INSIGHTS

DIVISION of ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Volume 11 SCHOOL of ARTSTHE ARTS AND AND PROFESSIONS PROFESSIONS Issue 3 Department of English and Modern Languages April 2008

HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION Outstanding English Majors Recognized

Eight English majors students to act on what became the newest members they’ve studied. of Sigma Tau Delta, the Mr. Benjamin offered national English honor the group some society, at an official strategies for success induction ceremony held recently in the and reminded new UMES Student Services Center. members that they have Family, faculty, and friends gathered to New honor society members (L to R) an obligation to give celebrate their achievement. Guest Shannon Schoffstall, Brittany Goodman, back to their Mr. Benjamin speakers included the group’s advisor, Shamire Casselle, Shartanique Watson, communities and to English faculty member Dean Cooledge, Marla Stewart, Nikita Williamson, Mildred their alma mater. and a UMES alumnus and former Sigma Harris, and Justin Stewart Tau Delta member, Nathaniel Benjamin. Additional photos from the Sigma Tau Dr. Cooledge quoted from the “The Harvard’s Phi Beta Kappa Society by Delta induction ceremony may be seen on American Scholar,” a speech delivered to Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1837, urging page six. HAWK RADIO BACK IN BUSINESS Student Managed Radio Station Returns on the Internet

After nearly a year’s instructional activity Several absence Hawk Radio is back by installing Internet dozen on the air, this time as an access to the students Internet radio station. building that houses representing Student disc jockeys began the station’s studios departments broadcasting recently at and moving from the campus- www.hawkradio.org. airwaves to the wide have world wide web. signed up to In the spring of 2007, a Assistant General Jeffrey Philippe (L) and Paul Savage host shows. frozen pipe burst and “This is such a Manager Amanda Boyer in the Hawk Radio control-room They are led destroyed the AM and FM valuable hands-on edits music for air by General transmitters of the University’s student-run tool for students who are considering a Manager radio station. With the support of the career in communications,” said the Fred Stephens, a junior majoring in Division of Student Life and Enrollment group’s advisor, English faculty member business. Management and the UMES Office of Marilyn Buerkle. “It’s great to be back in Information Technology, the English business and to see the amount of Programs are streamed from noon until department was able to resurrect its enthusiasm the station is generating.” midnight, Monday through Friday. EXPANDING OUR WORLD Experimental Arabic Class Serves Students and Faculty

The Department of The UMES communication and culture,” Dr. Cooledge English and course is said. “Though a critical language, Arabic is Modern Languages taught by currently offered at few institutions, so we is offering a unique Siddig are fortunate…” opportunity to our Mustafa Dr. Cooledge teaches a course designed for campus community. For the first time, a Ismail, a UMES students who are non-native course in conversational Arabic is being native Arabic English speakers; she hopes her familiarity taught this semester. Seventeen students A recent session of speaker from with conversational Arabic will help her have enrolled in the class; several English ENGL288A, Sudan. He better assist her faculty members are also learning the Conversational Arabic holds degrees Arabic language. in law, third students. She is world development, and computer “Arabic is now a also exploring science, but also has teaching experience critical language options for in elementary and secondary schools in course, designated UMES students Sudan and the United States. as such by the to travel to federal “People are frequently scared away from Arabic government,” said learning Arabic because the script looks speaking Dr. Cooledge (right interim so different, and pronunciation for Arabic countries. foreground) is one of department chair words can be difficult at first,” Mr. Ismail Gabriela nearly twenty students Chester said. “Learning any language is a Vlahovici- studying Arabic this Hedgepeth. More demanding process, but once started, it is Jones and semester than 222 million Mr. Ismail helps his rewarding and enjoyable.” Ababakar Diop, people speak the students practice their The department’s French language two other English faculty members, are language in more pronunciation skills instructor, Susan Cooledge, is enrolled in auditing the course. than twenty-two the class. It “presents an opportunity to countries. Conversational Arabic will be offered explore a distinctly different system of again during the fall 2008 semester. SUDAN IN TRANSITION English Department Chair Hosts International Conference

