a Bulletin Board of ETC-Related News
Do you feel overwhelmed when you have to do research and presents the results in a written or oral report? Writing is an essential skill for professionals in almost any field. Speaking to people, in groups large or small, is also an important skill … [Continue reading]
The University of Missouri - Rolla is a technological research university. Does that mean that all research done at UMR is technological? Of course not. One immediately thinks of the sciences here and their vigorous research programs. Are there areas … [Continue reading]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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? 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]