Thinking of doing a Master of Fine Arts, or a Master of Arts in the humanities? Attend the workshop to learn about planning and strategic tips for successful applications.

Here are just a few highlights of our graduating students:

• Roger Austin (MA in English Language & Literature) was accepted to the PhD program in English at  Georgia State University.
• Ja’Nel Jameson (BA in English) received the Commitment to Service award from Michigan Campus Compact.
• Zea Miller (MA in English Language & Literature) was accepted to the PhD program in English at Purdue University.
• Jennifer N. Ross (BA in English and History, Honors Program) is a recipient of the Maize & Blue Distinguished Scholar Award.
• Audra Walter (BA in English) has been hired as a teacher at the Institute of Reading Development to teach in the Institute’s summer reading programs.

And here are a few of our class projects from this semester.

• Class blog from Tom Foster’s ENG 527 – Contemporary Irish Fiction
• Video of about the Flint Poetry Map from Stephanie Carpenter’s ENG 296 – Creative Writing

Click here for the flyer.

The website is currently under construction, but will be  www.umflint.edu/qua. Check there for additional stories and poems by students as well as information about submitting your own work. You can also find QUA on facebook for more updates and information.

Finally, come celebrate and support student writers at their Launch Party and Reading, Friday, April 29 at 7pm at Buckham Gallery (134 1/2 W Second St) near Pages Bookstore.

A few observant students recognized Tom Foster’s How to Read Literature like a Professor. A couple others took note of Alicia Kent’s African, Native, and Jewish American Literature and the Reshaping of Modernism. The majority, though, took to the writing samples from classes taught by Mary Jo Kietzman and Jan Worth-Nelson. These prospective students, while curious about faculty publications, were more interested in what they would be doing in English courses at UM-Flint. Vickie Larsen helped address some of their curiosity with more official department materials, including a course catalog and specific information about available majors and minors in the program. Overall, I was thankful for the opportunity to enlighten in this way.

With materials from the New Bohemian Society, Sigma Tau Delta, Qua and other English student organizations on campus, I was also able to show students a range of intellectual opportunities beyond coursework. I’m confident that many came away from the English table at Academic Showcase with a better idea of what’s possible not only within English courses but beyond them.

I’m compelled to mention that twice I was mistaken for a student. “That’s very interesting,” said one parent after I provided information about the range of courses taught within the department. “And what’s your major?” I attribute this question not to my age (I’m 31) but to the youthful enthusiasm I expressed when talking about English. I often referenced at least one of the following:

What are popular jobs for English majors

Jobs for English majors

Jobs for English majors – They do exist

10 most popular jobs for English majors and their salaries

Careers for English majors from Winthrop College

What can I do with this degree, English [pdf]

The Writer’s Handbook 2009: The Complete Guide for all Writers, Publishers, Editors, Agents and Broadcasters

Great Jobs for English Majors, 3rd ed.

I’m an English Major Now What?

Smart Moves for Liberal Arts Grads: Finding a Path to Your Perfect Career

What Can You Do with a Major in English: Real People, Real Jobs, Real Reward

Thanks to Mary Jo Kietzman for student work, Maureen Thum for candy, Alicia Kent for publications, Vickie Larsen for department materials, Annemarie Toebosch for Sigma Tau Delta promotional materials, and to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for coordinating and executing Academic Showcase 2010.

The group meets on Thursdays at 4:00 pm in French Hall Rm. 333 301.

Questions? Please contact the president of the group, James O’Dea (jodea@umflint.edu) or Kelly Burge (bburge@umflint.edu).

The induction ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 15 (7:00 p.m.) in Michigan Rooms A & B (UCEN).

Where: Michigan Rooms A-D (UCEN)

Keynote speaker:  Dr. James Schirmer

“Seriously Good at This”

Registration is free and lunch will be provided.  Everyone is welcome!

Questions? Contact Megan (mbreiden@umflint.edu) or Katie (mcurnow@umflint.edu).

Click on the “Advising – Winter 2010” tab above to see the schedule.

We look forward to seeing you!

When: Saturday, Feb. 20 – 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Where: Buckham Gallery, 134 1/2 W. Second St.

($1 cover charge, refreshments provided)

Read more about the event here.

Questions?  Contact Jan Worth-Nelson (janworth@umflint.edu).