Program Website: English – Hiram College
Introduction
The English major encourages students to develop a better understanding of their own culture and other cultures through the examination of literature and language. Through the literature that we read, we connect with others in our own communities and around the world. The program offers opportunities to examine the traditions of English and American literature as well as world and post-colonial works in English and in translation (from Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean as well as Europe, Canada, and Australia). The course of study in the English program offers interested students a structured opportunity to evaluate these texts from a variety of critical perspectives, and, for those so inclined, an array of writing courses in which to develop their creative and expository talents.
Who Are Hiram’s English Majors?
Students earning their English degrees at Hiram are passionate readers and writers, eager to learn from each other, their professors, and language. They use their natural curiosity to think flexibly as they analyze texts and cultures.
Hiram’s small, discussion-focused classes foster a tight-knit community of English majors, providing ample opportunity to hone interpretation and communication skills. The close relationship between Hiram’s English students and professors challenges students to relentlessly pursue creativity and their calling.
About the English Degree Program
Hiram’s flexible English major builds analytical and communication skills while focusing on students’ personal passions. The program is rooted in five focused skill areas:
- Analysis and interpretation of a wide variety of texts
- Close reading of structure, word choice, symbolism, literary devices, and textual meaning
- Intensive research, including finding, evaluating, and incorporating high-quality sources to both support and complicate personal positions
- Writing short and long projects independently, from planning, to organization, to implementation
- Oral communication, expressing thoughts clearly and concisely through discussion
In addition to coursework, Hiram’s major provides training opportunities often reserved for graduate-level students that further prepare them for success beyond college:
- Training and working as writing tutors and writing assistants
- Submitting scholarly coursework to conferences and journals
- Working on the Hiram Poetry Review, as well as other area writing internships
Faculty
Willard Greenwood, (2001) John S. Kenyon Professor of English; Editor of Hiram Poetry Review
B.A., University of Maine;
M.A., Georgia State University;
Ph.D., Purdue University
greenwoodwp@hiram.edu
Courtney A Mauck, (2022) Assistant Professor of English; Director of Writing Across the Curriculum
B.A., Mansfield University of Pennsylvania;
M.A., Northern Michigan University;
Ph.D., Ohio University
mauckca@hiram.edu
Kirsten L Parkinson, (2001) Professor of English; Director of Lindsay-Crane Center for Writing and Literature; Co-Coordinator of Gender Studies Minor; Co-Coordinator of Film Studies Minor
A.B., Harvard University;
M.A., Ph.D., University of Southern California;
Graduate Certificate in Gender Studies, University of Southern California
parkinsonkl@hiram.edu
Mary Quade, (2006) Professor of English; Chair
A.B., University of Chicago;
M.F.A., University of Iowa Writer's Workshop
quademr@hiram.edu
Jeffrey C Swenson, (2007) Interim Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Dean of the College; Professor of English
B.A., St. John's University;
M.A., University of Alaska, Fairbanks;
Ph.D., University of Iowa
swensonjc@hiram.edu
Course Descriptions
TELLING STORIES:READING AND RESEARCHING LITERATURE AND THE WORLD:IM ~ Why and how do we tell stories? And who gets to tell their stories? In this course, students will examine the process of making meaning and interpreting the world through storytelling. In the first section of the course, students will interpret literary and non-literary texts through the application of literary and rhetorical elements. The focus will be on close reading of poetry and prose works from a range of cultures and literary traditions. The later section of the course will develop students’ research skills to support their own interpretations and storytelling, including the ability to use the library’s databases, find external resources, use interviews, and do hands-on research. The course will culminate in a creative or scholarly project of the student’s design.
Core: Interpretive Methods
GREAT WORKS OF LITERATURE:IM ~ This course will explore a group of well-known works of literature organized by theme, era, single author, or genre. Considered a reading course, the class will emphasize recall, analysis, and understanding of literature and culture. Students who complete the course will improve their reading skills as well as their knowledge of notable literature.
Core: Interpretive Methods
SURVEY IN DRAMATIC LITERATURE:IM ~ This course provides an introduction to the variety, complexity, and originality of works written for stage presentation. The students study different styles of dramatic literature through individual plays chosen to represent diverse time periods and literary styles. The course concentrates on developing the student's critical capabilities through short responsive papers on sensitivity to historical and stylistic influences and on general techniques for reading plays. By considering serious and comic plays, both ancient and contemporary, the course offers a student an overview of the contributions drama has made to the fine arts throughout history.
