News

Independent Study in Web Publishing

The independent study in Web Publishing is an interdisciplinary course jointly conducted by the Kean University English Department and the Office of University Relations. Students must submit a completed application along with a writing sample to be considered for the program.  The application deadline for Fall 2013 is August 23rd.  Applicants will be informed of their acceptance by August 30, 2013.  Web Publishing interns are privileged to represent Kean University on the web via the Kean XChange student blog.  

The web publishing program explores the concept of narrative as it pertains to the web. Students chronicle all facets of their Kean experience (Academic, Athletic, Resident, Social) through Kean XChange's student blog and are immersed in various avenues of digital communication.

Our most recent cohort of students thrived in the program and we look forward to further diversifying and expanding our applicant pool with your help.  You can access the online application here

New Literacy Narratives from an Urban University

Dr. Sally Chandler (with Angela Castillo, Maureen Kadash, Molly D. Kenner, Lorena Ramirez, and Ryan J. Valdez) has had her book New Literacy Narratives from an Urban University: Analyzing Stories about Reading, Writing, and Changing Technologies published by Hampton Press (April 2013).  The book illustrates what researchers can learn through the study of literacy narratives — the stories we tell about experiences with reading and writing. It provides an introduction to research methods for studying literacy narratives, and five in-depth studies of literacy narratives composed by Kean University students.

English Awards Ceremony

Our English Awards Ceremony honoring the recipients of the Bauer/Boucher scholarships and the Haselton and Millard prizes was held on Tuesday afternoon, May 7 at 3:15 p.m. in the CAS Art Gallery on the first floor. In addition, Sigma Tau Delta inductees were recognized and the Sigma Tau Delta banner was presented by Dr. Nira Gupta-Casale. Recipients of awards are as follows:

Anthony J. Bosco Scholarship in English Literature Debra Bagnato
McDonnell-Millard Distinguished Student Writing Award
1st Place Tabitha Edwards
Instructor Prof. Rachael Warmington
2nd Place Laura Cheatham
Instructor Prof. Denise Lagos
3rd Place Michelle Cordovi
Instructor Prof. Denise Lagos
McDonnell-Millard Teaching Excellence Award Prof. Anthony Chu
Stephen J. Haselton Excellence in Scholarship Award ENG 4800 Capstone Literature Option
1st Place Christopher King
Instructor Dr. Christine Kephart
2nd Place Meggan McGuire and Adrianna Ramiez
Instructors Dr. Donald Moores
Dr. Susanna Rich
Stephen J. Haselton Excellence in Scholarship Award ENG 4817 Capstone Writing Option
1st Place Will Barbieri
Instructor Dr. Susanna Rich

The English Department thanks the following persons and groups for their support and efforts in preparing this ceremony: Office of the President; Kean University Foundation; Office of the Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Dean Suzanne Bousquet; Prof. Holly Logue; Dr. W. John Bauer; Ms. Nancy Bauer-Boucher; The Bosco family; the McDonnell and Millard families; the Haselton family; Dr. Daniel O'Day; Dr. Nira Gupta-Casale; Dr. Dan Gover; Dr. Mark Sutton; Dr. Teresa Choate; Ms. Pamelia Rodrigues; Dr. Gail Verdi; Dr. Linda Costanzo-Cahir; Prof. Kim Chen; Prof. Amy Brady; Mr. Neil Tetkowski; Ms. Barbara Billiard; Mr. Jonathan Daneshpour; the Kean University chapter of Sigma Tau Delta; and the University at large.

Showcase of Electronic Literature

A showcase of the electronic literature created by ENG 4081/5081 was held on Tuesday afternoon, May 7 at 4:30-7:15 p.m. in the Greek Lounge of the University Center (across from the Little Theatre on the first floor). You can see the class blog here.

ΣΤΔ Induction Ceremony

Sigma Tau Delta Honors Society Induction Ceremony and Dinner was held on May 3 (6 pm) at the Garden Restaurant.

