General

Remembering Dr. M. P. A. Sheaffer

Dr. M.P.A. Sheaffer passed away last week, and we take this moment to honor her legacy in the English & World Languages Department. She was a distinguished faculty member of Millersville University’s English Department who dedicated 52 years to teaching students and sharing her knowledge of literature and the arts. Her legacy continues through the Dr. M.P.A. Sheaffer Academic Excellence Scholarship Endowment for the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. Dr. Sheaffer was honored with the 50-Year Marauder Milestone in 2017.

In the wake of this news, many of Dr. Sheaffer’s colleagues offered memorable stories and remembrance. Dr. Elizabeth Mutzabaugh shared “[Dr. Sheaffer] always prefaced her commentary to students about a place she was describing with “When you go…” not “If you go…” so we all felt like we would see the world someday.” Dr. Nicole Pfannenstiel remembered “Dr. Sheaffer attended a dinner while I was interviewing for the position. She was determined I would leave the interview understanding how to correctly say Lancaster.” Finally, Dr. Mando shared “I remember during the first year that I worked at Millersville, she came to one of our faculty readings led by Bill Archibald. She read a sonnet from Shakespeare and a sonnet of her own. I recall the pleasant presence she had in that space as she was reading her own work and clearly enjoying the writing of her colleagues.”

D. Sheaffer began her own academic journey at Shippensburg University in her hometown, where she majored in English. From there, she moved to New Orleans to earn both her master’s and doctorate in English at Tulane University. Her quest for knowledge then took her to Florence, Italy, where she earned a master’s in art history from Rosary College at Villa Schifanoia. She also pursued a master’s in Humanities at New York University, followed by a certificate in English language teaching at Marble Arch Language Center in London. Dr. Sheaffer’s journey reflects her commitment to broadening her academic horizons and deepening her expertise in a variety of disciplines.

In a 2016 interview, Dr. Sheaffer said that she believes that “the Humanities are intertwined with music, history, science, literature and art”. One of her favorite classes was Humanities 300 which is a combination of literature, art, and music. She loved the music of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky as well as Shakespeare and the Victorian period. Dr. Sheaffer was also a poet and especially enjoyed the works of Dante Gabriel Rossetti. She authored several collections, including Moonrocks and Metaphysical Turnips, Lacquer Birds and Leaves of Brass, and Paths, published in England in 2000. As a member of the Pennsylvania Poetry Society, Poetry Society of America and the American Academy of Poets her love for poetry was evident in her contributions. Dr. Sheaffer’s love of music led her to sing with the Richmond Hille Chorale and the Canterbury Chorale Society.

Dr. Shaeffer will be remembered for her love and knowledge of music, literature and poetry as well as her contributions to the English Department at Millersville University over her many years of service.

General

Building a Rock Solid Thesis Defense

While the majority of your research, writing, and creation will be completed by the time you are ready to defend, this final step to thesis completion can still feel intimidating. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a rock solid defense.

Support Your Peers

If you can, attend another student’s defense. This will allow you to not only support your fellow students but also have an idea of what to expect when it is time for your own defense. Understand that the decision to invite others is up to each student and while having a crew of friends, family, and scholars can be helpful moral support for some, you know yourself best and having an audience beyond your committee members is not necessary.

Focus on Your Process

This is an opportunity for you to share some background on your process and how you arrived to this moment. You can start with the big picture of what has drawn you to study ENWL. This could include autobiographical details about your interest or experience on your given topic that can help you explain why you chose to study what you’ve chosen and why you used the methods that you did. Providing these details about your journey through your project, and even what you chose to exclude from it, can add helpful context for your committee to situate your thesis in the discipline and your ongoing progress as a scholar.

Be Ready to Acknowledge Gaps

There is always more to learn, more to think about, and more work to be done. A thesis project, even at the Masters level, will only capture a portion of the possible directions humanities research can go. Chances are that one of your committee members or guests is going to ask a question or propose a suggestion that is either beyond the scope of your project or a whole new perspective to consider. Either way, you can acknowledge the novelty of their idea and state how it could be included in future directions for either yourself or other researchers.