Core: Interpretive Methods
WORKSHOP ~ This workshop will provide the opportunity for students to examine a special topic in English. Through readings, discussions and written assignments there will be opportunities to evaluate the topic at issue. Workshops may be taken Pass/No Credit only. Students may take no more than nine workshops for credit toward graduation. Workshops can be used as elective credit only.
INTRODUCTION TO FILM ANALYSIS:IM ~ Films are deliberately constructed texts, with directors, producers, actors, cinematographers, costumers, set designers, editors, composers, budget managers, and hundreds of other people making active choices that impact the final movie that you see. This course will introduce the basic tenets of film analysis and some simple history of the film industry so that you will be an active consumer, rather than a passive watcher, of films and can detect many of these choices and how they influence the final product and how you as a viewer react to what you see onscreen. Our readings, viewings, and class discussions will give you the vocabulary to talk about what you are seeing and develop heightened awareness of how films are constructed narratively, technically, and culturally—the place they hold both in the film world and in our larger culture.
Core: Interpretive Methods
SHAKESPEARE IN PERFORMANCE:CM ~ Performance is the way in which dramatic texts come to life, and performing a play is an indispensable heuristic to knowledge about it. In this course, students of Shakespeare shall investigate one play in its entirety, learning each scene by staging it. Becoming familiar with the work of the actor and director as well as with that of the critic, scholar, and reviewer, students will keep a daily journal and write analyses of scenes in preparation for staging work in class. The instructor will not serve as a director; rather, students will explore scenes in their own groups. Readings will include critical essays, scholarly discussions of textual issues, and reviews of performances. Also listed as THEA 20900
Core: Creative Methods
READINGS IN AMERICAN LITERATURE:IM ~ This course will present some key works of American literature. The course may be organized around a major theme, may concentrate on important works of a single author, or may examine examples of a particular literary genre. Suitable for majors and non-majors.
Core: Interpretive Methods
READINGS IN DIVERSE AMERICAN LITERATURES:IM,UD ~ This course will present some key works of American literature, with a specific focus on diversity. The course may be organized around a major theme tied to diversity, may concentrate on important works of a single author from a diverse perspective, or may examine examples of a particular literary genre in the context of diversity in the United States. Suitable for majors and non-majors. Core: Interpretive Methods; Understanding Diversity Home
Core: Interpretive Methods; Understanding Diversity Home
READINGS IN BRITISH LITERATURE:CA, IM ~ This course will present some key works of British literature. The course may be organized around a theme, may concentrate on important works of a single author, or may examine examples of a particular literary genre. Suitable for majors and non-majors.
Core: Social/Cultural Analysis Meth; Interpretive Methods
READINGS IN WORLD LITERATURE:IM,EW ~ This course will present some key works of world literature. The course may be arranged around a theme, may concentrate on important works of a single author or geographical area, or may examine examples of a specific genre of writing. Suitable for majors and non-majors.
Core: Experiencing the World; Interpretive Methods
CONTEMPORARY POETRY ~ English language poetry during the last years of the 20th century and the early 21st century has become turbulent with competing styles and personalities. This course will focus upon four or five distinctive poets of the present day, including newcomers as well as established writers.
Spanish and Latin American Film:CA,EW ~ Introduction to the Spanish and Latin American cinema through the discussion and critical analysis of a selection of movies directed by internationally praised film makers. Its focus is to introduce students to the formal conventions of film analysis within the context of Spanish and Latin American cultures. The contents of the course are organized thematically around topics such as memory, immigration, exile, marginalized identities, and globalization. All classroom interactions are conducted in English. Students taking the course for Spanish credit will complete their assignments in Spanish, which will enable them to improve their language and critical skills in Spanish. Also listed as SPAN 24000.
Core: Social/Cultural Analysis Meth; Experiencing the World
LITERARY PERSPECTIVES ON WOMEN:IM,CA ~ Gender expectations have shaped women's roles in literature and their work as writers. This course examines several facets of the complex dilemmas faced by women artists within their historical context. Its perspectives include such concerns as the debate about women's innate nature, their role in both the domestic and outside world, their contributions to and their current status within literary culture. Counts toward the gender studies minor.
Core: Social/Cultural Analysis Meth; Interpretive Methods
THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE: A LINGUISTIC INTRODUCTION:CA ~ This course examines English and other languages from a linguistic perspective, starting with an introduction to basic principles of the field of linguistics. Working with those principles allows students to better engage with the historical development of the English language from its Indo-European origins down to present day U.S. speech, as well as issues of language learning, language politics, language variation, and the future of English. Some fieldwork may be required. Also listed as COMM 25200.