Convocation for English Majors

On February 25 & 26 (3:15-4:30 pm), a convocation for English majors was held in CAS 106 to share refreshments and important information about the major.

The Eudaimonic Turn

Moores Eudaimonic 2012 70Dr. Donald J. Moores and Dr. James O. Pawlenski have had their edited book The Eudaimonic Turn: Well-Being in Literary Studies published by Fairleigh Dickinson University Press (December, 2012).

Book Event with Dr. Gruesser

GruesserEmpire50On February 3, there will be a book event on The Empire Abroad and the Empire at Home by Dr. John Cullen Gruesser. 

New Course in Web Publishing

The independent study in Web Publishing is an interdisciplinary course jointly conducted by the Kean University English Department and the Office of University Relations. Students must submit a completed application along with a writing sample to be considered for the program. Submit applications to Dr. Maria Zamora. (For an application form, go to http://www.kean.edu/KU/Web-Publishing/.) The application deadline for Spring 2013 is December 21, 2012.  Applicants will be informed of their acceptance by January 4, 2013.  

The course will explore the concept of narrative as it pertains to the web. Students will chronicle all facets of their Kean experience (Academic, Athletic, Resident, Artistic, Social) via Kean XChange's student blog. Students will be immersed in various avenues of digital communication including: blogging, micro-blogging, social media, video editing and photography. Students will be encouraged to contribute serialized fiction, performance footage, monologues, video-logs and other cutting edge new media projects. Students will be graded on creativity, professionalism, participation in classroom discussions and an array of independent study projects.

The course will also probe the intersection between web publishing and literature. Students will explore how serialization and the democratization of writing were integral to the advent of new media. How is the blog, an episodic new literary form, part of a broader tradition?

The course will explore emerging technologies as well as techniques and tools widely in use throughout the blogosphere. In addition, students will be introduced to the Drupal content management system, PhotoShop, iMovie and basic html.

Lectures on Contemporary Issues in New and Emerging Media

The Kean University Department of English and The Office of University Relations are excited to announce a series of jointly sponsored lectures exploring contemporary issues in new and emerging media. Complimentary continental breakfast served. All are welcome. Click to download the flyer.


October 24th, 10am – 11am, COUGARS DEN

Dr. Mia Zamora - How Digital Humanities is Transforming the Traditional Approaches to the Humanities


October 31st, 10am – 11am  COUGARS DEN

Ms. Neiha Bhandari - Virtual Identities: Blogging, Social Networking and the Individual


November 7th, 10am – 11am COUGARS DEN

Ms. Danielle Ford – Parallel Courses: The Victorian Era Rise of Serialization and the Advent of the Blog


November 21st, 10am – 11am COUGARS DEN

Dr. Jeffrey Toney – New Media: Being Heard Above the Roar

National Day on Writing

The Kean University Writing Project is currently celebrating the "Day on Writing" which occurs every October with a Series of events on Campus:  

Click here for the full schedule:  http://keanxchange.com/content/spotlight/national-day-writing 


Wednesday, October 17


3:30-4:30 p.m. @ Writing Center (CAS)

Creative Writing Workshop

For all authors of creative writing, including poetry, short stories, or the like. Whether you are a student with a finished piece of work that you would like to share in an intimate setting, or a student drafting ideas for a personal tale, we invite you to participate in one of our Creative Writing workshops. 

Sponsored by the Kean University Writing Center


Thursday, October 18


10 a.m.–5 p.m. @ Windows of the Writing Center (CAS)

Writing Wall

Students, faculty and staff are invited to write a short message, signature or other creative piece on the chart paper lining the windows of the CAS, celebrating writing in the most freeing of formats.

Sponsored by the Kean University Writing Center

 


10 a.m.–5 p.m. @ Windows of the Writing Center (CAS)

Rolling Story

Next to the Writing Wall is a journal that holds a story written one sentence at a time by each member of the Writing Center staff. We invite you to continue the story by adding your own unique sentence and voice to this ongoing tale.

