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Department of Languages, Literature, and Writing

Faculty 

David Malone (1999). Department Chair and Professor of English. B.A., Wheaton College; M.A., State University of New York at Binghamton; Ph.D., Northern Illinois University.

Christine Bailey (2006). Professor of English and Director of Composition Support. B.S., Tennessee Tech University; M.A., Belmont University; M.F.A., Murray State University; Ph.D., Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Aaron Beasley (2017). Associate Professor of English and Director of the Writing Center. B.A. and M.A., Union University; Ph.D., Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Jay Beavers (2016). Associate Professor of English. B.A., Grove City College; M.A., University of Richmond; Ph.D.,Baylor University.

Janna Chance (2007). Professor of English. B.A., Texas A&M University; M.A. and Ph.D., Rice University.

Jason Crawford (2011). Professor of English. B.A., Louisiana State University; A.M. and Ph.D., Harvard University.

Julie Glosson (1995). University Professor of Language. B.A., Union University; M.A., and Ed.D., University of Memphis.

Scott Huelin (2009). Professor of English and Director of the Honors Community. B.A. and M.A., University of North Carolina; Ph.D., University of Chicago.

Victoria Malone (2005). Assistant Professor of Language and Director for Study Abroad, Senior International Officer. B.A. and M.A., Northern Illinois University.

Karen Martin (2003). Discipline Coordinator and Professor of Language. B.A., Samford University; B.A., Union University; M.A., The University of Alabama; D.M.L., Middlebury College.

John Netland (2008). Professor of English. B.A., Biola University; M.A., California State Polytechnic University; Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles.

Gavin Richardson (1998). University Professor of English. B.A., Vanderbilt University; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.

Bobby Rogers (1989). Professor of English and Writer in Residence. B.A., University of Tennessee at Knoxville; M.F.A., University of Virginia.

 

Staff

Lindsey Robinson (2022). Academic Secretary.

 

Mission Statement

The Department of Languages, Literature, and Writing offers instruction in the structure and use of language, promotes the understanding of cultural and literary traditions, and teaches students to write with clarity and power.

 

Assessment of Majors

English Majors

English majors are required to take ENG 490 which is the culmination of the major in the completion and defense of a thesis.

Modern Languages Majors

All modern language majors must have oral proficiency in the target language equivalent to an ACTFL rating of “Intermediate High.” This will be determined by the appropriate instructor through an individual interview to be conducted during the second semester of the junior year. Each student is responsible for scheduling the interview during the designated semester. See Discipline Coordinator for additional information.

Students presenting transfer or AP/IB credit in language will be evaluated toward placement in the program and in possible application of those credits toward a language major or minor. Please contact Spanish faculty for assistance with placement. 

Union University also offers language courses in French, German, Greek, Hebrew, and Latin.

 

English Program Curriculum

Mission Statement

  • To provide student-centered attention which facilitates effective communication.
  • To offer courses in composition which require analytical reading, thinking, and writing.
  • To offer courses that explore and analyze multicultural literature to broaden world views.
  • To offer a range of English courses emphasizing genres, periods, major writers, history and structure of the language, composition, research, and critical analysis.

Student Organization

Sigma Tau Delta, a national English Honor Society, recognizes students who have realized accomplishments in the English language and literature. The motto is “Sincerity, Truth, Design.” Union University’s chapter was organized in 1979. Officially declared English majors/minors who have completed at least 36 semester hours of college study, with 6 hours in literature, meet the minimum eligibility requirements. Furthermore, the student must have at least a 3.0 GPA in English courses for membership.

Student Award

The Helen Blythe Creative Writing Award is given to the graduating senior who is deemed by the English faculty to be the best creative writer.

General Regulations

Students are required to complete the core curriculum requirements in composition and literature before enrolling in an upper-level English course.

 

Modern Language Curriculum

The Language program provides a multifaceted, innovative curriculum in language, literature, culture and language acquisition with a majors in Spanish and Applied Linguistics with the option of teacher licensure in the first three. The Department's commitment to a strong interdisciplinary approach to the study of language and culture is reflected in the variety and scope of offerings, as well as the opportunities to enhance on-campus study with off-campus international and domestic programs.

A minimum of 15 hours, including SPA 490, of the major must be earned under the direct supervision of the faculty of Union University.

Students should complete the immersion experience required for the Spanish major prior to the last semester of study at Union and are encouraged to enroll in at least one language course after the experience.

The Applied Linguistics major is designed for students committed to vocational and intellectual pursuits involving human language, including translation, interpretation, cross cultural engagement, and research. The major incorporates a range of current linguistic theory and research, providing students with a framework for understanding the complexities of human language, including its structure, its acquisition, its role in culture and society, its relationship to literacy, and its significance in identity negotiation. The major also includes an innovative 12-hour component in which students—under the direction of the lead faculty—construct an emphasis relevant to linguistics, including but not limited to immersion opportunities in less commonly taught languages.