Department News and Events

I Want to Write Anthology: Celebrating a Year in Voice, Vision, and Victory

Join us in celebrating a successful year in  I Want to Write initiatives .  This anthology represents a snapshot of I Want to Write events during the 2016-2017 academic year.  It includes poetry, artwork, and images created by event attendees and TSU students.  Check it out by clicking here: I Want to Write Anthology. 

Green Kabaret a "great experience for everyone involved!"

Prof. Marsha Williams hosted the Green Kabaret again this April with her Freshman Composition students. One of the theater pieces featured in the event will be be part of the this year's  Tennessee Women's Theater Project at the Looby Theater.  The series will be held on May 5-21; TSU related efforts will be featured on May 21. Williams adds, "The #GreenKabaret  was a great experience for everyone involved. Using the popular education models of people's theater, song, and spoken word, the subject of #Ecofeminism came alive. We were especially blessed to have Katrina Robertson of #ThistleFarms as our special guest." 

LLP Panel Participates in Local Comic Book Event

On Saturday, April 22, 2017, Drs. Charles Bowie, Chris Field, and Michelle Wise were invited by Nashville Reads, a city-wide reading initiative sponsored by Nashville Public Library, Parnassus Books, Humanities Tennessee, Nashville Public Library Foundation, Bookpage, Mayor’s Office – Mayor Megan Barry, to discuss the critically acclaimed graphic memoir March by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell. Although the focus of the discussion was on the civil rights movement and representation of historical moments in graphic texts, topics also included diversity in comics, the evolution of comics and graphic novels, and power of the medium to raise social consciousness and foster activist learning.   

Countdown to I Want to Write Poetry Festival

Join us for our annual two-day poetry festival on April 21 and April 22. The event reflects poetry month with a series of writing and performance workshops facilitated by TSU instructors and regions Spoken Word artists and poets. It culminates each evening with live performances.  Learn more and register for free here: I Want to Write.

Black Film Series Screens Southside With You

Join us for a screening and discussion of the critically acclaimed film Southside with You on Saturday, April 22, 10a, Humanities 113.  The event is part of the I Want to Write poetry festival, and will be facilitated by Dr. Jennifer Hayes. Check out the trailer here: Southside with You. 

Meet Our Latest Student Spotlight: James Cooke!

Learn about Cooke's journey to become an English major through his profound interest in gaming.  He maintains stellar academic performances in his classes, while managing three part-time jobs.  He plans to use his major to become a leading visionary in his chosen profession.  Learn more by clicking: Student Spotlight. 

Congrats to LLP Major Kamri Jordan for her acceptance into Rutgers University English Graduate Studies Readiness Program!

Ms. Jordan will be headed to Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ for a week this summer to participate in the Rutgers English Diversity Institute (REDI). At REDI, participants "will learn about the different subfields in English and American literature, and emerging fields and approaches, from Rutgers University faculty who are at the vanguard of these developments. REDI activities will include seminars, lectures, workshops on applying for graduate school and on digital resources in literary studies, a trip to a research library, and a cultural excursion to New York City." Ms. Jordan was chosen from a national pool of applicants, and we are very proud of this most recent accomplishment! Learn more about Ms. Jordan, by reading her Student Spotlight. 

LLP Film Committee and GSA host screening of  Fences

The Popular Culture and Film Studies Committee and the Gay Straight Alliance Club is hosting a film screening and discussion of the critically acclaimed film Fences on Friday, Apr. 7 from 11am-1:30 pm in the Poag. Check out the trailer by clicking here:  Fences.

Women's Studies Course hosts speaker series 

LLP and Women's Studies faculty Dr. Jill Anderson has invited several community leaders to her Intro to Women's Studies course to explore contemporary gender issues. Most recently, Dr. Anderson's Wmst 2000 class received visits from the following featured speakers:  Dr. Victoria Bryan, assistant professor of English & director of the Honors Program at Cleveland State Community College; Nori Moss, radio personality, communications coordinator for the mayor of Chattanooga, and board member of Emerge TN, a nonprofit dedicated to training women for involvement in politics; and Dr. Bethanie Poe, the Program Specialist at the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence.

Sketches  announces call for creative writing and art submissions

Sketches, TSU’s online literary magazine, is looking for short stories and original art work. All students, faculty and staff are free to submit. Short Stories: 10-15 pages, double-spaced. Send as a Word (“.doc” suffix) or RichTextFormat file. Art Work: Either digital or traditional media. Send as a .JPEG file. Send to Dr. Elaine A Phillips

LLP Film Committee and GSA host screening of Moonlight

The Popular Culture and Film Studies Committee and the Gay Straight Alliance Club is hosting a film screening and discussion of the critically acclaimed film Moonlight on Friday, March 24 from 11am-1:30 pm in the Poag. Check out the trailer by clicking here: Moonlight.

