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March 2010 A Publication of the Department of English & Literature Issue No. 5 |
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News from the Department of
English & Literature |
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Our writing interns have made the English department proud. Six interns from the English department participated in writing internships during the 2008-2009 school year at a wide variety of places such as the Focus on the Family Institute, Alive Arts Media, the Hospitality Center for Chinese, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Union Gospel Mission, and more. On-site supervisors rated interns from various departments. Interns from our department received ratings of 100% satisfaction in multiple areas, including written communication, ability to work independently, ability to learn, punctuality, dependability and integrity. In addition, we are pleased to report that interns exceeded supervisors' expectations of value to the organization. Congratulations to all of our interns and their success in the community. |
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Faculty Focus:
Dr. Heather Walker Peterson |
Tell us about the recent changes in your life, such as your doctorate and your daughter.
Last night my husband and I watched Masterpiece Theatre, sitting on the couch while holding our baby, Ruthie, and petting our cocker spaniel. Although those moments were not nonexistent before, I used to have to be a lot more intentional about them. I don't think I've ever been so happy. A doctorate taught me dependency on God in that I could work hard, but I couldn't control my committee's reactions. Motherhood teaches me God's utter delight in his children and my need for grace when I'm frazzled.
What are you working on these days besides teaching?
With Ruthie three months old, I'm mostly reading and planning. I've been reading a book by a Christian philosopher, James K.A. Smith, on how the rituals of our lives outside of church (such as attending a movie) can be challenged by the identity-shaping rituals of worship. I'm wondering if I can't incorporate this into new research for me on language, text, and identity. I'm also hoping to submit an article for publication based on my dissertation at the end of May.
Any tips for current or prospective students?
Don't be afraid of dangerous ideas lest you become dangerous; rather, with humility pursue the truth within those ideas by the guide of the Word, the Spirit, and the Church.
Favorite class when you were in college?
After that last answer, I think I have to say literary theory.
What is your favorite class to teach?
No way I'm answering this--besides, so much of the joy of teaching depends on the engagement with a particular group of students. I am enjoying teaching Introduction to Linguistics this semester. As native speakers of a language, we have all the necessary data to revel in linguistic principles.
Do you have anything else to add?
May we work hard but rest and laugh enough to know that God loves us!
Join our Facebook group "English @ NWC"
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| Featured Student: Lindsey Young |
Year of Graduation: 2010
Concentration: Writing
Tell us about the internship that you are currently doing.
I am currently working as a web reporter intern with the MN Timberwolves. Growing up, I spent a lot of time watching professional sports--primarily the Vikings and the Timberwolves--with my dad, and the passion has continued into an interest for a possible career. I typically spend about ten hours in the office during the week, and during those times I update everyday aspects of the website, edit content, or post articles. The community events are probably my favorite part of the internship. These are events that the Timberwolves players are involved in outside of the basketball arena. It is usually my job to go to these events, observe/take notes, and then interview the players and other individuals involved so that I can write up a story for the event that is then posted on the website. On game days, I am in charge of recording audio from Coach Rambis's pre-game media address, as well as attending the post-game press conference in which we are able to ask specific questions about the game that night. I also update Twitter during the game for all of the Timberwolves fans that follow us.
How have you used your English classes in your work at your internship?
My English classes have definitely come into play with my internship. On a basic level, my editing skills are necessary, whether writing my own article or simply editing website content. My creative writing classes, combined with my dabbling in journalism, have helped me form a writing style that is evident especially in the community event stories where my goal is to write an informative piece that is also emotionally appealing and entertaining for the reader. The one class that I did not know would come in handy but has proven to be extremely beneficial is technical writing. My skills for writing instructions in a clear and concise fashion were immediately noticed by my supervisor, and I have since been asked to create instruction pages for various computer programs or tasks. Recently, I was given the opportunity to write a three-page instruction manual on the basics of Twitter for the Timberwolves' president, Chris Wright.
What do you plan to do with your major in the future? How has your internship informed that decision? I am not entirely sure where I am headed with my future, and I'm really working at trusting God in that aspect. My desire would be that this internship will lead to a career position that is similar to the things I am working on now. I would love to continue being able to incorporate my love for writing with my passion for sports. The internship has given me valuable experience as well as a glimpse into what this job field is like.