Ask the Experts

You probably selected your committee members for their relevant research experience so your defense is a unique opportunity to get feedback from them on how your project fits into their understanding of the field. While your defense is definitely a time to highlight your own contributions, asking questions to your committee can help them see that you are prepared to embrace other perspectives and have considered how their research could alter or expand the conclusions you found in your project.

Celebrate!

Recognize how far you’ve come! Your project is years in the making and it is worthwhile to take a breath and remember how much it has changed and grown from its first inception. Walking through your progress can also help refresh your project in your own mind as you prepare to share your process. Did you present or publish part of this work? Has this project influenced an activity you do in your classroom or community? Talk about it! Showing how this work is having an impact beyond degree completion can be a great way to communicate the salience of your project to a wider network of scholars.

 

And remember to keep your “coal,” your defense isn’t all “ore” nothing – if changes are needed your committee may give you an opportunity to refine your work before your final version is accepted. Don’t be afraid to ask for “assi-stones” and you’ll do a “marble-ous” job.

Good luck:)

 

EAPSU

EAPSU REFLECTION from Alumni blue Guckert

EAPSU REFLECTION

by blue Guckert

The English Association of Pennsylvania State Universities (EAPSU) conference came to Millersville University on Friday October 18th and Saturday October 18th 2024 and was a uniform success. Special thanks to professors Dr. Nicole Pfannenstiel and Dr. Emily Baldys and graduate assistant Becca Betty and the Millersville University student volunteers for organizing the incredible event. The theme of the conference was Inclusive Stories, Writing for Change and the program was kicked off with a behind the curtains peek at writers and illustrators Ari Pluchinsky and Sam Bowen’s craft and method exploring their webcomic called Woodlands and a graphic novel called Goldfinch. Sam Bowen invited us along for an illuminating journey of their creative process highlighting touchstones and challenges moving from initial idea to getting something, sometimes anything, onto the page. The crisp and loaded, seventy-five minute presentation included a Q &A and creative exercises and fostered an air of community that became a palpable source of energy that fueled the two-day event. The three Friday afternoon panels ran concurrently and were chaired by Millersville University’s own Dr. Caleb Corkery and Dr. Emily Baldys and Dr. Nancy K. Pearson from West Chester University. 

Friday evening’s Keynote Speaker, which gave off the atmospheric warmth of a fireside conversation between author and poet Kate Baer and Dr. Baldys was hosted on the wide yet intimate McComsey 260 auditorium stage. Kate Baer is a 3x New York Times bestselling author of What Kind Of Woman, I Hope This Finds You Well, & And Yet. Her work has also been published in The New Yorker, Literary Hub, Huffington Post and The New York Times. After a brief introduction and rousing case for the humanities from Dr. Ieva Zake, Dean College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Kate Baer and Dr. Baldys engaged in a sprawling dialogue about Kate’s work, her divine and not so divine inspirations, sometimes born out of love and joy and family and sometimes born out of toxic masculine cruelty. Kate Baer’s acerbic wit and laser tuned intellect were on full display giving little doubt as to why she has become such a successful writer. The keynote conversation was followed by an open mic at Lancaster city’s own Pocket Books bookstore.

Saturday’s schedule was full with 4 concurrent sessions covering topics from Creative Searches for Connection and Identity to Feminism and Literature through a roundtable focused on the Engage for Change Journal and presentations and discussions on Critical Media Analysis through a Disability Studies lens. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the latter two discussions as both an observer and presenter respectively. The Engage for Change discussion facilitated by Dr. Kerrie Farkas was a full conference circle moment for me as the community aspect of the conference, as initiated by  Ari Pluchinsky and Sam Bowen’s author talk and workshop, was punctuated by a group of students and faculty being vulnerable together talking earnestly about mental health challenges. This conversation was less about targeted solutions and more a showcase for solidarity. A low-key secondary theme of the conference on full display as a focus on the process and journey and community rather than any singular result. But also, as a result the conference as a whole was wildly successful and I was grateful to have been a wee part of it. 

