English Department News

By Laura Misch  faceless and colorless, just like America   is not. —Joseph Ross, “In the Courtroom” (Part of the “Trayvon Martin: Requiem”) On Tuesday, April 17th, the University of Portland had the pleasure of hosting poet Joseph Ross, who read from his newest poetry collection—Ache (2017). The collection focuses on the subject of race in America, with poems that address everything from the music of John Coltrane to the tragic death of Trayvon Martin. The evening began with Ross reading his poem “On Joh … [Read More...] about A Night of Poetry with Joseph Ross

Writers Magazine 2018 By Keaton Gaughan As I sit down to write about the 2018 edition of Writers magazine, I’m finding it difficult to shift my thoughts away from the Launch Party that we held on Founder’s Day in the campus bookstore. For those of you who couldn’t make it this year or have no idea what I’m talking about, here’s some context: the Writers team puts together an annual event to launch, distribute, and celebrate the magazine in its final, printed form. The event has been held in the campus bookstore every year (with special thanks … [Read More...] about Writers Magazine 2018

By Laura Eager '12 "Social Work? What’s that?" Like many people, I did not know what social work was as an undergraduate. This lack of knowledge lasted until I had my first long-term substitute teaching position in 2013 at a Title I public school in Washington, DC and I interacted with the school social worker. After many years of experience in both medicine and teaching, I have recently been accepted to a graduate program in social work: Wurzweiler School of Social Work in New York City. Social work seems like a natural fit for m … [Read More...] about Pursuing Social Work with an English Degree

By Laura Misch  On February 26th the University of Portland hosted best-selling author, Rebecca Skloot, as the 2018 Schoenfeldt Distinguished Writer. She gave an amazing talk addressing everything from her famous book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, to goldfish surgery (yes, it’s a real thing!). It was a great event filled with laughter and critical conversation. Here were a few of the big takeaways. Mortal No More For those who haven’t read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, it tells the sto … [Read More...] about An Evening with Rebecca Skloot

By Laura Misch February is much more than a month-long rumination on your current relationship status. It’s a time to recognize and appreciate Black History Month through the acknowledgment of African-American achievements. Although we should always celebrate the past and present achievements of African-Americans, Black History Month designates a special time during which we can actively commemorate the contributions these individuals have made to our shared history. And I personally can’t think of a better way to celebrate than wit … [Read More...] about Books for Black History Month