Core: Social/Cultural Analysis Meth
DIALECTOLOGY:MM ~ This course explores the elements of North American dialects, defining them and discussing issues surrounding dialect, such as media stereotypes and cultural perceptions of dialects. Students study the history, syntax, lexicon, and (especially) the phonology of the major American dialects, then produce a dialect study.
Core: Modeling Methods
HISTORY OF FILM AND CINEMA:IM ~ This course considers the emergence of film in its dual roles as art form and popular entertainment. It reflects particularly on the establishment of film genres, including mainstream narrative movies, experimental films, and documentaries beginning in the early 20th century. It will consider important directors, producers, actors, and films that have influenced the cinema and filmmaking. We will analyze not only the aesthetic elements that make up particular films and genres but also the social and cultural contexts in which cinematic styles and topics emerged. We will also reflect on what the assigned films can teach us about contemporary films and popular culture.
Core: Interpretive Methods
SHAKESPEARE:IM ~ This introductory course features major poetry and plays by Shakespeare with an emphasis on their relevance today. We shall also consider historical context, language, genre, and theoretical influences on recent criticism. Plays representing early and late periods and different genres may be included. Counts toward ENTR minor. Also listed as PERF 26100.
Core: Interpretive Methods
SHAKESPEARE AND FILM:IM ~ Are Shakespeare films mere shadows of Shakespeare's plays, or are they complete and consistent representations of the Bard's works? With a particular emphasis on Hollywood’s relationship with Shakespeare, we will seek possible answers to that questions by examining the plays and various adaptations. Also listed as THEA 26200.
Core: Interpretive Methods
SEMINAR ~
INDEPENDENT STUDY ~
FIELD EXPERIENCE ~
STUDIES IN AMERICAN LITERATURE:IM ~ This course offers in-depth examination of significant contemporary works of American literature. Students will read both primary and secondary texts and produce a short research paper. The course may be organized around a theme, concentrate on important works of a single a single author, or focus on examples of a particular literary genre. Suitable for English majors and non-majors.
Core: Interpretive Methods
STUDIES IN BRITISH LITERATUREIM,CA ~ This course offers in-depth examination of significant works of British literature. Students will read both primary and secondary texts and produce a short research paper. The course may be organized around a theme, concentrate on important works of a single author, or focus on examples of a particular literary genre. Suitable for English majors and non-majors.
Core: Social/Cultural Analysis Meth; Interpretive Methods
STUDIES IN WORLD LITERATURE:IM,EW ~ This course offers in-depth examination of significant works of world literature. Students will read both primary and secondary texts and produce a short research paper. The course may be organized around a theme, concentrate on important works of a single author, or focus on examples of a particular literary genre. Suitable for English majors and non-majors.
Core: Experiencing the World; Interpretive Methods
STUDIES IN GENRE:IM ~ This course offers in-depth examination of significant works in a single literary genre, such as drama, poetry, the short story, the essay, or film. It introduces basic concepts of literary analysis and key terminology for the genre being covered. Students will read both primary and secondary texts and produce a short research paper. Recommended for non-majors as well as English majors.
Core: Interpretive Methods
AMERICAN LITERATURE I:CA,UD ~ This course will introduce students to literature from the American colonial, revolutionary, and Romantic periods (the 1490's through 1900), including major authors, works, and genres. In addition to specific texts, the course will consider the impact on literature of significant cultural and historical developments of the period, such as North and South American colonization and the cultural contact zone; developing American cultural identities, racial conflicts; immigration; industrialism; and westward expansion.
Core: Social/Cultural Analysis Meth; Understanding Diversity Home
AMERICAN LITERATURE II:IM ~ American Literature II will look at novels and poetry in various movements such as: Romanticism, Naturalism, Realism, Modernism and Postmodernism. We will also look at what modes of literary theoretical inquiry developed during these periods. By doing so, students will gain an understanding of the formation of the American Canon in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Core: Interpretive Methods
MEDIEVAL LITERATURE:IM,CA ~ This course will explore the development of literature in the British Isles from the eighth century through the fifteenth century, including major authors, works, and genres. Cultural and historical contexts, such as the rise and decline of feudalism, pilgrimage and crusading, and the Black Death will inform the discussion and analysis.
Core: Social/Cultural Analysis Meth; Interpretive Methods
RENAISSANCE LITERATURE:CA,IM ~ This course will explore the development of literature in the British Isles from the early sixteenth century through the mid seventeenth century, including major authors, works, and genres. Cultural and historical contexts such as the growth of printed materials, the Protestant Reformation, and the beginnings of European colonialism will inform the discussion and analysis.