 

Uncategorized

Faculty Feature: Dr. Marco Antolin

Dr. Marco Antolin is an Associate Professor of World Languages. His background is in English and Comparative Literature with degrees from the University of Valladolid (Spain) and Catholic University. While he doesn’t have a favorite course to teach, Dr. Antolin enjoys teaching language classes as well as history and literature courses. With expertise in the influence of Spanish Literature and History on American Contemporary Literature, Dr. Antolin draws from a wealth of knowledge and research experience that he readily shares with his students.

Some of Dr. Antolin’s favorite authors include Fyodor Dostoevsky, Albert Camus, Milan Kundera and Gabriel García Márquez.

You can check out some works by these authors from the McNairy Library by clicking on the links below:

Fyodor Dostoevsky – Crime and Punishment

Albert Camus – The Stranger

Milan Kundera – The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Gabriel García Márquez – One Hundred Years of Solitude

In addition to teaching, Dr. Antolin also works with students to create study-abroad opportunities. Working with students in this capacity can be very rewarding as “studying abroad is one of the most exciting experiences a student can have. Just to be able to help the student in the process is gratifying but the moment everything is ready is special.”

What does it mean to Dr. Antolin to be an English and World Languages Scholar?

“It means a real honor. To be part of a group of smart and hard-working colleagues and students who love the humanities is a blessing.”

 

General

Faculty Feature: Dr. Jill Craven

Dr. Jill Craven (she/her) is a Professor of Film Studies and Coordinator of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. As an undergrad, she received her BS in Math/Computer Science from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill then completed her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from UNC-Chapel Hill. With her expertise focusing on 20th century fiction films and her background in comparative lit, some of her favorite courses to teach include Comparative Literature (ENGL 431) and Film and American Society (ENGL 482) which is being offered next semester – Spring 2025 (CRN 14803).

One of her favorite books to teach is Absalom, Absalom!, a novel by William Faulkner, “because the narrative is so complex and so reflective of our complex national identity.” You can check it out from McNairy here.

What does it mean to Dr. Craven to be an English & World Languages Scholar?

“Being an ENWL scholar enables you to explore aspects of our cultures and our selves that make us human–our thoughtful, artistic inquiries into the big questions of life. These questions help us understand the aspects of living that make life meaningful, and, through that, help us set priorities for engaged and fulfilling lives. Such explorations help us understand differences better, and often foster empathy, an ability that improves our prospects of peace and kindness in our world.”

 

 

Conferences, EAPSU

EAPSU 2024 Reflections

On October 18th and 19th, Millersville University hosted the 2024 English Association of Pennsylvania State Universities (EAPSU) Conference. Students, Faculty, and community members gathered to celebrate and share projects related to the theme: Inclusive Stories, Writing for Change. Please enjoy Alumni Megan Tyson’s reflection on the event and the photographic journey below!

EAPSU Experience 

By Megan Tyson 

This year, the English Association of the Pennsylvania State Universities (EAPSU) 2024 conference took place on Millersville University’s campus, gathering college students and educators from across the state. As an English teacher who spends much of her time working with the field of English within the high school classroom, it was a refreshing experience to be able to learn from and discuss all things within the English field with those who are outside of the K-12 classroom. 

Friday’s events, consisting of a graphic novel workshop and a poet as a keynote speaker, were all things that I usually wouldn’t choose for myself. However, after listening to a graphic novelist share how they work through their creative process from start to finish, and then being able to try it with them in the room was an interesting experience, which gave me ideas for my own students. Like many others, I typically shy away from poetry. But, in her keynote address, 3x New York Times bestselling author of What Kind of Woman, I Hope This Finds You Well, & And Yet, Kate Baer said that “Poetry is boiled down storytelling,” and I’ve been thinking about everything that encompasses ever since. She was a dynamic choice; raw, real, and relatable with everything shared, giving me a new perspective on poetry. Being able to have her sign my book and meet her was an added bonus. 

