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.”