WFP Series Vol. 7: Study Abroad with LLP

Students enrolled in Writing for Publication (Fall 2018) wrote and submitted blog stories related to the department. The fruits of those efforts will be published on our department blog every day during finals week.  The following stories were written by Kayla Tennille McCrary. 

Why LLP is for Me:  I believe LLP will play a role in my academic career because it will essentially give me the skills I need to be successful for post undergrad. I plan to go to law school, and that takes a lot of skill and experience in writing Academic papers as well as doing extensive and intensive research. Because I plan to be an author, being in this department helps teaches my how to be a diverse writer and how to be a creative and informative writer too. The skills I am gaining at Tennessee State University, I know will make me to be the best person for the job almost always, and that is a main reason why I chose this department.

Kayla Tennille McCrary

African American Literature Abroad

Dr. Jenifer Hayes in France

     LLP understands that studying abroad can be an amazing experience for students of African American Literature.  Drs. Rebecca Dixon and Jenifer Hayes are spearheading study abroad opportunities that help TSU students better appreciate the global impact of diasporic writers and texts. A couple of summers ago, they took students to Paris, France.  And, next Spring, they will take TSU students to Copenhagen, Denmark to study Nella Larson.
     Kierra Ewah, 21, travelled with Dixon and Hayes' class to Paris, and said the experience was revealing and educational.  She says she understand how travel enhanced the works of writers like Richard Wright, W.E.B. Dubois, and James Baldwin.She said that blacks went to Paris to feel connected to something and to essentially escape.

   

Dr. Rebecca Dixon in France

 Ewah was excited to mention that she saw another side of Paris that the world never sees. In traveling to a place called Barbes Street, she found thousands and thousands of Africans. She was both ecstatic and shocked to find out that her Nigerian father was actually raised in this place in Paris. She noted this experience as her most memorable one.

     Ewah is a senior and Mass Communication major with a minor in philosophy.  She hopes to travel abroad soon, and this time she aspires to go to Africa. She hopes that she has inspired other TSU students to get exposure and want to study abroad no matter what the major..

Where Literature meets Africa?

     Studying abroad can be an incredible experience. Not only are you able to see a new part of the world, but you’re able to study in a wonderful environment. I have had the privilege of experiencing studying overseas. Last summer, I was able to study World Literature in Cape Town, South Africa. 

     In addition to sight-seeing and volunteering, I was able to get a very intimate academic experience. In a class with about six students, we were able to engage in constructive conversation and share our experience in Africa through a different lens. The literature we studied dealt with apartheid, racism, and different forms of oppression, and we compared it to our lives in America. 

     We read two novels: The Born Frees by Kimberly Burge and A Thousand Splendid Sons by Khaled Husseini. The first novel told the stories of young girls living in Gugulethu, a small city in Cape Town, South Africa. These remarkable girls were a part of a creative writing group and we were able to read about their personal journeys. They struggled with things such as aids, poverty, relationships, and community responsibilities. 

     I even learned a valuable lesson there in which I got it tattooed while in Africa. The word is Ubuntu. Ubuntu means a person is a person through other persons. My humanity is tied up in yours, as yours is in mine. 

     While in South Africa we were able to witness racism and prejudices first hand. Majority of Cape Town’s population is full of European immigrants, and it was evident when we walked in certain places that our presence was not wanted. Apartheid in South Africa ended in 1994, so the idea and presence of this disgusting system is still evident. 

     Socially, you can see the barriers. 

     When you walked into a restaurant or hotel, the workers were always black, and the supervisors were almost always of European descent. This tied in with our literature because we read short stories that showed the systems of social class in their text. 

     Being that I am a LLP major, this experience was paramount to my English education as well as my outlook on studying abroad with TSU. Nonetheless, the experience taught me about myself as a person, a scholar, and a writer. I encourage students to not only see the world, but to experience it with optimism and gratitude. 

Kayla Tennille McCrary is a native of Atlanta, Ga and is currently a senior English major with a minor in political science at Tennessee State University. She serves as the 78thPresident of the Student Government Association. She also is the Vice President of the Alpha Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is a member of Sigma Tau Delta, English Honor Society, the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Pre-alumni Council, AIPAC, and serves as a member of TSU’s Women’s Center advisory board. She aspires to be an entrepreneur and essentially become a self-made millionaire.

WFP Series Vol. 6: New Approaches to Freshman Composition

Students enrolled in Writing for Publication (Fall 2018) wrote and submitted blog stories related to the department. The fruits of those efforts will be published on our department blog every day during finals week.  The following story was written by Allisa Smith.

Why LLP is for Me: I suspect and affirm that Language, Literature and Philosophy will be dominant factors in  my success as a Political Science and Mass Communications major.  Language is everything to a professional. The correct articulation and diction could be the entrance way to network with top executives and CEO’s. Words are influential, and every word you utter leaves an impact on the person listening.  As a forthcoming Attorney, Author and Journalist, I will take the lessons learned from LLP with me in evaluating precedents, drafting law review and publishing creative works. English studies will be the foundation of my skill.