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| Announcements |
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The Department of English & Literature is sponsoring a trip to the Guthrie to see Shakespeare's Macbeth on Tuesday, March 23 at 7:30. Tickets are only $14, so make sure you get your ticket request form into Lynae Wingate by March 3 if you're interested in attending!
Coming next fall, Dr. Peterson will be teaching ENG2235 Editing and Proofreading, a 2-credit course. The course will introduce students to all levels of the literary editing process--acquisition, substantive editing, developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Students will read and reference relevant texts on editing and will practice their editorial skills on a variety of sample texts.
Prerequisite: ECE passed, ENG2205 or ENG2805, or concurrently enrolled.
Congratulations to Rachel Clark, Kate Hoganson, and Stephanie Bell, who have been accepted to present on William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Fyodor Dostoevsky at the 2010 Sigma Tau Delta International Convention. They will be traveling to St. Louis with Dr. Sally Harris from March 17-20 for the convention.
The Department also extends congratulations to Catherine Rivard, whose linguistics paper was accepted for a conference at Gordon College in Boston.
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| Book Review: Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold |
Till We Have Faces is one of the lesser-known books by the C.S. Lewis. In this novel, Lewis develops the Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche into a modern story that delves straight to the heart of Christian love. The book is narrated by Orual, the princess of the primitive land of Glome. Orual is deeply devoted to her sister Psyche, a beautiful girl who is loved by all. Unfortunately, Orual's love for Psyche has been tainted by her human nature. When the god of love himself saves Psyche from being sacrificed, Orual finds herself drowning in jealousy, drifting away from her sister, and struggling to know the true identity of God.
Lewis makes a subtle yet authentic parallel between Orual's search for God and love and the Christian journey. This compelling tale brings readers to a confrontation of emotions that many have experienced. Though this novel is not one of Lewis's most read, it is arguably one of his best.
For those who wish to read Till We Have Faces in an academic setting, it is often featured in Christianity and Literature.
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| Featured Alum: Anna Schuett |
 Major and Year of Graduation: CALE, 2008
What are you doing these days?
I worked as an eighth grade language arts teacher at Centennial Middle School the first year after graduation. It was a great learning experience. The eighth graders really energized me! Recently, I have been preparing for my move to South Korea. My husband and I will be teaching English in the public school system through a government program called EPIK. We are excited for this experience because we feel that it will help to refine our perspective on faith, family, and community.
How has your English degree from Northwestern helped you (spiritually, professionally, cognitively, etc.)?
My English degree helped me to pursue many unique opportunities. Because of the degree, I have been able to get involved in different jobs and hobbies, such as tutoring students with special needs, teaching, and traveling. It also taught me how to connect faith with literature and writing. After taking classes that integrated faith and communication, I have been able to incorporate faith into personal writing and lesson plans.
Any tips for current or prospective English majors?
You will be very busy, but it is essential that you find time for meditating on the Lord and generating creative ideas for writing or lesson planning. Sometimes you just need to sit and daydream.
What is your favorite book or author?
I really enjoy C.S. Lewis and would like to read more of his works. Teaching eighth grade has also taught me to love young adult literature. Some young adult books I enjoy are Make Lemonade, the Luxe series, The Book Thief, and the Harry Potter series.
Anything else you would like to share?
I was continually challenged academically and spiritually throughout my time at Northwestern. Although I was often overwhelmed and many times felt like giving up, I can look back on my education at Northwestern and identify how it has helped me in very tangible ways. |
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| Chair's Corner |
 In January, I assumed the role of chair when Dr. Janet Sommers was appointed Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. Though this is the third time I have stepped in as interim chair, there is always more to learn as the department continues to grow, adding new programs, courses, faculty, and events.
My prayer for each student in our classes is the same as the Apostle Paul's: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (NIV, Rom. 12.2).
As we approach Easter, let us all keep that goal of godly thinking before us.
Sincerely, Helen J. Aling, Ph.D.
Professor of English
Interim Chair, Department of English and Literature | |
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