Some English majors are noticing limited class options for their spring class schedule.
The departure of some visiting professors in the program is cause for the lack of options. Part of the reasoning behind this is a departure of a few visiting professors. Dr. Amy Robinson, one of these professors, finishes her visiting term at the end of this semester.
“By the end of next spring, spring of 2015, the English department will be down three visiting assistant professors in literature,” Robinson said. “My current and former students are asking me what courses…in 19th century British Lit will be taught in the future, and I honestly don’t know what to tell them.”
Dr. Julie Armstrong, the Literature Program Coordinator, said that seniors registering for classes have nothing to be panicked about.
“We pretty much run the same amount of courses each term, give or take,” said Armstrong.
Armstrong said classes run based on enrollment. It’s possible fewer classes may be offered because the number of English majors are down.
“Numbers (of majors) in general fluctuate, so that is no big deal. We tend to have somewhere between 130 and 150 majors,” Armstrong said, “and those 20 can make the difference between several courses running and not running.”
Dr. Armstrong also advised that English majors should not wait until their very last semester and hope that courses are available.
Dr. Thomas Hallock, head of the department of Verbal and Visual arts, said that the English department will be filling several new positions starting next fall.
Dr. Armstrong mentioned that the advisers are always happy to work with any student who is having trouble.
