Department of English, Theatre and Mass Communications

Paul Lorenz, Interim Chair

Professors

Paul Lorenz
Douglas Robillard

Assistant Professors

Kevin Sanders

Instructors

Janet Anokye
Janice Brantley
Derrick Cohens
Sheena Meadows
Edwina Mosby
Michael Nash
Kelli O’Brien
J. Christopher O’Brien
Mary Parker
Sonia Shahjahan

Administrative Specialist

Betty Kentle

The Department of English, Theatre and Mass Communications offers curricula leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature/Liberal Arts, in English Education, in Theatre and in Mass Communications. The B.A. degree in English Literature/Liberal Arts is designed for students who wish to pursue graduate studies in English or professional careers such as the law or the ministry while the B.A. degree in English Education is designed for students who wish to become secondary school teachers.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre may be taken with options in Acting or Theatre Management. The B.A. degree in Mass Communications may be taken with options in Broadcast Journalism or Print Journalism.

General Department Requirements

Majors must present a grade of “C” or better on all required courses for the major.
Majors must meet all of the institutional requirements of the university in order to graduate.
Requirements listed in this section supplement, but do not supplant, institutional requirements.
Majors must take a comprehensive examination during the last semester of their senior year.

English Program Goals:

To provide students with basic training in the effective use of oral and written English
To acquaint students with major literary works of English and American authors and major European works in translation
To offer students courses to enhance their appreciation of the aesthetic pleasure consonant with good literature
To provide a program for those students desiring to teach in the secondary schools
To provide a background for those intending to pursue graduate study in English
To service other departments that have courses in English as an integral part of their curricula

Mass Communications

Ann White, Interim Coordinator

Professor

Laurence B. Alexander

Assistant Professors

Nokon Heo
Ann White

Instructors

Donna Barnes
Eva Belle
Vickie Newton
LaTonya Richardson
Byron Tate
Rhashaun Trammell

Administrative Specialist

Deborah Solomon

The Theatre and Mass Communications program aims to assist students in understanding the process of communication and the practice of the dramatic arts, including fundamental concepts and their application through effective communication and artistry. The program emphasizes theory, methodology and art. It seeks to develop aesthetic awareness and dynamic interaction among students, to encourage response to humanistic values inherent in literature and art and to enhance the quality of student creativity. Students are afforded opportunities to learn about themselves and their relationship to others in a social system as they develop analytical thinking, disciplined curiosity, motivation and professional skills.

The Mass Communications program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications with options in Broadcast Journalism or Print Journalism.

Goals:

To educate and train students to be successful in Mass Communications, and related fields
To provide students with a firm background in written and oral communication skills
To provide students with practical experience related to their chosen profession in addition to high quality classroom instruction
To assist students in the formulation of personal and professional goals which will benefit them throughout life and to assist them in beginning to actualize these goals
To introduce students to local media entities to encourage them to develop working relationships with professionals in their chosen fields through internships and practicum experience
To encourage student participation in campus and community affairs by producing articles for The Arkansawyer, The Lion, or the local press or by producing programming for KUAP-FM 89.7 and the university cable station, Channel 24 TV

Modern Foreign Languages

Assistant Professor

Anthony Hobbs

Instructor

John Peterson

Goals:

To provide the student with adequate tools for the development of reading skills in languages other than English, especially French and Spanish
To lay a foundation for the progressive development of oral and aural skills in these languages
To develop a knowledge of and an appreciation for the cultures of other nations through an appreciation of the interplay between language and culture

Humanities and Philosophy

Instructors

Mary Margaret Lynch
Perveen Shahjahan

The general aim of the program in humanities and philosophy is to develop in students important insights into the fundamental problems of human life. The courses introduce students to the study of the most significant philosophical ideas and systems of the world, with particular emphasis upon the cultivation of the spirit of reflective and critical thinking as an essential part of both a philosophical outlook and a liberal education.

Goals:

To acquaint students with major philosophical systems and endeavors through historical and intellectual perspectives
To enable students to develop an enduring philosophy of life based on higher values and ideas

Theatre (Inactive program status- New students will not be admitted until further notice.)

Objective:

To involve students in the presentation of quality theatrical productions for the university community

Viralene J. Coleman Computerized Writing Center

Janice Brantley
Interim Director

Alexis Victorian
Program Project Specialist

The Viralene J. Coleman Computerized Writing Center offers students individualized help with writing. Peer tutors are available to meet with students to discuss their writing. Tutors deal with matters ranging from: grammar, spelling, diction, and punctuation; to broader concerns, such as focus, development, organization, style, and documentation. The center also serves as a facility for students to use computers and print school-related material.

Programs

Major