English Department

at the University of Michigan-Flint

new major approved

Posted by & filed under Linguistics, Student Resources.

Beginning this fall, students will be able to major in English with a specialization in Linguistics. The full requirements for the new major are here. For advising and additional information, feel free to email me or stop by my office.

Bommarito Book Fund

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

The Ellen Bommarito Book Fund is accepting applications through January 31. Applicants must be junior or seniors pursuing a Specialization in Writing or Minor in Writing. Awards are $150 each. Interested students should complete the attached application and return it to Jim Anderson, 326 FH, by January 31st. More information (as well as the application

Winter 2011 Capstone Seminar: Hurston & Wright

Posted by & filed under Courses.

Are you thinking about enrolling in English 400-01 (Capstone Seminar: Zora Neale Hurston & Richard Wright) in Winter 2011 but haven’t done so yet? If you’re interested in the course, please don’t delay in registering. The English Department has to decide whether to cut this and other courses with low enrollments by Friday, December 17, 2010.

New Bohemian Society

Posted by & filed under University Events.

The New Bohemian Society is in search of creative souls who are looking to share their ideas. Any type of artist or creator–of painting, writing, interpretive dance, etc.–is welcome. Community members are also welcome. The group meets on Thursdays at 4:00 pm in French Hall Rm. 333 301. Questions? Please contact the president of the

Faculty news

Posted by & filed under Faculty News.

Two faculty members in our department have been profiled recently. Read about Dr. Mary Jo Kietzman’s cross-cultural online book club with her former students from Kazakhstan here. Read about interim Teaching Center for Learning and Teaching director Jan Worth-Nelson’s  experiences in the Peace Corps here.

Study Habits Revisited

Posted by & filed under Student Resources.

Welcome back!  Here’s a link to a NY Times article from this week about some studies that challenge what we know about good study habits. Take a look here and let us know what you think in the comments section.

DARE almost done

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

After 45 years, the Dictionary of American Regional English (DARE) will most likely be finished next year. Read more about the project at the Wall Street Journal here and learn what a “potsy”, “upscuddle” and “bubbler” are. Check out the DARE project webpage too.

Eyjafjallajokull

Posted by & filed under Linguistics.

So how do you pronounce the name of the volcano in Iceland?  Read about  it in the NY Times here and listen to some New Yorkers try to pronounce the name. Linguist Joan Maling explains that the name can be broken down into three parts:  eyja (island) + fjalla (mountain) + jokull (glacier).