Allisa Smith

The significance of Freshmen Composition

     On the day I observed Professor Marsha Williams’ classroom it was filled with students from the beginning to the very last row -- each with a will to learn.
     The lecture was rather interesting. Students were reading and analyzing poetry. However, I soon realized there was a disconnect between students and composition.
Robin Dickey, a Junior enrolled in Freshmen Comp 10101, explains why writing makes her feel uncomfortable.
     “Writing is like my kryptonite,” she says. “It’s like I have so much to say, but as soon as sit in front of a computer screen or began let my thoughts flow, I freeze up and my mind goes blank. If writing was as easy as a talking, I would become an award winning author overnight.”
     Of the obstacles facing her during the writing process, Dickey said her biggest concern in page count.

Prof. Marsha Williams and her Freshman Composition
students organize a Green Kabaret. Through it,
students research, write essays, and respond
creatively to environmental issues.

     “It’s very intimidating to hear that you must compose a five paper in which you have to argue a point or explain multiple points in great detail.” Dickey said.
     “Page counts really put a mental strain on students. We go from explaining our opinions on given course topics to saying any and every thing to fill up the pages. We use our best efforts to avoid plagiarism so relying on our own words can be a frustrating and has a negative effect on the writing process.”
    Dickey contends that if professors could give students examples of how to write a successful paper and/or a piece of literature for their class it would relive a lot pressure and produce better outcomes per assignment.
     In addition to writing samples, Williams has a host of creative tools to help her students develop their writing skills. As part of her teaching style, she combines creative writing with traditional composition development.  This helps students better appreciate the creative aspect of the writing process.
     “Teaching Freshman Composition is certainly a challenge” Williams said. Her goal is to help students step out of their comfort zone to try a new skill. “I love connecting with students who are sincere about the writing process.”

Allisa Smith, 21, is a model, journalist, poet, writer and future attorney  from Atlanta GA. She often writes about politics, black businesses, and HBCU news.  She is also heavily active at Tennessee State University where she studies Political Science and Mass Communications, and is a part of the executive boards of multiple campus Organizations. Smith takes great joy in serving as the Commissioner of Healthcare for the Tennessee Intercollegiate Legislature, drafting bills that tackle political issues in Tennessee. Smith simply defines herself as a small town girl who dreams of taking over the world.

WFP Series Vol. 5: A Sit Down with Dr. Philips

Students enrolled in Writing for Publication (Fall 2018) wrote and submitted blog stories related to the department. The fruits of those efforts will be published on our department blog every day during finals week.  The following story was written by Sincere Matthew Benton.

Sincere Matthew Benton

Why LLP is for Me: As far as my education and future career goes, LLP plays the second biggest role behind my understanding of the business world. The ability to convey a message that's convincing enough to persuade corporations to partner with me is crucial.

A Sit Down with Dr. Elaine Philips

     I recently had the pleasure of sitting down Dr. Elaine Philips, a creative writing instructor in LLP. We had an insightful conversation about the importance of fiction, experiences from our lives, and plans for the future.
     Fiction at TSU is a high priority according to Philips. “TSU needs to read fiction to understand the world around them and those who are different from them.” As our conversation continued I came to appreciate that Philips is one of the most passionate instructors at this institution. She

Dr. Elaine Philips

hopes to work here until she retires.
Her inspiration to teach comes from her students. She reflects back to students that she taught over the last decade who were resistant, at first, but became better writers and poets. The purpose of her class, she says, is for it to feel like a workshop. Students are not only graded on their work, but they also get insightful feedback so that they could become better writers.
One of the more insightful parts of our conversation was comparing her classes from when she first got to TSU to now. She said that in classes’ past there seemed to be a bit more excitement to learn.
Ultimately, Philips says that she’s enjoys her work TSU thus far. The college experience would be a lot more enjoyable and educational if all professors were like her.


Sincere Matthew Benton, 19,  hails from Atlanta, Georgia. Benton began writing at ten years old.  His goal is to become a renaissance man in the world of literature. In the future, Benton plans on becoming a published author and the owner of his own hotel franchise,

WFP Series Vol. 4: Gender Norms and Philosophy

Students enrolled in Writing for Publication (Fall 2018) wrote and submitted blog stories related to the department. The fruits of those efforts will be published on our department blog every day during finals week.  The following stories were written by Ashley Doxy.

Why LLP is for Me: LLP is not an easy program. It requires determination, zeal, hard work, attention to detail and sacrifice. You must be able to problem-solve and look at issues critically. If you fall, you must get back up. These characteristics are qualities needed when combating real-world issues. This program is preparing me for life outside of college. Whether in graduate school or a corporate position, LLP is providing me with the tools I need to identify, analyze, and solve problems.

Ashley Doxy

Gender Norms: What Are They?

