Oct. 9, 2007 issue

I came to Eastern Michigan University in 1984 and have been teaching here now for 23 years. My specialization is Medieval Literature. We remain, in many ways, living in the Middle Ages, as many things from that time continue to resonate in contemporary culture. I'm interested in showing my students that, often enough, the medieval is modern. In class, we talk about everything from Anglo-Saxon texts to Capital One commercials that feature marauding barbarians.

I also teach General Education courses. I believe it is very important for EMU students to read great literature and be able to talk about it. It's important for them to experience the kinds of texts that have transformed the world: books that have caused emotional revolutions and political revolutions as well.

Literature not only changes with culture; literature also can transform the society in which it is produced. Books matter. They are not just objects. I ask students to consider the ways great books have had an impact and inspired cultural shifts.

Eastern Michigan has given me many opportunities to expand my teaching and research horizons. For instance, Eastern provided me with the opportunity to be a member of the faculty group that created "Culture and the Holocaust," a team-taught, interdisciplinary class many students claim has changed their lives.

My colleagues have been very supportive of me, both as a teacher and a writer. Colleagues, within and outside the department, have read my work and commented on it. I've read their work. Colleagues have engaged me in the kinds of intellectual conversations that help a faculty member remain creative and involved.

 

---