The Spring 2014 semester is a milestone for me, for it is my 60th semester teaching in our English Department. This semester is also the 60th semester that I have taught a section of ENGL 3103 (Children’s Literature). For me, teaching this course is always a pleasure. I consider myself lucky to be able to teach regularly a course on a subject for which I have such a long-standing passion. I hope that you also are able to tap into your academic passions as you prepare for the first day of classes. Best wishes great semester.
Kudos— As you know, I like to use my Monday Missives to share news about recent accomplishments by members of our department. Here is the latest news:
Stan Patten, a former member of the English Department, recently published a poetry collection titled Betrayals. Stan taught in the department for many years, and he founded our Writing Resources Center. Unfortunately, he had to take medical-based retirement because he has Myasthenia Gravis. Stan still lives in Charlotte.
Maya Socolovsky’s book titled Troubling Nationhood in U.S. Latina Literature: Exploration of Place and Belonging recently received a very positive review from Choice. Here is a link to the review: http://www.cro3.org/lookup/doi/10.5860/CHOICE.51-1958
Upcoming Events and Deadlines– Here are some dates to keep in mind:
January 8 — First day of classes.
January 17 — Last day to add classes and drop with no grade.
Quirky Quiz Question — Now that I am completing my 30th year at UNC Charlotte, I am reminded of the of the time when I was hired, which occurred during the spring of 1984. The person who was then chair of the English Department stepped down as chair just a few weeks after hiring me. What is the name of this former chair?