A Message from Dr. Joseph Csicsila, Department Head

New English Majors and COVID-19 Response

I want to welcome everyone “back” to EMU for Winter Semester 2022. Things will continue to look different for many of you taking classes in the Department of English in some significant ways for the next few months, so I want to provide a general overview of departmental programming and a little information about where to go and whom to see if you have any questions or concerns.

7 Ways to Major in English

First, the department is excited to present an entirely revised and updated set of majors that were instituted in Fall of 2020. This includes Children’s Literature, Creative Writing, English Education, Linguistics, Literature, and Professional Writing. The only departmental major that will continue as it has for the last few years is Public Relations. All said, there are now 7 ways to major in English at EMU. We’ve put together a two-page advising sheet for all 7 majors, there will be copies in the English department office or you can print a copy of the document. (No need to panic if you’re part-way through one of the older sets of requirements! Those majors and their classes will still be offered.) Please email me or a department adviser if you’d like clarification about the new majors and/or how they differ from the older ones. 

COVID-19: Safety First

Another change to the department since Fall of 2020 is, of course, the way that most of our classes will look because of COVID-19. We are taking the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff very seriously, and while we would all prefer something much more like a typical semester, the English Department at EMU will once again be offering many of its classes remotely. The entire department has been preparing for this, so please know that we are going to do whatever it takes to make sure that your learning experience is every bit as engaging, rewarding, and enriching as you expect it to be. We are on top of this and here to listen if you have questions or concerns, so I encourage everyone to contact your instructors.

Reach Out, I'm Here for YOU

One last appeal. If anyone experiences any difficulties related to the temporary measures the English Department and EMU have put in place for the instructional delivery of courses and you are not sure what to do, I want you either to email me at [email protected] or call/text me direct. My personal cell number is 734.751.8286. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
 
This will be another interesting semester to be sure, but it’s going be ok. We’re all in this together. Everyone in the English Department is committed to your success.

Stay safe and we’ll see you soon,
Dr. Joseph Csicsila
Head
Department of English