Saturday was full of roundtables and individual presentations. I had two “firsts” this weekend; presenting solo and being the chair of sessions. Presenting my ideas to this type of audience was nerve wracking and comforting at the same time. I was unsure how the audience would receive my points regarding dystopian uniforms and school uniforms, but afterward, an audience member came to speak with me about my points personally. Each of the sessions I attended or chaired were excellently put together, making it easy to find compelling connections and common themes across presenters. From situations like presenting and chairing, getting involved in and learning from the larger English community, the more I value being able to discuss, share, and present ideas with others. Leaving Saturday, I felt inspired to get back into my own research and writing I’ve been wanting to do. EAPSU reminded me of the importance of staying connected to the larger field of English, stepping outside of my comfort zone, and why I should keep sharing and pursuing interests within the greater community. 

Registration Table –

Comics Workshop featuring Writer/Illustrator Sam Bowen

Friday Panel Session –

Keynote Address from Poet Kate Baer with introductions from Dr. Ieva Zake and Carmen Portillo, moderated by Dr. Emily Baldys

Poster Presentations

Saturday Sessions – these are just a few of our presenters!

Members of the Millersville Organizational Committee from left to right – Dr. A. Nicole Pfannenstiel, Becca Betty, and Dr. Emily Baldys

This conference was made possible with the incredible effort of student volunteers –thank you! and we hope you will join us next year for EAPSU 2025! Check EAPSU.ORG for announcements and next year’s CFP.

General, Literary Events

The Hazel I. Jackson Lecture Series featuring Amina Gautier

Next Thursday November 7th from 7pm – 9pm in the SMC MPR 114, Millersville will welcome award-winning author Amina Gautier for a reading as part of the annual Hazel I. Jackson Lecture series. She will will share some of her work and also discuss her life, especially as an artist, followed by a time for Q&A. Amina Gautier specializes in the short story genre. She has published over 140 short stories, many of them collected in her four books, which have won major awards. In 2018 Gautier became the first African American woman to win the PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in the Short Story,  an award that recognizes writers who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in the short story form. Gautier’s most recent collection The Best That You Can Do was mentioned by Oprah in her February’24 “best new books” recommendations.

Dr. Katarzyna Jakubiak, Associate Professor of English at Millersville, shares her thoughts on The Best That You Can Do:

I’ve read this collection, and I am captivated.  Most of the pieces are flash fiction and have a powerful lyrical quality. The first section is partly autobiographical, based on Gautier’s experience of growing up in Brooklyn. Like Gautier, the young characters negotiate their dual African American and Puerto Rican identities, switching to different codes and rhythms during summers spent in PR, as well as building their sense of self on tropes found in popular 80s TV shows. Gautier is also quite original at portraying women’s experiences – paying attention to women of all ages and various social standings, masterfully blending the personal and the political.

You can check out more about Gautier on her website or take a look at her works like The Best That You Can Do (2024) and The Loss of All Lost Things (2016).

This event is sponsored by the Hazel I. Jackson Committee. See the incredible list of previous Hazel I. Jackson Lecturers here.

 

 

Recommendations

Spooky Media Recommendations 2024

Want something creepy or cozy to entertain you over Fall break? Read on for faculty recommendations of spooky books, movies, and music!

 

It (2017 Film)

Dr. Pfannenstiel recommends this film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel directed by Andy Muschietti about “outcast kids in a small town who are terrorized by the creepy being Pennywise the Dancing Clown.” She writes that “I am not a fan of horror while my spouse is a huge fan of Stephen King. He convinced me to start reading the Dark Tower series (which is amazing so far). To convince me to watch It, he explained the intertextual references to the Dark Tower series, the psychological thriller elements I would like (as a fan of Hannibal), the outcast kid genre connections (Stand by Me, The Goonies). He was 100% right – this is so much more psychological than horror, with a smattering of jump scares. I think the contemporary influences (with obvious connections to Stranger Things) demonstrate the fantastic literary writing of King.”

You can check out It on DVD  from your Local Public Library or hear what a panel of horror authors have to say about King’s works at the “50 Years of King” Event happening Oct 11 at the Midtown Scholar as part of the Harrisburg Book Festival.

