Skip to main content

Spring 2023 English Course Offerings

Please see the Moravian University Course Catalog for full English course offerings.

 

100 Level Courses

American Literature: Roots & Routes

Prof. Crooke — ENGL 101 A & ENGL 101 B

Modality: In-Person 

An introduction to the development of the American literary heritage, this course focuses on works that either remain deeply rooted in a single place or chart routes to new destinations. In addition to considering why some writers and characters prefer the comforts (or challenges) of home while others are lured (or forced) on the road, we will also explore tensions between region and nation throughout American literature. Emphasis on analytical, written, and oral skills. (M2)

American Literature: The Gothic Movement and Its Ghosts

Prof. Tedesco — ENGL 101 C 

Modality: In-Person

Students in this course will explore some of America’s most celebrated (and spine-chilling) Gothic fiction, poetry, and film from the 19th century to present day, specifically examining narratives centered upon ghosts and hauntings. Through a combination of written, oral, and analytical practices, we will delve deeper into the social, historical, and psychological implications revealed through these literary hauntings and determine what meaning, symbolic or otherwise, lingers beyond the veil. (M2)

Experience of Literature: Examination of the Literary Witch

Prof. Tedesco — ENGL/WGSS 104 A 

Modality: In-Person 

What do you imagine when you hear the word “witch”? In this course, students will closely examine the archetype and evolution of the witch through a variety of literary mediums such as fiction, poetry, film, drama, and excerpts from graphic novels. Additionally, major concepts such as Spiritualism, Revisionism, Occultism, and Gender Theory will be introduced in order to contextualize the witch within each assigned text. The course objective is to answer larger questions such as why the witch is ever-present in literature across time and space, and how the witch constantly evolves to reflect societal shifts and tensions. (M2)

Experience of Literature: Introduction to Latino Literature

Prof. Roibal Fernandez — ENGL 104 B &  ENGL 104 C

Modality: In-Person 

Introduction to Latino literature through its major literary genres—fiction, poetry, and drama—from a variety of times and voices, emphasizing analytical and communication skills through written and oral projects. (M2)

 

200 Level Courses

WI: Creative Non-Fiction

Prof. Fodrey — ENGL 211 A 

Modality: In-Person 

Guided practice in public and personal essay writing. Workshop setting. Prerequisites: LinC 101 or equivalent. (M6)

WI: Introduction to Creative Writing 

Prof. Gray — ENGL 212 

Modality: In-Person 

Guided practice in the writing of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Prerequisite: LinC 101 or equivalent. (M6)

Work with Student Writers: Theory & Praxis

Prof. Hassay — ENGL 213.2 A (Half-Unit)

Modality: By Arrangement 

This course offers a broad overview of composition and writing tutoring pedagogy and covers best practices for working with student writers. Students will gain practical teaching, presentation, and leadership skills through extensive practice with student writing samples and a range of reflective and research-based assignments. We will also address considerations broadly related to student success and academic readiness. This course is designed to support students who wish to become Writing Fellows or Writing Center Tutors. Prerequisites: LinC F1 and permission of instructor.

Writing Studies Research Seminar

Prof. Hassay & Prof. Fodrey — ENGL 214.2 A (Half-Unit)

Modality: By Arrangement

This course builds upon concepts covered in ENGL 213.2 and provides guided instruction in composition and writing tutoring research. Students identify a topic of interest, then develop and carry out a small-scale research project. Students are expected to present or publish their research for a wider audience in a venue appropriate to the purpose and context of the project. Prerequisites: ENGL 213.2, cGPA of 3.00, or permission of instructor.

Professional Writing

Meg Mikovits — ENGL 216 A 

Modality: In-Person 

Introduction to business and technical composing practices and genres with an emphasis on audience awareness, document design, and project development and management. Includes critical rhetorical study and creation of job and grant application materials, manuals, proposals, print and digital marketing materials, and other deliverables requested as part of the class's service learning collaboration with local nonprofit organizations.

Digital Rhetoric and Writing 

Prof. Shosted — ENGL 218 A

Modality: In-Person 

Students rhetorically analyze established and emerging digital genres in order to gain the theoretical and practical background necessary to approach the production of writing for digital platforms. Prerequisite: ENGL 217.

WI: Introduction to English Studies

Prof. Crooke — ENGL 225 A

Modality: In-Person

Introduction to various aspects of the discipline, including analysis of literature, bibliographic and research techniques, critical thinking and writing, various literary approaches, literary theory, and history of the field. Writing intensive. Strongly encouraged as a prerequisite for upper-level English courses.

Public Speaking

Prof. Egging — ENGL 230 A

Modality: In-Person

Basic theory of public speaking with emphasis on developing skills essential to effective interpersonal communication in industrial, business, and academic settings.

Modern Drama & Theatre

Prof. Crooke — ENGL 233 A & THEA 233

Modality: In-Person 

Development of dramatic literature and theatrical practice in the 20th century.