Don't wait until you Graduate: LLP hosts professional workshop series

Pupil to Professional is an initiative sponsored by Languages Literature and Philosophy and the WRITE Studio. The goal of this workshop series is to help Liberal Arts Majors and Minors better negotiate the terrain from academia to the workforce. The first workshop on Resume and Portfolio Building will be held at 10a, March 24th, Humanities 113.  Learn more and register by clicking here: Pupil to Professional.  

Languages of Love "Meet and Greet"

The Department of Languages Literature and Philosophy Presents a February Meet and Greet from 11-1p, Tuesday, February 14, in Humanities 103. Come and Learn more about our Major and Minors, enjoy snacks and hot cocoa, and be sure to pick up a love quote from a famous writer to keep you warm throughout the day.

Love is love is love ~Lin Manuel Miranda

28th Annual National African American Read In Chain

LLP to host the Read-In this Sunday, Feb. 5, 3-4 p.m., Humanities 113. The Read-In is a significant part of Black History Month, and TSU joins with other colleges and universities, churches, libraries, community groups, bookstores, book clubs, neighborhood schools, and professional organizations who set aside the first Sunday in February  to participate in the chain.  The Read-In has been endorsed by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English.  Over a million readers of all ethnic groups in the United States, the West Indies, and African countries participate each year.  The goals are to celebrate African and African American literary art and to make literacy a traditional part of Black History Month activities.

Tiger Tutoring is back!

This semester, faculty members from the English department are working with Tiger Tutoring. Tutors will be available M-F 4:30-8pm in Room 202 of the Student Resource Center. This service is free to students. Tiger Tutoring is a great opportunity for students who need help with writing to receive immediate feedback from faculty.  Our writing tutors are equipped to help students at the University with various writing assignments and activities (within English department classes and beyond). They can assist the student at any stage of their writing process from brainstorming ideas to providing strategies for revision. For tutoring schedule and related information, visit the Tiger Tutoring Webpage. 

Meet our latest Student Spotlight: Pragati Natraj!

Pragati Natraj is a Psychology major/Philosophy minor and athlete with dreams of becoming a sports psychologist. She hails for Bangalore, India, and brings with her an immense talent in tennis and a fascination with foods from around the world! Learn more about Natraj by clicking here: Student Spotlight.

TSU Gay/Straight Alliance Meet and Greet

A primary goal for this organization is to create a space for LGBT+ students and their allies to gather and find community.
Date: Thurs, Feb. 2
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Humanities 105
Contact: Dr. Jill Anderson (andersonwires@gmail.com)

 "We Want Live Words!"

Soul Fire  Poetry Group and Workshop will return Spring 2017.  The first meeting will be held at  5 p.m., Weds., Jan. 25, Humanities 103 . This departmental organization meets once a week to hone poetry writing and performance skills, organize open mic performances, and to workshop their ideas.  It features a Poet Mentor from Southern Word, who helps students craft their skills. Learn more about their efforts by clicking here: Soul Fire Mini-Documentary.

*Check Out Spoken Word Performances by the Soul Fire Members and Friends.

Faculty Adviser: Dr. Michelle J. Pinkard

Green Kabaret 2016!

The Fall 2016 Green Kabaret will be presented in The Forum in the Floyd-Payne Campus Center on Thursday, November 17^th from 11:10 – 12:35 p.m. Using the popular education platforms of art, music, film, and people’s theater, students tell the critical stories of our time addressing sustainability and the natural world. This semester the kabaret collaborates with Lakesha Moore of the TSU Art Department, whose students have created original artwork to support the development of original “green” drama.  Members of the Nashville Fair Food Alliance, a long-standing community partner of Green Kabaret, will be guest speakers, while additional community support comes from the Circle Players Community Theater and Southern Word.

Portraits, Poetry and Politics: A Review of 2016

The LLP and Art departments have collaborated to create a gallery show featuring creative responses to the 2016 election. Students enrolled in Poetry and Art classes explored over a dozen campaign issues before crafting creative responses to the politics they feel affect the lives of millennial voters. The artists produced a series of visual works; the poets wrote ekphrastic poems inspired by the artwork.  Together, the students hope to offer perspective and voice on a campaign that has already had a profound impact on their lives. The opening will be held between 11-2p.m., Monday, Nov. 7, at the Hiram Van Gordan Gallery in the Elliot Building. Their will be a poetry reading at 1 p.m.   For more information, contact Dr. Pinkard.

Bon Voyage! LLP students are going to France!

Ten students will go to Paris, France to learn more about African American, transnational, literary histories thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Council of International Educational Exchange. LLP faculty Rebecca S. Dixon, Ph.D., and Jennifer L. Hayes, Ph.D., authored the winning proposal and will lead the program in June 2017. They will introduce students to intersectionality, a term that encourages readers to see the interlocking oppressive aspects of identity. The program is entitled "Intersecting Lives: Reading African American Literature through a Black Feminist Lens." As noted in the proposal, “Paris holds a special place in the hearts of many writers; especially those obsessed with the Harlem Renaissance. During this period, African-American artists of diverse genres flocked to the city to escape the realities of a racist society.” Learn more: Study Abroad Application.