Sponsored by the Kean University Writing Center


12:15-2 p.m. @ CAS 406 Conference Room

Lunch & Learn: How to Use The New York Times in the Classroom 

A representative from The Times will give tips on how professors in a wide range of fields, from the sciences to the humanities, can enliven the classroom with topical content from The Times.

Participants will receive a special bonus – a free weekday subscription to professors who use The Times in their courses.


For adjuncts and full-time faculty only, please. Please e-mail plauro@kean.edu to reserve a seat.

Presented by Prof. Pat Winters Lauro | Sponsored by the Department of Communication


12:30-1:30 p.m. @ UC 226 (Lunch at 12:15 p.m.)

Writing for & Publishing in Journals

A discussion will be led by editors of journals and reviewers from academic publishers on what to know when submitting articles or book manuscripts to publishers. The roundtable participants will offer advice on what mistakes to avoid when submitting articles or book manuscripts. Three panelists and a chair will talk about their experiences and offer suggestions to authors on ways that might help increase the likelihood of getting an acceptance. Following the panel discussion, attendees can participate in a Q&A session with the panelists.  

To register for this workshop, please visit http://orsp.kean.edu/WorkshopsFall_2012.html


2-3:15 p.m. @ CAS 448

Styles of Professional Writing and Communication

Kean University journalism professor, Pat Winters Lauro, will moderate a panel discussion about the challenges and requirements of writing in different professional genres. Panelists include: Dr. Christopher Lynch, chair of the Department of Communication, who will discuss academic writing; Peter Hercky, owner of Hercky Pasqua Herman, a public relations and ad agency; Steve Baltin of CBS Radio; and Daniel Reyes, editor of The Tower student newspaper and website.  

Presented by Prof. Pat Winters Lauro | Sponsored by the Department of Communication


2-3:20 p.m. @ CAS 350

Commenting on Student Writing – A Special Workshop for Pre-Service Teachers

Participants in this workshop will examine current best practices in responding to student work; share strategies for responding in effective and efficient ways; and practice the strategies discussed.  Pre-Service teachers at the middle and secondary education level are especially encouraged to attend!

Presented by Dr. Mark Sutton |Sponsored by the Department of English


2-3:30 p.m. @ CAS 249

Digital Storytelling in the Classroom

Digital Storytelling combines narrative traditions with digital tools to allow ordinary people to create and share their stories. In this workshop, presenters will discuss the traditional digital story as well as modern variations.

Presented by Drs. Kristine Mirrer, Fred Fitch and Catherine Londino, and Prof. Larry Tung 

Sponsored by the Department of Communication


3:30-5:30 p.m. @ Cougar's Den

Poetry Café Open Mic

The Writing Center invites you to an afternoon of poetry, fiction and other creative works. Whether you'd like to share your own personal writing or just support those who do, we welcome you to join us.

Web Publishing Internship

The Department of English has Web Publishing Internships. Right now, our five student bloggers have been contributing to the social media component of the Kean University website called KeanXchange.  Click here to access our student's blogs:  http://keanxchange.com/student-voices

WorldLiterate Launches

World Literature has a new resource developed by Dr. Maria Zamora: WorldLiterate. From the site:

"At WorldLiterate -you can download a literary classic, -you can access a wealth of literary criticism, -you can discover material to support your own lectures, lesson plans or school projects, -you can listen to a poem via podcast, -you can unearth more about your favorite authors, -you can visualize the world with maps and timelines, -you can support your writing with helpful writing resources, -you can watch videos of accomplished writers, -you can access documentaries and films, -you can catch up on the latest debates in the digital humanities and education."

Religious Allusion in the Poetry of Gwendolyn Brooks

Web Publishing Course

The independent study in Web Publishing is an interdisciplinary course jointly conducted by the Kean University English Department and the Office of University Relations.  Students must submit a completed application along with a writing sample and two references to be considered for the program.  