 

Les Diaboliques (1955 Film)

Dr. Craven recommends this horror mystery saying “director Henri-Georges Clouzot beat out Alfred Hitchcock for the rights to this psychological thriller. The story takes place in a French boarding school, where the self-absorbed headmaster has a frail wife and an opinionated mistress. The two women conspire to murder the headmaster but complications ensue.”

For film fans and casual watchers alike, Les Diaboliques offers an unexpected plot that’s given rise to a legacy. Dr. Craven says “I appreciate the psychological complexities of this film and the way it has contributed to later films, like Psycho and Fatal Attraction. Its plot twists are memorable!”

You can watch Les Diaboliques for free on YouTube.

 

Dungeon Crawler Carl (2020 audiobook)

Dr. Mando recommends this book by Matt Dinniman to mix up your reading list! Dungeon Crawler Carl has opened a new genre for Dr. Mando. He says “this is the first work of “literary RPG” that I’ve ever read/listened to (the audiobook is the way to consume this one due to the excellent voice acting). It’s a fun read about what would happen if our whole planet got turned into an intergalactic dungeon-crawling game, and the entire universe is watching. The protagonists are Carl and his girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut. This is a weird one, but I’m hooked on the series. This is way out of range from what I typically read, but a departure to the bizarre world created by Matt Dinniman ended up being just what I needed.”

You can listen to Dungeon Crawler Carl on Amazon.

 

“Witch Hunt” (2023 Cover Song)

If you want to feel the resonance of creepiness, Dr. Mayers suggests you listen to “Witch Hunt” saying “this song, originally written and performed by Rush in 1981, has now been reinterpreted and performed by Central Pennsylvania’s own Solar Federation. This new version is both true to the original and relevant to today. This song seems creepier in 2024 than it was in 1981.” A great song for the season, “Witch Hunt” is “a haunting song about what can happen when people allow their fears to get the better of them, which can lead to the demonization of immigrants, the burning of books, and the banning of films.”

You can listen to “Witch Hunt” on YouTube or get tickets to see the band perform live in PA in October or December.

 

A Sorceress Comes to Call (2024 novel)

Dr. Baldys recommends “Kingfisher’s Gothic retelling of the Grimm Brothers’ story ‘The Goose Girl’.” This novel “is set in the Regency era and centers around a teenager named Cordelia, whose mother is a ruthless sorceress with the power to make people ‘obedient’ to her will. Cordelia lives in her mother’s thrall until the sorceress moves them into a local squire’s mansion intending to take over. Cordelia must join forces with the squire’s sister and a cadre of feisty middle-aged ladies (including one ghost) to thwart her mother’s plans while dodging murder attempts, evil spells, and a headless demon-horse.”

Dr. Baldys says “I love T. Kingfisher’s fairy tale adaptations, and this one leans darker and spookier than most. The titular sorceress can control the bodies of others and does not balk at committing (vicarious) murder to achieve her ends; her familiar is a ghostly undead horse named Falada who stalks the novel’s characters and must be dealt with in a grisly fashion. Nevertheless, Kingfisher tells the tale with her trademark dark humor and witty dialogue, and readers can expect a fairytale ending. Enjoy!”

You can check out A Sorceress Comes to Call and other works by T. Kingfisher at your local public library.

 

Let us know if you read or listen to any of these recommendations and have a safe and spooky fall break!

 

 

 

General

Graduate Opportunities at Millersville

The Department of English and World Languages has many versatile options for students who want to continue their education after completing an undergraduate degree. Each of these programs are developed to meet the shifting needs of students providing adaptable skills to promote life-long learning.

There are currently two Master’s Programs tracks available as well as an array of Graduate Certificates and a 4+1 Program with an Accelerated degree completion option.

Pursuing a Graduate degree at MU means you can continue to learn with the professors you love, exploring new avenues of ENWL and building competitive skills to elevate your life and career. Keep reading for more information about each program and where to find perspectives from recent graduate students.