Dr. Jeffrey Thompson interviewed about his teaching and writing!

Check out our very own Dr. Thompson talking about recent publications and teaching practices.  The four-minute interview was conducted on TSUs-TV 98 Live at Five on Oct. 19th.  His interview is about 12 minutes in:  Live at Five.

Happy 75th Birthday Wonder Woman!

Mark your calendars! Members of the LLP Film Pod are hosting a screening and party to commemorate 75 years of Wonder Woman.  There will be cake. There will be prizes. There will be fun for all! When: Nov. 4.  Time: 11a-2p. Where: Poag Auditorium.  The event is free and open to students, faculty and staff. We hope to see you there!

LLP Instructors Represent Department at Area Conferences this Month

Exciting times for LLP, as many of our instructors share their expertise and scholarship at area conferences in October.  Quite a few of our folks presented papers at the Southeastern Medieval Association Conference in Knoxville and at Popular Culture Association Conference Nashville. Topics of TSU led panels at PCAS included Bill Cosby and Trends in Comic Book Culture.

English Project featured at International Black Film Festival!

Last semester, students enrolled in Creative Writing partnered with Communication students in producing cinematic interpretations of their films.  The project titled, "Be What I Need When I Need You," will be featured at the festival this month.  To see it, or any of the other projects, visit the I Want to Write Publications page.  Congrats poets and directors.  

LLP Alumni featured in Black Enterprise Magazine

Lawyer and State Representative LaDawn Jones was featured in recent edition of Black Enterprise Magazine. She is also the latest LLP alumni feature.  Kudos to her for serving as a stellar example of Tiger promise.  Learn more about LBJ by visiting our Alumni Spotlight page. 

LLP and Women's Studies Celebrates 40th Anniversary of For Colored Girls

The month of September marks the 40^th anniversary of when For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf  first debuted on Broadway.  This groundbreaking work was the second play written by an African American woman to achieve such a feat. Join us as we screen the film and discuss the impact of Shange’s work in drama, poetry, culture and history. The program, which also features live performances honoring the artist and her work, will be held Friday, Sept 23, in  LRC 230. Screening starts at 10:30 a.m., and the Panel and Performances start at 1 p.m. The event is sponsored by Women's Studies and the I Want to Write Initiative.  Learn more about the "I Want to Write" Creative Writing initiative by clicking here: I Want to Write. 

Alexis Brooks Returns as LLP Social Intern

Check out her first blog feature on the Teacher of the Year. She will also be maintaining the departments Facebook and Twitter pages.  You can learn more about Ms. Brooks, and other LLP student efforts, by clicking here: Student Successes.

TSU Professor Guest Lectures at MTSU: Game of Thrones!

Dr. Philip Shafer was invited to guest lecture for a popular culture course at MTSU in early September. He presented ideas from his dissertation regarding his efforts to develop a new theory for how literary-to-film adaptation functions as a genre. He covered his working topology of adaption that seeks to provide students with a set of terms that will enable them to construct more objective and thorough readings of how the Game of Thrones TV show restructures George R. R. Martin’s novels for the small screen. "The discussion was lively and I was proud to honor the late Dr. David Lavery who was on my diss. committee and extremely supportive of my ideas." Learn more about Dr. Shafer's scholarship by visiting his faculty page.

Congratulations LLP Faculty!

We have a lot to celebrate as we enter the new school year! LLP welcomes new faculty in English, Foreign Languages, and Philosophy. We congratulate Dr. Rebecca Dixon on her promotion to Full Professor.  Congrats to Dr. Michelle Pinkard for winning Tenure-track teacher of the year in the College of Liberal Arts, and Prof. Marsha Williams for winning Full-time Temporary teacher of the for the College of Liberal Arts.  Learn more about our faculty by checking out the faculty pages.

Tiger Tutoring is back!

Beginning Sept. 6, faculty members from the English department will work with Tiger Tutoring. Tutors will be available M-F 4:30-8pm in Room 202 of the Student Resource Center. This service is free to students. Tiger Tutoring is a great opportunity for students who need help with writing to receive immediate feedback from faculty.  Our writing tutors are equipped to help students at the University with various writing assignments and activities (within English department classes and beyond). They can assist the student at any stage of their writing process from brainstorming ideas to providing strategies for revision. For tutoring schedule and related information, visit the Tiger Tutoring Webpage. 

Southern Word Returns to TSU!

Southern Word, an area organization committed to increasing literacy through poetry and spoken word, will send Poet lecturers to classrooms this year to teach the fundamentals poetic performance. "Students participating in spoken word programs report improvement in their reading and writing skills, increased self‐confidence, and a new sense of community among their peers and teachers. Educators report a clear rise in interest among students, a more youth‐driven learning environment, and evidence of greater social and academic confidence among students."