     In an ever-evolving world, preconceived ideologies and beliefs about gender are now being tested. We often bear witness to ideas evolving or perishing. 
   Closely related to gender are gender norms. The United Nations Statistics Division defines gender norms as “Standards and expectations to which women and men generally conform, within a range that defines a particular society, culture and community at that point in time.”
     From a young age, youth perpetuate and conserve traditions and stereotypes that have been passed down for generations. Children are expected to behave, dress, or act a certain way because of their sex.
Dr. Jennifer Hayes, an English and Women's Studies professor at Tennessee State University, explains what

Dr. Jenifer Hayes

gender is and the expected roles that comes with it.
     “Gender is connected to connotations that we have about sex roles," Hayes says. "Think about social expectations and what we associate with what it means to be male or what it means to be female. Gender about performing those expected roles.” 
     There are many misconceptions one might have about gender and gender norms. Hayes explains that many people have a binary view of gender, when it is, non-binary because some people contain more than one sex.  “People can’t comprehend that gender is a social construction. They think it’s real.” 
     Punishment is another way to perpetuate gender norms, Hayes explains.  “Young children see models and can’t measure up and are chastised with negative affirmation when they are doing something outside of what is considered to be normal for that gender.”
     It is essential to be aware of societal issues because they seep through classroom walls and affect many, if not all students. Hayes says that in all of her classes she creates a space “where we’re looking at diverse works written by different kinds of people.”
     Hayes’s goal is focusing on uplifting and empowering her students and educating them on the human condition.  As one of the many LLP instructors who teach Women Studies, she hopes to help students become better citizens with dignity and compassion.

Philosophy as a Minor

     College is full of options regarding majors and minors for students to explore. It is easy for students to forget that they can minor in a subject that compliments their majors. Dr. Charles Edward Bowie, Philosophy and Religious Studies professor, gave substantial insight about philosophy and why it is a great option for a minor. 

Dr. Charles Bowie

     “Students need to identify and understand arguments and fallacies,” says Bowie. “Philosophy is necessary in Liberal Arts and Humanities. It is also necessary in Science research and education. It introduces students to culture studies and it intertwines with geography and religious studies, leading to sensitivity and understanding other cultures.” 
     When studying philosophy, you must get rid of preconceived ideas, principles, and beliefs and almost become “child-like,” as Bowie says. Philosophy enables us to “live in the imagination, opening our dispositions and helping us relax and play around. We must suspend all assumptions and not take things too seriously. Socrates and Plato are great examples of this.” 
     Philosophy is also about asking questions, which is something English majors must do to analyze and understand different texts. Philosophy is grounded in questions that students have the opportunity to explore and expand their perceived realities. 
     “Philosophy allows students to apply older texts to modern day. They are able to discern what questions the texts raise,” Bowie says. These are all tools that English majors must accomplish through their matriculation in college.
      Getting rid of biased dispositions, asking grounded questions, analyzing texts, and understanding that your conclusions could be wrong are all components that English majors should master. Philosophy is a great tool to help students accomplish these fundamental aspects of the English degree. 

Ashley Doxy is a senior an Tennessee State University who will graduate in May 2019. It was during her matriculation at TSU that she discovered through hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. “I think, therefore, I can,” is her life motto. Upon completion of undergrad, she aspires to be a fiction novelist and a YouTube blogger extraordinaire. 

WFP Series Vol. 3: NIA Grant and Queer Literature

Students enrolled in Writing for Publication (Fall 2018) wrote and submitted blog stories related to the department. The fruits of those efforts will be published on our department blog every day during finals week.  The following stories were written by Alldon Thompson. 

Congrats to Dr. Rebecca Dixon, recipient of NIA Grant

Dr. Rebecca Dixon

     Professor Rebecca Dixon received the NIA grant this semester, which allows educators time away from classrooms to focus on scholarship and academic works. It’s the first time it has been offered, so that’s another feat achieved by Professor Dixon.
     Dixon has worked at TSU for 14 years, and she specializes in a variety of subjects including: Post-Colonial, African, Diasporic Literature, and Gender Studies. She also serves as program coordinator for the Women’s Studies Program. The goal of that program is to help students understand  the complexity of gender identities and equality.
      Dixon plans on using her sabbatical to work on a book that covers all of Caryl Philips’ literature. Philips is an award-winning essayist and playwright.
      Congratulations, Professor Dixon, for your amazing achievement. The TSU family wishes you the best of luck on your upcoming book!

Queer African American Literature and Its Communal Teachings for TSU Students

   
     Queer African-American students are demanding inclusiveness, not just for campus life, but for course lessons as well. Some are feeling excluded from campus life, and truthfully, it's not because of their sexual preferences. The issue stalling communal growth is total inclusivity.  
     Jhalen Fears a student attending TSU stated, “When saying community, it’s not just subjected to social/racial injustice. LGBTQIA students want the student body to understand that they’re not accessories used to boost social rankings for organizations, especially after being judged and ignored once their communal goals are reached.” His statement affirms that the unification of all students should be promoted, but it’s pointless if it contradicts the principle of acceptance.
     If students need an escape from those forces, while also learning about themselves then they can turn to Queer African-American literature. Literature and art have always been a great escape for marginalized communities. It allows them the opportunity to express themselves.
      This self-awakening information teaches students the importance of community. Best explained in Mind Your Own Life: The Journey Back to Love by Aaron Anson, “When we allow our egos to wish harm and despair for others, the lapse in our judgment is made apparent. The notion that somehow there is less available for us, because someone else has received something that we desire, has to be banished” (116).
     It’s important to categorize gender expression as a commonality for most students. Reading queer literature can help students better understand what they have in common.  It could be a form of psychological role play for all students. The implication is that it allows experimentation to be a form of self-exploration.
     Fears says, “yes, the tension between queer and hetero students gets catty at times… in part mis-education playing a key role.” He adds, “Incorporating queer literature in part could open a whole new door… all students could learn a little bit more about themselves.”


