 "Photo: Clara Ganey | The Spectator")
Though the majority of courses offered in the English Department revolve around literature, its professors are focused on bringing people more than just book smarts. With a new chair and the addition of a new major, Seattle University's English Department has big plans for the 2009-2010 school year.
Sam Green, poet laureate of Washington, will be returning again next year to teach his Writing Poetry class, a course that has consistently been popular among students. Programs like the Readers and Writers Series and the Scholars Series will continue as well.
"The Scholars Series is very good for the students. They can get advice in terms of careers or simply talk about literature and creative writing," said Maria Bullon-Fernandez, next year's chair of the English Department and professor of women studies. "We are very into creating a sense of community among students."
The department also plans to improve student support and services such as career counseling for graduates.
"It's always something we've been interested in because we're aware that students who do English often feel lost," Bullon-Fernandez said. "Those who want to be teachers know what to do, but others are usually less clear. Even students going on to graduate school don't know what steps to take."
Bullon-Fernandez said the department is always developing new courses, and there are many to look forward to next year. Some of these include a new core interdisciplinary course titled Ecocriticism, a class on Medieval Sexuality in Literature-which will be offered for the first time spring quarter-and a course on the works of Henry James that is already almost full.
One goal of the department is to market the new Film Studies program.
Many students are already interested in the Film Studies program and Seattle University is offering two new film courses this fall, one focusing on Woody Allen and another on Global African Film.
Upcoming classes for the winter and spring quarters will focus on westerns, the art of film, the history of film and screen adaptations.
Edwin Weihe, director of the Film Studies program explained another challenge with the new degree is developing criteria for cross-listing courses.
"The course needs to do more than just include film," Weihe said. "Film can be used as a delivery system for anything, but that doesn't mean students are studying film in the class. The courses need to be about studying film as an art form."
Weihe also said it's important to acknowledge the culture and social significance of film.
"We want to have fun, but we also have to realize we're dealing with the most serious topics possible-our culture, technology, who we are," Weihe said.
There will be an information session regarding the Film Studies degree June 4 from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. in Pigott 200.
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