Master of Arts in English (MA)

The MA in English program is designed to strengthen professional skills for all fields and prepare students for continuing graduate study. The English MA enhances students’ intellectual and aesthetic life through the intense study of literature, writing studies, literary theory, film studies and linguistics. The MA degree program can be completed fully online, with options for both synchronous and asynchronous class meetings. Strategic faculty advising is available to tailor programs to meet your needs through independent study, flexible degree completion options, and consultation for opportunities outside the classroom (conferences, publications).

MA Highlights

  • 30 Credit hours with multiple timelines to complete degree
  • Areas of Study
    • Narrative Studies: Literature and Film
    • Writing Studies: Rhetoric, Composition, and Creative Writing
  • Degree Completion Options (Capstone Project)
    • Thesis Options
      • Thesis
      • Creative Thesis 
      • Curricular Artifact 
    • Digital Portfolio Class

Master of Education in English (MEd)

The Master of Education in English combines courses in language and literature with educational psychology and pedagogy. This program is designed to engage both current and future teachers by building skills that will help in your classrooms and beyond. An interdepartmental team of faculty and staff will work with you to meet your goals by creating independent studies, providing guidance through your capstone project, and connecting you with opportunities outside the classroom (conferences, publishing).

MEd Highlights

  • 33 credit hours with multiple timelines for completing degree
  • Areas of Study
    • Narrative Studies: Literature and Film
    • Writing Studies: Rhetoric, Composition, and Creative Writing
    • Education: Classroom Research and Pedagogy
  • Degree Completion Options (Capstone Projects)
    • Digital Portfolio Class

4+1 Accelerated English Program

This program is designed to allow current undergraduates to be admitted to our MA Graduate Studies program at an accelerated pace. Students enrolled in this program count graduate courses toward their undergraduate degree, saving time and money.

Here are some highlights of our 4+1 Program

  • Accelerated program allows for completion of an advanced degree in one additional academic year
  • Can start taking Graduate level courses in your Junior year
  • Opportunity for Early Acceptance into MA 
  • A portion of the Accelerated English program is billed at a lower tuition rate (for 12 credits that fulfill both undergraduate and graduate requirements)

Post-Baccalaureate Certification Program

Millersville University’s Post-Baccalaureate Certification Program is designed for those applicants who already have a bachelor’s degree and would like to be certified to teach in the State of Pennsylvania.  It is not necessary to complete a second degree in order to be certified.

Post-Bacc Highlights

  • Credit hours vary by individual student needs
  • Certification is available for
    • English (7-12)
    • Spanish (K-12)

Graduate Certificate

Millersville University’s Writing Certificate is a highly flexible accreditation that highlights writing skill growth and development

  • 18 credit hours (15 are able to be shared in MA/Med)
  • Opportunity to specifically demonstrate expanded writing skills

Most programs have rolling admissions but deadlines may vary by program so please communicate directly with our graduate coordinator Dr. A. Nicole Pfannenstiel (ambernicole.pfannenstiel@millersville.edu ) for the most up to date information. For more information check out our  Graduate Degrees section on our website and for inside perspectives from current grad students check out our Grad Blog.

 

Uncategorized

SUBMISSIONS OPEN: George Street Press Fall 2024

George Street Press is MU’s student run creative magazine and is currently accepting submissions for Fall 2024! The GSP is seeking visual and creative works from students, faculty, and alumni. You can even join as a member to gain insights into the world of publishing as well as help guide the creation of upcoming issues. Check out the links below to connect with the Press and enter your submissions.

Submissions

GSP allows up to three submissions per person of poetry, short prose fiction, drama, stylistic nonfiction, painting, drawing, digital designs, and more. Short Fiction and non-fiction submissions should be <1,000 words. Content guidelines are very open and the Press doesn’t mind exploring darker themes, but want to keep them safe for work. Questions about content and other guidelines can be directed to tgshaffe@millersville.edu

Email Submissions (up to three per person) to: gspsubmissions@gmail.com

Contact

George Street Press on MU’s Get Involved is where you can apply for membership as well as get access to all the important information about the aims of the Press, board members, and submission guidelines.

Follow them on Instagram @mu_georgestreetpress for updates and meeting reminders or on Discord.

 

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