Michelle Wise
Associate Professor
Department of Languages, Literature and Philosophy
304 Humanities Bldg.
615-963-5923
mwise1@tnstate.edu
Education:
Ph.D. Middle Tennessee State University
MA, University of South Alabama
BA, University of South Alabama
BIO
I was born in Key West, FL, where I spent most of my childhood. Since my father was in the Navy, we moved around some, but he retired when I was young. My family settled in Gulfport, MS. After finishing high school, I moved to Mobile, AL to pursue my undergraduate and Master's degree. After graduating with my Master's in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing, I worked briefly as a travel agent; however, I soon learned that the corporate world was not a good fit for me.
One of the most adventurous things I have ever done involved big cats and other exotic animals. In the summer of 2001, I completed a 9 week exotic animal behavioral training program at a big cat/exotic animal rescue center in FL. I worked with tigers, lions, and bears (oh my!). It was one of the best experiences of my life and something I will never forget.
In the spring of 2002, I began my teaching career and pursuing my other passion—photography. During this time, I taught English courses and completed several black and white photography classes.
In the spring of 2004, I moved to Nashville and began teaching ENGL at TSU. During this time, MTSU had converted their DA program in English to a Ph.D. program, so I enrolled shortly after making Nashville my home.
My primary areas of studies are Film Studies and Victorian Literature; however, I my research interests varies across several academic areas of study such as Gothic Studies, Children's Literature, Popular Culture Studies, Television Studies, and Women's Studies. I love horror films and am particularly interested in the treatment of women in this genre. Some of my other favorite film genres are superhero films, sci-fi, fantasy, and children's film (particularly Disney/Pixar).
Lately, I have become interested in the cultural resurgence of comic books. I only read comics occasionally when I was younger and watched the television series based on Wonder Woman and the Hulk; however, with the increasing presence of comics within popular culture, I find the growth of this genre fascinating.
My non-academic activities include spending time with my family, going to the movies, attending comic cons, adding more Wonder Woman items to my growing collection, kickboxing, working in the darkroom, hiking, and traveling.
Courses Taught at TSU
ENGL 1010 and 1020 (Freshman Comp. I & II)
WMST 2000 (Women's Studies)
ENGL 2110 (American Literature I)
ENGL 2111 (American Literature II)
ENGL 2310 (World Literature I)
ENGL2012 (Literary Genre: Short Stories and Novel)
ENGL 3730 (Children's Literature)
Courses Taught at other Institutions
Freshman Composition I (including online courses)
Freshman Composition II (including online courses)
World Literature II
American Literature I & II (including online courses)
British Literature I & II
Introduction to Film Studies
Introduction to Black and White Photography
Dual Enrollment English courses
Introduction to Literature
University Committees
Upper Division Writing
Recruitment and Retention
Freshman Writing
Sophomore Literature
Community Volunteerism
Board Member for Nashville Community Darkroom
Girl Scout Troop Leader