The UMES African Language Research has been “in addressed conference participants by Project (ALRP), created under the aegis conflict with reaffirming her commitment to of the Department of English and Modern itself ever international education. “I am a citizen of Languages in 1992 and led by Interim since.” the world,” she said. She reminded the Department Chair Chester Hedgepeth, “It’s not easy students in attendance that their futures held its annual spring workshop on to have a are inextricably linked to a global campus recently. The conference focused democracy,” economy. on Sudanese politics and languages. she said. UMES has been involved in projects in “They need to The keynote address at the conference Dr. Bishai, flanked by Dr. Southern Sudan for more than ten years, understand was delivered by Linda Bishai, a senior Hedgepeth and President including efforts to train census workers how to solve program officer at the U.S. Institute of Thompson and land commissioners. A University their Peace. She is an expert in human rights delegation will be traveling there again problems peacefully.” law and has been working with Sudanese this month. community, religious, and academic The U.S. Institute of Peace, an arm of the Other topics under discussion at the leaders in preparation for elections U.S. government, has provided seed recent ALRP conference included a look scheduled for next year. money for conflict resolution training and at tribal migration in Darfur and its is offering “rule of law” advice on Dr. Bishai recounted the nation’s troubled impact on language, and an early constitutional and judicial issues. history, telling her audience that, assessment of the new conversational following independence in 1956, Sudan Arabic course being taught here at UMES UMES President Thelma Thompson (see above). ENGLISH EDUCATION NEWS

Editor’s Note: This is the first of what will Q: Why do I need to take the Praxis I Q: When do I take the Praxis II test? become a regular newsletter feature about test? our English Teacher Education Program written by the program’s coordinator A: The Maryland Department of A: Passing Praxis II scores are required Associate Professor Barbara Seabrook. Education requires the Praxis tests for prior to the teaching internship during the teacher certification in the state. UMES spring semester of the senior year. UMES students are required to submit an students should take Praxis II by the application to the UMES Teacher summer after their junior year. Education Program at the end of their The two Praxis II tests that English sophomore year. A 2.75 GPA and a Education majors are required to take are passing score on Praxis I is required for Test #0041 Content and Test #0043 acceptance into the program. Pedagogy. Praxis I consists of three tests: math, Dr. Seabrook The Maryland Department of Education reading, and writing. The Maryland Photo by requires a minimum score of 164 on the Department of Education considers a Robin content knowledge test and a minimum minimum combined score of 527 on the Hoffman score of 155 on the pedagogy test. three tests as a passing score. TEACHING SENIOR NON INTERNS PREP TEACHING?

Laura Zanrucha and Shannon English Education majors enroll in EDCI Ashley Jenifer, a May 2007 English Non- Schoffstall are completing their 425B, Curriculum and Instruction in Teaching graduate, is currently working as teaching internships this semester to English, during the fall of their senior an adjunct English instructor for the graduate in May. year to learn methods of teaching and College of Southern Maryland and as a planning for instruction. teacher at the Goddard School in Waldorf, Ms. Zanrucha began Maryland. her teaching As part of the requirements for this pre- internship with seven internship course, teacher candidates Students who have earned English Non- weeks at Salisbury write a lesson plan and teach a grammar Teaching degrees can be hired with a Middle School in lesson in Dr. Seabrook’s ENGL 218 class. provisional teaching license in Maryland. Tracey McGovern’s The school district will require those classroom. She will provisional teachers to complete specific spend the next eight professional education courses and pass weeks at Crisfield Praxis I and II by an established deadline High School Ms. Zanrucha to qualify for teacher certification in the partnered with state. instructor Virginia Bailey. Another English Non-Teaching alumnus After seven weeks at has chosen a different Washington High path to the classroom. School in Princess Samantha Hall, a Anne working with Laura Zanrucha (back to camera) uses December 2005 Rachel McNeil, Ms. innovative teaching techniques to teach graduate, is earning her Schoffstall will be a comma rules in ENGL 218 while Dr. master’s degree in teaching intern with Seabrook, University Internship English Education at Cindy Lloyd at Supervisor, observes and evaluates Hofstra University in Somerset Hempstead, New York. Intermediate School In the spring of the senior year, teacher Ms. Hall is currently Ms. Hall in her hometown of candidates are placed at a middle school completing her student Crisfield. and a high school to complete the twelve Ms. Schoffstall teaching assignment on credits of teaching internship. Long Island. LAW AND ORDER IN AN ENGLISH CLASS Mock Trials Teach Multiple Skills

