Last May, the UMR Writing Center presented awards to the winners of its annual student writing contest. Prizes were awarded in Short Story (General Topic), Short Story (Science Fiction/Fantasy), Analytical Essay, Research, Autobiographical/Personal … [Continue reading]
Hawthorne and Summer in the Ozarks
July 15, 2007 by
The photo shows Dr. Trent Watts, Assistant Professor of English and Technical Communication, making a point in his summer school class. In this particular session, the class was discussing Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story, "The Minister's Black … [Continue reading]
Ghazal? Say "guzzle," not "gazelle"
July 11, 2007 by
In the last eight years, I have published a webzine devoted to the ghazal as a form for poetry in English. I've been privileged to publish a number of excellent poems by accomplished poets, as well as some informative and provocative prose about the … [Continue reading]
What, Me Write?
July 8, 2007 by
Given the University of Missouri - Rolla's strong reputation as an engineering school, you might be surprised to discover how many students write fiction, poetry, and personal essays. (They also write reports for technical classes, papers for … [Continue reading]
In the Sum- Sum- Summertime
July 4, 2007 by
Technical Writing (English 160) is one of our most offered courses, given every semester and in summer school for decades. Why is this course so consistent in its appeal to students? Because most UMR students know they will need to write reports and … [Continue reading]
How Many Ideas Can I Have?
July 3, 2007 by
When I started this blog two weeks ago, I planned to do three entries a week. I had been thinking about some ideas for entries for awhile. I did post three times each of the first two weeks. However, I'm going to reduce the number of entries to two a … [Continue reading]
Lessons for the Chair
July 1, 2007 by
Those who've known me for awhile may be surprised that I'm department chair. I'm as surprised as anyone. I said more than once that I never wanted to be chair. But now I am and have been for 18 months. How am I finding it? Different than I had … [Continue reading]
What’s in a Name Change?
June 28, 2007 by
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose "By any other name would smell as sweet." —Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2) On 1 January 2008, the University of Missouri - Rolla will cease to be; Missouri University of … [Continue reading]
Tales from the Street
June 26, 2007 by
Jack Morgan (Research Professor of English and Technical Communication) has just published an article on John McNulty, who wrote forThe New Yorker from the late 1930s to the mid-1950s. Prof. Morgan's article appears in the Summer 2006 issue of The … [Continue reading]
"A Sight in Camp . . . "
June 24, 2007 by
On June 2, Phelps County celebrated its sesquicentennial—its 150th anniversary. Among the celebratory events was a group of Civil War reenactors portraying Union troops from St. Louis. They camped next to the original county courthouse, as Union … [Continue reading]