Contents
Catalog Links

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.

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.

Fred Johnson (2025). Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of English. B.S.Ed., Taylor University; M.A. and Ph.D., Ball State University.

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

Karen Martin (2003). Discipline Coordinator and University 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). University 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). University Professor of English and Writer in Residence. B.A., University of Tennessee at Knoxville; M.F.A., University of Virginia.

 

Staff

Karen Jones (2022). Academic Secretary for Languages, Literature, and Writing; Math and Physics. A.B., Jackson State Community College. 

 

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. 

 

The Modern Languages program provides a multifaceted, innovative curriculum in literature, culture, and language acquisition. We seek to advance the mission of Union University by providing immersion-based, academically rigorous coursework that prepares students to engage with global communities in a way that demonstrates both intercultural and linguistic competence.

 

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.

Spanish Majors

Spanish majors demonstrate oral proficiency, professional writing, and intercultural competence through presentations, in-class and longer-form papers, conversations, and oral and written exams in the target language. Spanish majors are also required to complete an immersion experience prior to their last semester of college. 

 

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 Languages Curriculum

The Modern Languages program provides a multifaceted, innovative curriculum in language, literature, culture, and language acquisition. Students may major in Spanish, which includes the option of teacher licensure. We also offer a minor in Spanish and an interdisciplinary minor in French Studies. Union University also offers language courses in French, Greek, Hebrew, and Latin. Our 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. 

General Policies

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

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

Applied Linguistics Curriculum

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. Twelve hours of the major will be designated in one of four tracks:

  • A 12-hour Biblical Languages track may be of interest to those considering seminary, vocational ministry, or Bible translation.
  • A 12-hour Modern Languages track may be of interest to those majoring in a modern language, pursuing teacher licensure in a modern language, or pursuing vocations in cross-cultural settings.
  • A 14-hour Pre-Professional track will offer relevant science courses for those applying to graduate programs in Audiology or Speech Pathology.
  • A 12-hour General Track will offer broad-based linguistic study for with general interests in linguistics.