user research, document design, information and communication technology

Lecturers
Susan Andersen, Associate Director of Writing Center
Russell Beck
Elizabeth Benson

Star Coulbrooke, Director of Writing Center
Dustin Crawford
John Engler

Julie R. Foust Andrew, Director of Rhetoric Associates
Marina L. Hall, Coordinator of Public Relations
Robb Kunz
Bonnie Moore

Megan Whitney Olsen
Lezlie Park
Susan Pesti-Strobel
Paige Smitten
Anne H. Stark
 

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