Alldon Thompson is a sophomore at Tennessee State University. His year of anticipated graduation is in 2021. He is a double major, majoring in Economics and Finance/ Mass Communication. His career plans involve continuing school and obtaining his master’s in Business Economics, eventually working for or starting a Finance Agency.

WFP Series Vol. 2: Foreign Language & Adolescent Literature

Students enrolled in Writing for Publication (Fall 2018) wrote and submitted blog stories related to the department. The fruits of those efforts will be published on our department blog every day during finals week.  The following stories were written by Barbara Olivis.

Why LLP is for Me:  I would not have the proper tools to succeed without the English classes I have taken here at Tennessee State University. With my career of choice being rooted in professional writing, I am already getting experience in my academic classes that can help me with in that pursuit. The exposure that I have gotten with both reading and writing literature in class will serve as a working example that I will continue to build upon in my career. There is no doubt in my mind that once I delve deeper into my writing career that I am going to realize that LLP has prepared me and impacted me even more than I am already aware.

Barbara Olivis

For The Love of Linguistics—Flourish Foreign Language
   
     Imagine going to the non-English speaking foreign country of your dreams and being fully emerged in their culture. You can probably picture yourself wearing their attire, eating their food, and doing their dances. But, everything goes blank when you get to the whole language barrier part (give or take the few bits of language you might have picked up from watching Dora the explorer.)
     You may find yourself thinking “If only there were subtitles in real life.” Well, have no fear foreign language is here, and it is here at Tennessee State University.
     The Language, Literature, and Philosophy department offers various foreign language classes that range from beginner to intermediate. French and Spanish courses are paired with a multitude of different clubs and opportunities to strengthen what students have already learned in class. The Foreign Language table is one of the initiatives designed to keep foreign language learners linguistically leveled with both French and Spanish speakers having a day to let loose with linguistic leisure.
      “I believe that any language will open your mind even a little bit to other cultures. It will make you think

Dr. Roxane Pajoul

differently.” French professor Roxane Pajoul says. “I think that if as many students as possible are exposed to that, then something will switch in their brains. It can change people’s minds, our ways of thinking, and long term, I think it can even have some impact on our politics. I do believe that every major should take a foreign language, even just for a semester, because it can really make a small difference.”
      Learning a new language will set a person ahead in more ways than one.  Notably, it grants foreign language speakers with cultural tools as well as linguistic ones. In Pajoul’s French class, students learn about how the French have several different categorizations and levels to what they consider or do not consider a friend. This is particularly interesting after one takes into account the contrasting narrative in America, where someone met yesterday can be referred to as a “friend.”
     Differences like this show that language is often cultural. Words change and are shaped by socialization, and this may be no more obvious than when someone uses the wrong term in a different language. Language is especially important because communication would be nearly impossible without it.
It is impossible to fully experience a foreign country without knowing the language because of the fact that there is a dire piece missing; the heart of the country: language. Language is the tool that we use to see beyond ourselves and exchange ideas and beliefs. How well rounded can we call ourselves if our only dialogues are shared with those that share the same language as us?
The answer is simple; we can’t. Language is a bridge that connects human beings and provides them with tools to look beyond what they see. If there is no context behind a subject then it is just a string of words. Being well rounded requires more than sticking to what is familiar to you and language is one of the first things we learn how to distinguish.

Adolescent Literature and How It Shapes Who We Are.Lessons Learned in Literature

Do you remember crowding at your teachers feet during storytime in grade school? You and all the other children wide eyed and amazed at how everything in the story seeming true and possible? There is a reason that some memories probably rush to your brain.
The books we read in adolescence tend to be the books that we remember for the rest of our lives. Books that wowed us, inspired us or even drove us up the wall with annoyance when we were younger have a huge impact on our lives with this often being the first time we are introduced to more complex ideas.
       “I think adolescent literature is some of the most important reading in your life because once you’re 20, 25 your identity is fixed, you’re kind of who you are, but when you are 6, 7, or 8 you’re still forming,” Adolescent Literature professor Philip M. Shafer says. “We use adolescent literature to teach people how to read, and how to decode meaning, and how to decide what makes a boy, a boy, a girl, a girl and a grownup a grownup and other parts of identity.”

