Students in two of Dr. Katherine Wyma’s English classes spent the semester conducting research on literary topics of their choice, culminating in presentations at the Anderson University College of Arts and Sciences Showcase this month.
Dr. Wyma, an associate professor of English, assigned her students in Literary Theory and Research course to curate a mock museum exhibit surrounding a theme of their choice. Students worked with Kenzie Barnett, AU’s research and instruction archivist. Themes ranged from Anderson during World War II to female mentorship at AU. Some students consulted retired Anderson University faculty in their research.
Dr. Wyma created the archival project as a way for students to “get their hands dirty” in the world of research.
“It is rare for a school like Anderson to have its own archivist, so I wanted take advantage of this resource,” she said. Dr. Wyma said her student’s research experience will help equip them to excel in their future careers, whether they conduct research in graduate school or in their career.
English majors enrolled in Senior Capstone Research also presented their final projects at the Showcase. For example, senior Rachel Morgan analyzed the play Cabaret and the graphic novel El matadero for a project called “Denunciation of Totalitarianism Through Art.” Other capstone project topics included the importance of the King James Bible, death as a character in literature and the difference in the fantasy genre before and after WWII.
The College of Arts and Sciences Showcase is an annual event featuring the work of Anderson University Arts and Sciences students. The event is organized by Dr. Robert Franklin, an Associate Professor of Psychology, and is held in Watkins Hall.