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College of Arts & Sciences

English

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Amy Sneegas

Assistant, Department of Humanities & University Ministry

Thinkers,  searchers, and creators

About

Reading, writing and thinking—three skills important for success in any field.

Students in the Baker University Department of English learn how to read and think critically about anything and everything their hearts desire. They dissect texts and film, learning to analyze what is portrayed and how. They trace America’s history through the lens of literature, watching as the story unfolds through the pages of a book, and the students learn to write based on personal experiences, creating and sharing stories of their own. Students majoring in English sharpen their skills through one of our three concentrations: creative writing, literature, or certification to teach English at the middle or secondary level.

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PRACTICE YOUR WRITING

To encourage fluidity and confidence, students are encouraged to participate in readings to an audience of their peers, faculty, and the campus community. The Department of Humanities also hosts a series of readings and lectures by writers of local, regional, and national acclaim, including poets, journalists, fiction writers, and graphic novelists.

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Exceptional Experience

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Publish Your Work

The Department of Humanities publishes an annual arts and literary journal called Watershed, featuring artwork and writing by Baker students. English students have the opportunity to either submit work for consideration for publication or be involved in the creation of the Watershed each year. Positions include editor, assistant editor, art director, and designer.

Award-Winning Professors

Assistant Professor of English and Writer-in-Residence Marti Mihalyi was selected as one of 18 recipients of the Faculty of Distinction award, honoring top faculty members at the 18 private colleges and universities within Kansas.

Study Literature Abroad

Observing the culture, history, surroundings, and people of another country provides a greater understanding of the great works of literature. Baker students have studied literature in England and other English-speaking countries and also in other countries in conjunction with their required study of an international language.

Careers

Our english majors have gone on to the following careers:

  • Government
  • Law
  • Education
  • Publishing
  • Teaching
  • Librarianship
  • Entertainment
  • Research
  • Business
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Scholarships

The Department of Humanities gives these awards with financial prizes to be applied to the following years tuition:

  • Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Humanities
  • Dr. Irene Murphy Memorial Scholarship
  • Etta and Orin Murphy Scholarship
  • Kahle Endowed Scholarship
  • The Moorman Prize for Prose Writing
  • The Moorman Prize for Poetry Writing
  • Jefferson-Greiner Scholarship

Creative Writing Scholarship

Students may apply for creative writing scholarships at any time. Contact Assistant Professor of English and Writer-in-Residence Marti Mihalyi for more information: marti.mihalyi@bakerU.edu.

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English Course Descriptions

Meet the Faculty

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Marti Mihalyi

Assistant Professor of English, Writer-in-Residence

B.A. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, M.F.A. Bowling Green State University

Expertise: poetry, creative nonfiction, contemporary American poetry, teacher education (K-university) for sites of the National Writing Project

Office: Case 308

Dr. Joanne Nystrom Janssen

Associate Professor of English

B.A. Bethel University, M.A. Ball State University, Ph.D. University of Iowa

Expertise: British literature, 19th century literature and culture, periodical culture, postcolonial and world literature

Office: Case 305C

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Dr. Tamara Slankard

Professor of English

B.A. Belmont University, M.A. University of Tulsa, Ph.D. and Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies, State University of New York at Stony Brook

Expertise: American literature, modernism, women’s and gender studies, cultural studies

Office: Case 305E

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