While a mock trial might seem a more Shakima Harris likely scenario in a criminal justice is a junior from course, adjunct English faculty member Newark, New Gianni Hayes finds it a valuable teaching Jersey; she’s tool in her technical writing and advanced enrolled in Dr. composition courses. Hayes’s technical She’s challenged her students this writing course. semester to solve the recent real-life case As a criminal of the tiger that justice major escaped from the A witness is sworn in by who hopes to San Francisco zoo, Presentation of opening statements the bailiff attend law killing one person First the students must research the actual school at Rutgers University, she was and injuring others. incident, then gather information about excited Was the zoo at fault courtroom procedure, and finally exercise about her because its retaining both written and oral communication mock trial wall was allegedly skills as they work together to reach a role as jury too short? Were the verdict. foreperson. victims at fault for The judge brings her “I’m going allegedly taunting courtroom to order “Of course, forming proper judgments with a crab mallet to find out the tiger? based on evidence and hearing all sides of pressed into service how the an issue are also important aspects of the “I’ve done this as a gavel jury really exercise,” Dr. Hayes said. “Equally before,” said Dr. works,” she important…they learn the skills of self Jury members consider Hayes. “It teaches them so much.” said. and peer evaluations.” testimony CELEBRATING WOMEN BROAD Diverse Careers Discussed MINDED What do a bank manager, a TV anchor, a the Somerset UMES English major Heather Molnar restaurant owner, and an attorney have in County Department appeared recently on the XM satellite radio common? of Social Services; show “Broadminded,” a program for and and Michelle In this case, they’re all women who about women. Ms. Molnar was interviewed Miles, a branch participated in a recent UMES National about using her status as Miss College Park manager for Women’s History Month event entitled 2008 to serve as an advocate for the victims Hebron Savings “Women with Purpose, Living a Vision.” of domestic violence. Bank are all in English faculty member Marilyn Buerkle different phases of Ms. Miles The show is hosted by Christine Eads and worked with the staff of the Frederick their lives and their Molly Dedham on XM from 12 to 3 p.m., Douglass Library, sponsors of the event, to careers. Monday through Friday. invite the panelists to UMES. “We wanted to At twenty-six, Ms. Bacchus said she’s still give the campus the opportunity to hear from formulating her “purpose.” successful women involved in careers that we know are of interest to our students,” she English majors in the audience were said. interested in learning more about that process from Ms. Bacchus. She was Danya Bacchus, peppered with questions about television weekend anchor at careers. WMDT TV in Salisbury; Mariah Ms. Calagione assured the students that not Calagione, owner of everybody goes to college with a particular Dogfish Head Brewing job in mind. “I was a liberal arts major,” (L to R) Miss Maryland ‘06 Brittany Lietz, and Eats restaurant in she said. “I had no marketable skills. Christine Eads, Ms. Molnar, and Molly Rehoboth; Jenifer Everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned on Dedham Goolie, an attorney with Ms. Bacchus the job.” Photo by “Psychic Sherry” ACTING THEATER MUSICAL PAYS OFF DISCUSSED ON TAP

It’s the gift that keeps Spanish language Tickets are on sale now for this month’s on giving. faculty member Carole dinner theater production, written and Champagne traveled to directed by English faculty member Della English faculty Blacksburg, Virginia Dameron-Johnson. member Will Rose recently to participate had a speaking role Blues N BBQ will be performed April 17 in the “Latin American in the 1982 film through 19. It’s the story of a family who Theater Today” “Still of the Night” tries to save its conference. starring Meryl Streep ailing and Roy Scheider. This is the She presented a paper Dr. Champagne barbeque As a member of the headshot Mr. entitled “Chicano and business by Screen Actors Guild, Rose used when Costa Rican Portrayals adding live he got the role in Mr. Rose is entitled of La Llorlona.” Her work explored entertainment. “Still of the to royalties each time different interpretations of the legend of Night” English majors the film is shown. the weeping woman—a theme found in are involved in Dr. Dameron-Johnson Recently Mr. Rose Latin American theater and literature since all aspects of (center) discusses Blues N received a foreign royalty payment the Spanish colonial era. BBQ with participants the production because the more than twenty-five year Jessica Fergusson and Dr. Champagne says the weeping woman on stage and old film was shown in Denmark and in William Wallace she has studied is similar to the story of behind the Switzerland. Medea from Greek mythology. scenes. Photo by Jim Glovier NOVEL SECOND HISTORY ACCEPTED PRINTING PUBLISHED