Dr. Philip M. Shafer

Adolescent literature is crucial to society because of the fact that it is the gateway to education. Literature learned at such a young age teaches children not only how to read, but also how to think in a way that is considered socially acceptable to whatever society the literature is being read in. “Any kind of language we give to children influences who they end up becoming and it influences how they can express themselves.” Shafer informs.
     Adolescent literature and Children’s literature go hand in hand with each other. “Children’s literature is considered literature fit for ages from birth to age 7, and adolescent literature starts around age 8 and stops around the age of 13” Shafer says.
     He goes on to inform about how at different ages we read various forms of literature and it has more of an impact on us than what we think when we are reading these novels. It is important to know the impact of literature around these ages so we can gage the appropriate forms of literature to expose to children.
Even though the common readers of Adolescent literature are teenagers it is important to note that adults read these novels too. Sometimes adolescent literature is not even written with the purpose of being distributed among the youth, sometimes adults just decide that certain books hold attributes that align with what we think children should know.
  “We have to recognize that we are not just giving children books to keep them entertained, they aren’t just learning what a story is.” Shafer says with passion. “They are learning how to behave based on the things they read, they are learning how language works, and they are learning how to think.” The distinction between reading for fun and reading to learn is blurred when one considers the fact that something can be picked up from the literature whether it is conscious learning or not.
Children’s Literature and Adolescent literature are both two separate courses offered in the English Department. There is not a minor for either one of these subjects at the moment, but these classes are available for those interested in studying the impact of learning at a young age.

Barbara Olivis is an English major from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She aspires to be a professional writer within the genres of poetry and fiction. Olivis has appreciation for Science Fiction, she hopes to someday turn her novels into movies and to direct a film. She expects to graduate in 2019.

WFP Series Vol. 1: The State of the Department

Students enrolled in Writing for Publication (Fall 2018) wrote and submitted blog stories related to the department. The fruits of those efforts will be published on our department blog every day during finals week.  The first installment is from our very own social intern Lynne Barras.

Why LLP is for Me: Writing has always been an outlet for me. Since I was a young child, I was fascinated by the way authors captured my attention with their masterful use of language. I feel that Literature, Language, and Philosophy has only enhanced both my fascination with the way we use language and my understanding of how language has evolved and how it can continue to evolve. Examining the way we use language also allows me to understand more about general human behavior and cultural behaviors. I feel this new understanding will allow me to further my ideal career as a fiction writer.

Tarrolyn “Lynne” Barras

The State of The Department is Good

     The Language, Literature, and Philosophy Department has a few problems facing it. The department suffers a great deal from the general curse of not being based in science, technology, engineering, or math (S.T.E.M).
     Even the department’s head, Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, expresses some exasperation on this point, “We all suffer that ‘Oh humanities, you’re not engineering, you’re not STEM, so how do you fit?’”
     To be perfectly fair, that’s not a bad question to ask. On the surface, anyone could argue that learning about dead writers and old books or whatever it is philosophy teaches isn’t directly applicable to the real world.

      However, the focus of the department isn’t just to have its students know that James Baldwin is a writer. Morgan-Curtis declares the main goal of the department, “What we are trying to work on now is understanding that we are a very good service department.” The prize hidden at the bottom of the LLP cereal box is what Morgan-Curtis refers to as “transferable skills.”
      Morgan-Curtis attests to the value of these skills based on the testimonies of STEM students, “They will

Morgan-Curtis

say close reading and writing are skills they also need to succeed.” Morgan-Curtis could not overstate the benefits of critical thinking and writing well.
      However, she also hit on the topic of language, hinting at how behind the United States is in terms of being fluently bilingual.
       These are the skills that are most overlooked by STEM focused people and also some of the most valuable skill sets to employers in a global market. Morgan-Curtis also stressed the importance of the LLP department’s skill set prepping students for graduate school. She reminds all that life requires more than just technical knowledge. It must incorporate all that one learns in college.
      She hopes to spread these skills and incorporate them into the learning tracks of all other majors, making TSU’s students more valuable on a global scale.
      Aside from working on the brand of the department, Dr. Morgan-Curtis seemed optimistic for the current and future status of the department. She cites the hard work of her staff in not only elevating the academic status of the university, but also in involving the school in the greater community.

Tarrolyn “Lynne” Barras is a senior English major, slated for graduation in May of 2019. After graduating from Tennessee State, she aims to enter a Creative Writing Masters Program. There, she will continue to work toward her dream of becoming a published fiction writer..

Push for Diversity in Graduate School Programs

My Visit to Virginia Tech

By Lynne Barras

   On October 14^th and 15th, I had the pleasure of being one of three English majors representing TSU at Virginia Tech’s third annual HBCU/MSI Research Summit. I was joined by India Hunter, English major and De’ Ja Gooch, English/ History double major. The summit caters to students of HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutes (MSI) in an effort to attract more diverse and qualified students to their graduate programs. In addition to introducing us to the students and teachers of their various programs, Virginia Tech provided us with housing and meals free of charge. Overall, I found the program informative, particularly the session devoted to helping us learn about the school’s application process. I also felt that the staff and faculty were excited to have us there and even more eager to see us apply.

   However, I am sad to say that we were some of the only students representing any liberal arts majors. As a result, we felt as though we saw less of what the university had to offer us as English majors, and the affair felt less organized on our end. On the upside, I did get the opportunity to connect with Dr. Gena Chandler-Smith, who serves as director of the Masters of English department and offered to put me in touch with the head of the MFA program. Regardless of the little bumps, the experience was wonderful. I encourage students and teachers to be on the lookout for more chances to do the same at other schools.

