Department News and Events

Activities and events within the department afford LLP students the opportunity to explore creative aspects of language, literature and philosophy beyond the classroom. Events include publications, conferences, informal reading groups, spoken word events, public lectures, drama and film screenings. To learn more about LLP events, feel free to reach out to the department: Contact Us. We look forward to seeing you there!

	Meet the Fall 2024 LLP Social Media Intern: Brianna McGuire! McGuire is an English major with career pursuits in Education. She is looking forward with connecting with peers and faculty to share the lastest in LLP events and opporltunities. She explains why English was the right major for her: "Reading allowed me to explore different realities and societies. Writing allowed me to further deepen my thoughts and find a deeper meaning in what I was writing about. " Check out her blog and see her latest posts on social by clicking here: LLP Social.
	Soul Fire is Back! "We Want Live Words!" Soul Fire Poetry Group and Workshop will return Fall 2024, LIVE!. *The group will meet every Wednesday at 5p in Humanities, Room 103.* This departmental organization meets once a week to hone poetry writing and performance skills, organize open mic performances, and to workshop their ideas. It features a Poet Mentor from Southern Word, who helps students craft their skills. Learn more about their efforts by clicking here: Soul Fire Mini-Documentary. *Check Out Spoken Word Performances by the Soul Fire Members and Friends. Faculty Adviser: Dr. Michelle J. Pinkard
	LLP Releases Department Newsletter We are delighted to announce a new initiative: The Spotlight on LLP Newsletter. Come here for the latest in student, faculty, and alumni news and accomplishments. First edition released April 2024! Brava!
	Meet the Spring 2024 LLP Socia Media Intern Eleana Stone Stone is the new LLP Department intern. In addition to learning the ins and outs of department management, she will help market events of various LLP social media outlets. "I hope to bring more awareness of the opportunities our department brings on campus, and to gather other students who have interest in what the department has to offer. Serving the role of Social Media intern has already given me confidence and made me more excited about my future," Stone said. Learn more by checking out her first blog post: Stone Wants to Build Community.
	Dr. Heidi Williams' Ted Talk Published! Check Out LLPs. Dr. Heidi Williams Ted Talk: "Homeschool to Higher Ed: The One Point That Matters Most" "The United States spends billions of dollars each year on standardized testing. Imagine redistributing those funds into resources, smaller class sizes, and better pay for our hard-working educators and administrators. In this TEDxOldHickory talk, Dr. Heidi Williams, college professor and homeschool mom, discusses her personal experiences with standardized testing and why she endorses home education. " See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwP2-w2iSdY
	PASS Tutoring is Back, Fall 2024 This semester, faculty members from the English department are working with Tiger Tutoring. Tutors will be available soon. This service is free to students. PASS is a great opportunity for students who need help with writing to receive immediate feedback from faculty. Our writing tutors are equipped to help students at the University with various writing assignments and activities (within English department classes and beyond). They can assist the student at any stage of their writing process from brainstorming ideas to providing strategies for revision. For tutoring schedule and related information, visit the PASS Tutoring Webpage.

NOTE:
Our news develops over the school year as students and faculty participate in TSU activities, present at conferences, explore through class activities, and much more. We hope you will check back frequently to see what we are doing! Please report news to LLP Webmaster Dr. Michelle J. Pinkard.