Shakespeare with Swords 

Prof. Shorr — THEA 234 A

Modality: In-Person 

Shakespeare with Swords offers a semester-long study in performing some of the most famous dramatic texts in Western literature. Students will learn how to "unpack" the dense language, find the music of the text, and bring centuries-old words to life on stage. Students will also be introduced to stage combat techniques (single sword) common in performance of Shakespeare, to the vocal and physical work required to perform on stage. Prerequisite: THEA 135 OR THEA 232/ ENGL 232. (M6)

Environmental Writing 

Prof. Harris — ENGL 242 A & ENVR 242

Modality: In-Person 

This writing course will survey a broad spectrum of environmental literature, from Thoreau's Walden to Cheryl Strayed's recent bestseller, Wild, as well as images, music, and cinema that address environmental themes. Through writing, class discussion, and other assignments, students will reflect on our changing relationship with the natural world and consider what the engagement has meant for both the planet and its human inhabitants. The course follows a workshop format, so reading and critiquing other students' writing is required. (M6)

Literature & Medical Humanities

Prof. Waller-Peterson — ENGL 252 A & HLTP 252 & WGSS 252

Modality: Hybrid 

Lucille Clifton states, "I don't write because I have a mission to heal the world. My mission is to heal Lucille if I can, as much as I can." Writing offers Clifton a medium through which she can enact a form of healing and self-preservation. Similarly, illness narratives communicate the embodied and disembodied experiences of people living with sickness, disease, and illness in an effort to make sense of their changing bodies, lives, and identities. This reading intensive course explores health, wellness, and illness narratives through a sustained engagement with non-fiction and imaginary literature. Prerequisite: LinC 101 or equivalent plus junior or senior class standing. (U1). Open to juniors and seniors only.

Literature & the Way We Live

Prof. Dougal — ENGL 262 A & IDIS 262

Modality: In-Person

This course considers such moral issues as the environment; identities, duties to kin; love, marriage and sex; racism and sexism; as posed within a variety of world literature that includes short stories, novels, poetry, and drama, ranging from the era of Sophocles' Antigone to the present. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. (U2). Open to juniors and seniors only.

Internship

Prof. Harris — ENGL 288 A

Modality: By Arrangement

Practical field experience in writing for mass media, business, industry, or nonprofits. Designed in consultation with director of internship program and field supervisor. By arrangement. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing; for 288: 200-level writing course approved by the English major advisor or English Dept. Chair; for 386-388: 288 and one 200-level writing course approved by the English major advisor or English Dept. Chair; plus one additional English course.

ST: Modern African Literature 

Prof. LaRue — ENGL 291 A & AFST 291

Modality: In-Person

The title of this course is a bit misleading, as there is no such thing as "African Literature," per se. It is perhaps more accurate to say that this course is interested in looking at the literature of the African continent. Even this, however, comes with its own host of questions: Who can produce the literature of Africa? Where must this literature be produced in order to be considered "African"? What must literature look like to be considered "African"? Who or what is even meant by "African," anyway? Focusing on the span of time from 1940 and 1980, this course offers an introduction to the literature that has come to be defined as African literature. With a particular interest in how the literature of this period has helped (re)establish and/or (re)position images of Africa, we will read and analyze the works of a few of the writers who paved the way for contemporary African writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Teju Cole, Taiye Selasi, and A. Igoni Barrett. Though it should go without saying, an interrogation and contextualization of issues of gender, sexuality, race/racism, and ethnicity will be crucial in fully making sense of the texts and their narratives. (M5)

 

300 Level Courses

Poetry Writing 

Prof. Gray — ENGL 313 A

Modality: In-Person

Focused study of contemporary poetry, writing of a range of complete poetic works. Workshop setting. Prerequisites:ENGL 212 or permission of instructor. (M6)

Shakespeare

Prof. Black — ENGL 330 A & THEA 330

Modality: In-Person

The major plays. Prerequisites: ENGL 225 or permission of instructor.

British Literature 1780-1830

Prof. Dougal — ENGL 352 A

Modality: In-Person

A study of literature by men and women of varying ethnicities and social classes, and of primary documents that reveal major conditions and social and cultural movements to which these writers responded. Some emphasis upon major Romantic poets. Prerequisite: ENGL 225 or permission of instructor.

Senior Seminar 

Prof. Dougal — ENGL 371 A

Modality: In-Person

This course will synthesize and expand upon what students have learned throughout their major. Weekly meetings will consist of readings, discussion, and writing on topics within English Studies. Course requirements will include an extended written work in a student's chosen genre, as well as a portfolio. Prerequisites: English 225 or permission of instructor.

Internship

Prof. Harris — ENGL 386 A

Modality: By Arrangement

Practical field experience in writing for mass media, business, industry, or nonprofits. Designed in consultation with director of internship program and field supervisor. By arrangement. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing; for 288: 200-level writing course approved by the English major advisor or English Dept. Chair; for 386-388: 288 and one 200-level writing course approved by the English major advisor or English Dept. Chair; plus one additional English course.

ST: Narrating Film

Prof. LaRue — ENGL 393 A & AFST 393 & WGSS 393

Modality: Online (Asynchronous)

Through close analysis of contemporary imaginative films like Her, like Tiny Houses, and short films like "Squared," this course examines the narrative qualities of films. As we look for answers to the questions, "How do films narrate, and what do they narrate?" we will also work towards an understanding of the medium's relation to more traditional narrative forms (e.g. novels, short stories, drama, etc.). How, for instance, does the medium of film challenge us to reimagine the limits of what a text might be? Prerequisite: None.

ST: Comics & Graphic Storytelling

Prof. McClelland — ENGL 399 PM

Modality: In-Person

This course focuses on the history, rhetorical analysis and practical application of graphic storytelling in comic books and graphic novels, with a primary spotlight on understanding, discussing and creating graphic memoirs. Students critique contemporary works, write in both an academic and professional fashion, and better understand the field of professional comic writing. Prerequisite: ENGL 211 or ENGL 212 or ENGL 217 or instructor permission.