Major Revelations: Finding Your Best Self in Your Humanities Major

One of the hardest decisions a college student will have to make is on their major. Regardless of classification, the pursuit of the perfect major can seem maddening. So when the school had its major fair on September 19^th, I went to hear how the faculty and staff had come to their own decisions. One of the voices I found was that of Ms. Trena Barksdale, who works the director of undergraduate studies in TSU’s College of business. Ms. Barksdale reminisced on previous concerns she had when choosing her major, “The hardest part was making the decision.” From the advice I collected from Ms. Barksdale and others managing booths at the fair, I complied five key questions you should ask yourself when you pick a major.

1.      What do you love?

“If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” My mother used to say this every single time I asked what should I be when I get a job. Everyone I spoke with echoed these same sentiments, but none said them as beautifully as Dr. Kimberly Triplett of the Urban Studies Department, “I would say to the students that they’re passionate about, something that keeps you fueling that keeps you going.”

2.      What might you like?

Most people know what they like, but you should always be open to trying something new. Barksdale says, “When you go to college, you want to experience everything. Anything you can get ahold of, because you find out ‘Hey I really do enjoy this.’” She encourages students to take different electives because you never know what you may find.

3.      What are you good at?

You can love to do something and be total garbage at it. I love reading comic and drawing, but I have no talent for consistency needed to enter that the art department of any comic book company. What I am good at is writing. That’s why I choose English as my major. If you’re really good at writing code, then you may want to consider computer science. If you want to succeed, then you should start with what you can hone. Don’t use your major to complete reinvent yourself. Work with your strengths and those grades will work with you.

4.      What do you want to do with your life?

While in many cases people may end up in a career that seems to have nothing to do with their major, that’s usually a surface issue. For instance, one might think that in order to become a marketing expert they only need to choose a business major. However, on closer inspection, an English major may serve them just as well. Dr. Erik Schmeller defended majors in the Humanities by pointing out, “Most liberal arts majors, history included- English, communications – it’s more about skills as opposed to you can recite who was at the signing of the Declaration.”  Thinking that way, what’s the English major if not constantly making an agreement and attempting to persuade another to think as they do. So, be sure to always think critically about what aspects of a major or majors can best push you towards an end goal.

5.      Are you up for grad school?

The reality of trying to find work in your field also depends a great deal on how far you are willing to take your education. No one is going to become a doctor without going to Medical School. Few English majors will be able to advance in their careers without even higher education. On the other hand, you may be able to pass by as a computer science major with a certification. Take the need for a masters or doctorate to work in that field into consideration as well.

Written by Lynne Barras

The Firey Souls of LLP

I became an honorary member of Soul Fire!

     Do you have a passion for poetry? Slam or classic? Are you a poet searching for a group of like-minded students to help you develop your craft? Are you looking for a healthy outlet for all that emotion building up in your soul? Then, do I have the scoop for you! Allow me to highlight the passionate members of TSU’s spoken word poets. 
      Under the tutelage of Dr. Michelle Pinkard and Tia Smedly,a poet mentor from Southern Word, the members of Soul Fire hold weekly meetings, every Wednesday at 5 PM in Davis Humanities room 103. Their first meeting was last Wednesday. 
     Dr. Pinkard focuses on poetry of the page while Ms. Smedley specializes in performance skill. Of course, anyone interested in poetry is welcome to attend these meetings. I can attest to the fact that newcomers can expect as warm a reception as long time members. From the moment I walked into the room, I was met with wild enthusiasm and excitement. The legitimate power that you will encounter in these meetings is nothing to shake your finger at. 
     I was left in awe by the beautiful tapestries of words they produced in the first thirty minutes of brainstorming. Watching the intense focus and concentration radiate from ever person in the room was awe-inspiring. Even I was tempted to write a little. I encourage all of you to keep an eye out at this year’s oratorical contest for a peek at some of their talent.
   If you’re a budding poet who still experiences a good amount of shyness when sharing your work, I cannot stress enough the importance of the kind support this group offers. At the same time, the group, especially its professional mentors, is also adept in providing the kind of constructive criticism more experienced poets crave.  
     Learn more about the grouip by viewing:Soul Fire Mini-Documentary Or, visit their facebook page by clicking here I Want to Write Student Organizations.

Written by: Lynne Barras

Meet Our New Social Media Intern - Fall 2018

Tarrolyn Barras

Good morning, afternoon, or night to you -- whenever you’re checking out this post! My name is Tarrolyn Brielle Barras, but henceforth you will see me referred to as Lynne. I am the new Social Media Intern here on beautiful Tennessee State University’s Language, Literature, and Philosophy blog.

I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, but Nashville has become as much my home in these past couple of years. I am an English major, graduating this coming May of 2019. My short term goals are as follows:

1.      Bring you quality content that will enrich you in some shape or form.
2.      Write. For an audience of not just teachers.
3.      Strive for that perfect 4.0 GPA this and every semester.
4.      Get into somebody’s “paid for” Graduate program. 