It didn’t take long Carole Boyce Davies, Adjunct faculty for first-time novelist who earned her member Gianni Hayes Miriam Gyimah to bachelor’s degree in has completed her fifth get good news. English at UMES in pictorial history for 1971, is having a Arcadia Publishing. We reported in last banner year. month’s newsletter Wicomico County is a that the former Her biography of visual chronicle created English faculty Claudia Jones, a radical by Dr. Hayes and her member had political activist in the co-author Andy Nunez Dr. Gyimah Dr. Boyce Davies Dr. Hayes completed work on a anti-communist of the second-to-the- Photo provided coming-of-age story about an eight year McCarthy era, entitled last county to be formed in Maryland. By Dr. Boyce old girl with adult themes of mental and Left of Karl Marx was Davies The two spent nearly a year researching physical abuse. This month we can released recently. information and gathering photographs for report that Ekua: A Year in the Life of a Within a month of its publication. The book includes many Girl will be published by Africa World launch, high demand necessitated a second images of local life in the nineteenth Press. It should be available in printing. 2008 is also the year she will century. It also explains that the name bookstores by this time next year. join the faculty of Cornell University. Wicomico comes from Native American “It is such a thrill and joy,” Dr. Gyimah Along with her B.A. in English, Dr. Boyce words meaning a place where houses are said after she received the news. Davies also earned a minor in French here built. at UMES. She went on to earn a master’s Not only was Dr. Gyimah a member of Wicomico County is available in local in African Studies from Howard our faculty, she also earned her bookstores and in the collections of most University and a Ph.D. in African and bachelor’s degree in English here at Wicomico and Worcester County Caribbean Literatures at the University of UMES. libraries. Ibadan in Nigeria. RADIO LECTURE HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION 2008 INTERVIEW SCHEDULED

Faculty member Mignon Anderson was The final installment in a yearlong featured recently in a two part interview on humanities lecture series sponsored by WESM FM, the public the English department radio station on our will occur on April 15 campus. at 11 a.m. in the library auditorium. She discussed Mostly Womenfolk and a Man Dr. Ruthe Sheffey from or Two: A Collection, Morgan State twelve short stories she University will deliver authored, and her novel, remarks entitled The End of Dying. The Ms. Anderson “Shakespeare in Love novel is about a with Diversity.” She Dr. Sheffey fictional lynching on Photo by plans to point out that Photo provided Virginia’s Eastern Matthew even in the 16th century by Dr. Sheffey Shore where she grew Whittiker Shakespeare understood up, and much of the the importance of multiculturalism. She radio interview focused on the long term hopes her audience will come away with impact of lynching on the local community a new appreciation for the playwright. and on African Americans nationwide. “He’s not just a dead old man,” she said. INTERNS SELECTED UMES Students Compete for Placements

Two different national foundations have Ms. Dorsey is a junior from each selected a UMES English major to Pennsylvania. She already has two receive one of their prestigious internship internships on her resume. Last placements this summer. summer she worked at a New York City Both the Emma Bowen Foundation and radio station; this the T. Howard Foundation were created semester she serves to help develop the next generation of as public relations leaders in American media; both believe intern on campus. the industry needs more women and Ms. Dorsey hasn’t people of color in decision making been assigned a positions. Ms. Dorsey specific placement These foundations have created from the T. Howard partnerships with media companies to Foundation yet. promote the values and benefits of Ms. McMillan is a diversity. Through a highly competitive freshman from application process begun last fall, I- Wilmington, Quasia Dorsey has been selected as a T. Delaware. She will Howard intern and Cherish McMillan be spending the will become an Emma Bowen intern. summer at WCAU Ms. McMillan TV in Philadelphia. Insights is written and edited, except as noted, by communications instructor Marilyn Buerkle with desktop publishing by former staff member Robin Hoffman and copy editing by composition instructor Ron Webster. Photos are by Marilyn Buerkle, except as noted. If you have information you would like to appear in this publication, contact our editor at 410-651-8349 or email her at [email protected].