The course will explore the concept of narrative as it pertains to the web.  Students will chronicle all facets of their Kean experience (Academic, Athletic, Resident, Artistic, Social) via Kean XChange's student blog.  Students will be immersed in various avenues of digital communication including: blogging, micro-blogging, social media, video editing and photography.  Students will be encouraged to contribute serialized fiction, performance footage, monologues, video-logs and other cutting edge new media projects.  Students will be graded on creativity, professionalism, participation in classroom discussions and an array of independent study projects.  Each accepted student will receive an IPad 2 for use in conjunction with the course.

The course will also probe the intersection between web publishing and literature.  Students will explore how serialization and the democratization of writing were integral to the advent of new media. How is the blog, an episodic new literary form, part of a broader tradition? The course will explore emerging technologies as well as techniques and tools widely in use throughout the blogosphere.  In addition, students will be introduced to the Drupal content management system, PhotoShop, iMovie and basic html.

For application form, download here.

75th Annual Poetry Elocution Contest

The 75th Poetry Elocution Contest for NJ High Schools was hosted by the Department of English on April 27 and was organized by Dr. Nira Gupta-Casale with the assistance of Graduate Assistant Jonathan Daneshpour. Supported and funded by the National Writing Project, this event had 27 contestants representing 14 schools.

THE FINALISTS
1st Place: Lauren Sauer Mother Seton Regional High School
2nd Place: Tim Lynch Union Catholic High School
3rd Place: Thomas Hartnett Union Catholic High School
4th Place: Jillian Curry JP Stevens High School
5th Place: Charlie Yaris Columbia High School
6th Place: Maya Peterson Lawrenceville High School

THE JUDGES
Prof. Rachael Warmington Department of English
Kean University
Prof. Lisa Sisler Department of English
Kean University
Assistant Director Erica Holan National Writing Project
Kean University
Prof. Norman Hobbie Department of Communication
Kean University

THE CONTEST STAFF
Dr. Dan O'Day Chair, Department of English
Dr. Nira Gupta-Casale Contest Director
Dr. Mark Sutton Tabulation
Mr. Jonathan Daneshpour Graduate Assistant

The Empire Abroad and the Empire at Home

GruesserEmpire50Dr. John Cullen Gruesser publishes The Empire Abroad and the Empire at Home with the University of Georgia Press.

ΣΤΔ Induction Ceremony 2012

The Sigma Tau Induction Ceremony was held on April 12 on the East Campus, 6:30-9pm.  The student band, "216" with Isaac Gold as the lead guitarist, and Dr. Susanna Rich of the English Dept. were the featured guest presenters and performed to the delight of all present.

18 students were inducted into the Kean Chapter, Upsilon XI, of the International Honors Society, Sigma Tau Delta.  The induction was conducted by the 2011-12 Executive Board of the Kean Chapter, Shawn Albanese, Acting President, Diana Marchese, Vice President, and Julia Reyes, Secretary, and presided over by Dr. Nira Gupta-Casale, Faculty Adviser to the Honors Society.

The Induction was very well attended with over 50 guests, including English Dept. faculty, Dr. Dan O'Day (Chair), Dr. Dean Casale, Dr. Ruth Griffith, Dr. Sarah Ducksworth, Dr. Mark Sutton and Dr. Don Moores.  The event was organized by the Sigma Tau Delta Society E-Board, Shawn, Diana and Julia, and the faculty adviser, Dr. N.Gupta-Casale, and supported by donations from the English Dept.

For photos of the event, click here.

FALL 2012 Registration Information

Registration information for Fall 2012 has been posted online. (Click here.) Note that in addition to seeing one's advisor, English majors should attend one of two advisement meetings, either March 27 or April 3, 3:20-4:30 pm, in CAS 358.

Sarah Ducksworth in "Underground Railroad: The William Still Story

Dr. Sarah Ducksworth appears in PBS's documentary film, "Underground Railroad: The William Still Story", which premiered on Feb 6, 2012.

Kean University, English Department, CAS 301, 1000 Morris Avenue, New Jersey 07083 :: 908-737-0370