My long term goal is to become a successful writer who inspires others to be the positive change they want in the world.

What I really want to see is engagement from all of you. Be ye teacher, student (current or prospective), or alumni, I want to engage you.  We will explore what is happening around campus, and what’s going on in the LLP world. I hope for some intriguing responses, and that you enjoy what you see from me this semester. I intend to give you 210% and to make you all proud.

End of the Year: Events and Preparing for Finals

(Sigma Tau Delta inductees from L to R)
Raven Davis; Tarrolyn Barras: India Hunter:
Chandler Wilson: Trelani Green 

     April was a busy time for the LLP department.  First, we held our fourth installment of the "I Want to Write Poetry Conference."  This two-day workshop series and poetry festival honors poetry month through free, one-hour poetry and spoken word workshops. This year's theme -- Resistance and Representation:  the Aesthetics of Advocacy -- was a reflection of our current political climate, said event organizer Dr. Michelle Pinkard.  "This year's theme, and the goal behind the series, is to encourage attendees to see their poetry and their voice as an agent for change." 

     That event included the final installment of the Black Film Series, which was a screening and discussion of the film School Daze. Participants had a lively discussion that explored issues of race on an HBCU campus.  As this year marks the 30th anniversary of the film, there was much opportunity for comparison. 

Dr. Chris Field

     LLP also held its induction ceremony for Sigma Tau Delta.  As one of the participants, I was honored to be a part of it. After the ceremony, there was a reception where students were able to mingle with faculty like the event organizer Dr. Cindy Murillo and our department chair Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis.  We played games and ate cake. Fun was had by all!

      But now it is time to get serious. Finals are around the corner, and papers are due. Fortunately, Dr. Field, an LLP a professor, has a simple solution to acing your finals and coming out on top. He offers this sage advice:

      "My advice would be simple: Form a study group with others in the class. This can help students compare notes with others and to talk about the material in a way that parallels the classroom environment. This, of course, would not apply to situations where students are given a take-home final or where they are working on papers, as this may lead to instances of plagiarism. However, in situations where students are preparing for an in-class final exam, a study group can be invaluable”

A few other common tips for preparing for your finals are:

1. Organize- Organize the materials that you are going to study and put a time limit on how long you will study specific materials.

2. Nourishment- This tip is ancient, but eat something before the test to give yourself energy. You do not want to fall asleep during your exam and you will require maximum alertness. 

3. Positivity- Go into the exam with a positive mindset. If you have prepared and studied, then you can confidently ace your final exam.

May the Odds Be Forever In You Favor! Happy Testing!!

Chandler Wilson

A Conversation with Dr. Bowie: The Passing of Dr. James Montmarquet and the State of the Philosophy Department

Dr. James Montmarquet

I recently caught up with Dr. Charles Bowie, a Philosophy professor in our Language, Literature, and Philosophy Department. We discussed many things concerning the Philosophy facet of the department.

The passing of Dr. Montmarquet was devastating and he will be greatly missed by many who knew him.  Dr. Bowie explained that Dr. Montmarquet was more than a colleague, he was a friend.  “He was a great mentor and he always had your back,” he said. 

Dr. Bowie met Dr. Montmarquet at Vanderbilt University while he was a graduate student in 2002. He credits some of the foundations of his teaching at Tennessee State University to Dr. Montmarquet. Dr. Bowie said he personally will miss the intellectual conversations they had pertaining to philosophy and religion. 

Dr. Charles Bowie

Dr. Montmarquet has been in the Philosophy Department for a span of 31 years and his favorite courses to teach were Introduction to Philosophy, even though he specialized in Logic. "He felt that if he had sparked one person’s interest in Philosophy that he had done his job," Dr. Bowie said. 

Dr. Bowie would like to continue to build on this legacy by making the Philosophy minor stronger for interested TSU students. He wants to continue efforts that he and Dr. Montmarquet started, such as expanding the minor, creating more upper division Philosophy courses, and offering more religious studies classes. 

Dr. Bowie is currently teaching two Introduction to Philosophy courses, a Religious Studies course, and Special Topics: Black Comics and Graphic Novels with Dr. Field.  Eventually, Dr. Bowie would like to integrate more literature into the Philosophy courses that he teaches to improve the structure of the curriculum. 

Learn more about Dr. James Montmarquet (excerpt from obituary)

Dr. James Montmarquet

Dr. James Montmarquet taught at Tennessee State University in Nashville from 1986 to 2017, and was dedicated to both the field of philosophy and his students. He specialized in the Philosophy of Religion, Theory of Knowledge, and Moral and Analytic Philosophy. He authored three books, Epistemic Virtue and Doxastic Responsibility, Conversations on Moral Issues, and The Idea of Agrarianism. He co-authored Reflections: An Anthology of African American Philosophy with William H. Hardy.  Dr. Montmarquet wrote numerous articles and reviews for professional journals and publications, and was the recipient of many grants and awards.

In addition to teaching and writing, Jim was an avid runner, cyclist, and swimmer. During his time as an assistant professor at Washington State University in the late 1980s, Jim established a baseball league with the neighborhood children. He had the only lawn in town with designated bases and a pitcher’s mound. He was loved by all of the children there. He was a member of the Nashville Striders for many years, and enjoyed running 5Ks with his son, Michael.