Core: Social/Cultural Analysis Meth; Interpretive Methods
18TH CENTURY BRITISH LITERATURE:CA,IM ~ This course will introduce students to British literature from the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, including major authors, works and genres. In addition to specific texts, the course will consider significant cultural and historical developments of the period, such as the rise of the novel as a genre and the Enlightenment, and their impact on the literature.
Core: Social/Cultural Analysis Meth; Interpretive Methods
19TH CENTURY BRITISH LITERATURE:CA,IM ~ This course will introduce students to literature from the British romantic and Victorian periods (the 1790s through 1900), including major authors, works, and genres. In addition to specific texts, the course will consider significant cultural and historical developments of the period, such as industrialization, imperialism, and early feminism, and their impact on literature.
Core: Social/Cultural Analysis Meth; Interpretive Methods
20TH CENTURY BRITISH LITERATURE:CA,IM ~ This course will introduce students to literature of the British Isles and its colonies that was written in the twentieth century, including major authors, works, and genres. In addition to specific texts, the course will consider significant cultural and historical developments of the period, such as the decline of empire, World War I, and World War II, and their impact on the literature.
Core: Social/Cultural Analysis Meth; Interpretive Methods
WORLD LITERATURE:EW,IM ~ Vibrant texts are being written in non-Anglo cultures around the world, although they are often overshadowed in the Eurocentric tradition of literature we tend to encounter in the United States. This course will introduce students to authors, texts, and issues from a range of other countries and cultures. Some of these works were originally written in English; students will read others in translation. Often these texts challenge notions of what literature can or should do, thematically and stylistically, and offer new perspectives on cultural, social, and political issues or even the role of the west in the world. Students will also be introduced to some literary theories, including postcolonial criticism, that will provide vocabulary to discuss the ways in which these works challenge Eurocentric expectations of literature.
Core: Experiencing the World; Interpretive Methods
SEMINAR ~
SPECIAL TOPICS ~
ADV STUDIES IN AMERICAN LIT: SPECIAL TOPICS IN AMERICAN LIT ~ This course will engage students in advanced study and research in a topic in American literature. Students will present a significant documented essay after a concentrated introduction to the methodology of contemporary literary study. Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: ENGL 10600
SPECIAL TOPICS IN BRITISH LITERATURE ~ This course will engage students in advanced study and research in a topic in British literature. Students will present a significant documented essay after a concentrated introduction to the methodology of contemporary literary study. Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: ENGL 10600
SPECIAL TOPICS IN WORLD LITERATURE ~ This course will engage students in advanced study and research in a topic of world literature. Students will present a significant documented essay after a concentrated introduction to the methodology of contemporary literary study. Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: ENGL 10600
LITERARY THEORY ~ This introductory course in contemporary literary theory probes issues basic to language, interpretation, and culture. In response to a broad range of recent theoretical essays, we shall break ground on questions concerning the nature of the text, the (ir)relevance of historical context, the role of the reader/critic, the "death" of the author, the (in)determinacy of meaning, and the politics of gender, ethnicity, and class. Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: ENGL 10600
SENIOR SEMINAR ~ English majors must complete this course in their senior year. This revision and workshop course requires students to significantly rework a research paper from one of their earlier literature courses. The revision must include more elaborate research of primary and secondary sources, more extensive and complete exploration of a subject, and a more theoretical and sophisticated approach to the literary essay. This research project will help students to achieve a historical and contemporary understanding of their subject. Students will write a one-page introduction that explains their interest in and relationship to the project. Students will identify journals or conferences that would be suitable arenas for publication and presentation. Students will present their work in a public forum. Also listed as WRIT 48000.
Corequisite: ENGL 48010
SENIOR SEMINAR PART I ~ English and creative writing majors must complete this course in their senior year. In Part I of the course, students define their project, develop a project proposal, and research and write an extensive annotated bibliography of resources that will help them in the writing and revision process. Also listed as WRIT 48010.
Corequisite: ENGL 48000
INDEPENDENT RESEARCH ~
INTERNSHIP ~ Developed in consultation with the student's major faculty advisor, the internship will be tailored to the interests and needs of the student and can be served in a wide variety of private and public organizations. Hiram College's internship program permits students to bridge the distance between the theory they learn in the classroom and the application of their knowledge. The academic program establishes prerequisites for the application procedure. Students should check with individual programs for specific requirements and guidelines for the experience, as they may vary by discipline. Prospective interns work with the faculty advisor, who will monitor the experience and grade the academic component of the internship.