Jim was blessed with a great sense of humor and the ability to tell a captivating story. He also possessed a robust memory and could recall minutia from books read long ago, as easily as he could recall stories from his childhood.

Fight of Flight: Post Midterm Survival Guide

I recently caught up with LLP Interim Department Chair Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis to receive Five Tips to turn the semester around if you have failed one or more of your midterm exams.  Her was her advice:

Dr. Samantha Morgan Curtis
LLP Interim Dept. Chair

1^st Meet with the Professor- Ideally if you have not met up with your professor, this is the time to confront those grades head on. Many of us need to see reports of progress before we discuss grades. Make an appointment and honestly let the instructor know that you are willing and ready to turn this grade around. When meeting with your professor admit to the weaknesses and get tips on how to proceed in the class.

2^nd Grade Algebra is Key- All professors provide a break down of their grading systems. Do the calculations and be realistic on what can be done to continue in this class. It is hard to drop classes when financial and academic standing comes in to play.

3^rd Impact of University Standing- If you realize that you can not get through the class with a passing average, it’s time to talk to your advisor. There are many options and a few outcomes, which include dropping a class. Be cautious in dropping classes as there are often university requirements and scholarship obligations to consider. Dropping a class only means taking it again if it is academically required for graduation.

4^th Decisions- So you have talked to your professor and advisor about your fate in the class, and you have decisions to make; Flight or Fight! You have decided to fight and continue in the course, its time to look at your resources. As a student, there are many options for help on TSU’s campus such as: office hours to receive help from your professor, Tiger Tutoring, the Write Center, and much more. Students pay for these sources!! Be sure to get the most bang out of your buck!

5^th Time Management and Study Habits- Analyze what was going on in your first attack and make changes in your strategies for the second half of the course. Take more time to study and stay organized.

Good luck Tigers.  

Chandler Wilson

*PS, Don't forget to Mark Your Calendar with some rather cool events being hosted by LLP faculty:

- This Friday (3/23), The Black Film Series is screening and discussing  Higher Learning at 10a, in Poag Auditorium.
-  Next Friday (3/30), The Gay Straight Alliance is screening and discussion The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson at 10a, Humanities 113. 

P.R.I.D.E. Ally Training

     The Gay and Straight Alliance will partner with Vanderbilt in conducting P.R.I.D.E. Training at Tennessee State University.  It will be the first GSA activity on campus since October 2014. 

   

Dr. Jill Anderson

   Dr. Jill Anderson, a professor in the English Department, explained that P.R.I.D.E. stands for Pursuing Respect Inclusion Diversity and Equity. She is the facilitator for this event; she and administrators have been working diligently to make this program possible and to provide a place to “help students find each other.”
     The training session will educate participants on issues and resources regarding the LGBTQ community. At the meeting, there will be exercises and information available for people who may not be as knowledgeable on LGBT terminology and laws in the United States, Tennessee, and Nashville. Also, effective communication will be discussed.

    Notably, this specific program encourages the support and knowledge of all LGBT individuals. Anderson said the program is about promoting and creating safe spaces for students to "truly be themselves." 

    Arguably, this program is long overdue here at TSU. Vanderbilt has conducted these workshops all over the city. Anderson contends that the training will be a valuable addition to GSA efforts on campus. 

     This training program is open to all administrators, professors, and students. For more information on this program, and other GSA programs, visit the GSA Web Page.  Training will be held between 1-4p, on Feb. 28, in the SSC119H. For more information, contact Dr. Jill Anderson. 

I hope to see you there. 

Chandler Wilson 

Black Film Series is Back!

Dr. Hayes presents Dope

Every semester the English, Women Studies, and History Departments team up to review and examine Black cinema. The Black Film Series Screening has a new theme that is very relevant to this campus and the experiences of the students here at Tennessee State University. This semester's theme is Race in Academia, and in this cycle of films race will be analyzed in all stages of Education. 

Every semester, the goal of the film series is to choose black motion pictures that display a positive representation of African American culture, and it often address issues in our society. I caught up with Dr. Jennifer Hayes, and we discussed the objective and purposes of presenting Race in Academia to the Tennessee State University campus. She says the Black Film Series committee was  searching for films that had relevance to a HBCU (Historical Black College and University) student in particular. 

Tigers who showed up to watch Dope

The film series started with Dope on Feb. 16th; this movie focused of race in high schools. Higher Learning is the second film and it displays race challenges for African Americans in a predominantly white school. The last film, School Daze, explores race relations at a HBCU. Dr. Hayes points out that the goal of this particular film series is:

“To consider race in a broad way, and think of how their educational experience is framing their understanding of race, and how different settings

with educational spaces can offer different type of experiences and understanding in race and race problems.”   

The event will take place on three different days and it will start at 10 am in the POAG Auditorium in Humanities. There will be a discussion after the screening and light refreshments that movie watchers can enjoy!!! Everyone is welcome, Students, Faculty, and Friends.   

Enjoy!

Chandler Wilson