Last year, APU underwent many academic changes.
Along with a complete overhaul of the GE system and an entirely new set of academic standards, the new Master of Arts in English program has become available for students seeking to continue an English education in a faith-centered environment.
For students at APU, this program is available as a one-year extension of the typical four-year undergraduate experience.
Compared to the two years it usually takes to complete a master’s degree, the new program is a rewarding and practical option for students looking to further their English education.
Though the program is still very new, the professors involved are both excited and challenged by the new graduate experience.
Carole Lambert, Ph.D., professor of English, finds the program an exciting challenge.
“My greatest challenge so far…is being as well prepared as possible for each of my class sessions, so that these worthy students truly do have a rich education,” Lambert said. “[These classes] are a joy to teach and prepare for!”
As a way to both promote and aid the program in its efforts, the program is hosting a speaker series titled “The Editors & Writers Series.”
The series includes contemporary professionals in the writing world who speak on a number of subjects, such as book publishing, editing and being an author.
The series is the brainchild of Joseph Bentz, Ph.D., professor of English at APU, who created the event in order to provide guest speakers who will connect with his Writing for Religious Audiences course.
“We are looking at the writing profession from a number of different angles,” Bentz said. “The speakers in this series have approached the writing and publishing industry with a wide range of creative approaches.”
Although the series was originally intended for only those in Bentz’s course, after further consideration, he decided to open the event to the entire campus.
“Many faculty, staff and students are writers, so it has been great to have those guests join us for the events,” Bentz said.
The first event in the series featured Carmen Berry, a New York Times bestselling author of over 26 books.
Her event examined the current writing market and introduced innovative ways that authors can promote their work.
Diana Glyer, Ph.D., professor of English at APU, found the lecture helpful for young and advanced writers alike, particularly when it came to putting hard skills into practice.
“[Carmen Berry] gave a lecture…and then answered questions,” Glyer said. “[It was] interesting and very practical.”
The second event featured editor and author Kathy Ide, who spoke about the editing process and The Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network, an organization she founded to help connect writers and editors in the Christian world.
Events in the series are completely free to APU students, faculty and staff.
Everyone is encouraged to attend, as the events offer insightful information, connections and strategies about how writers can improve their craft.
The next event will feature fantasy author W.A. Fulkerson on Thursday, March 31, at 4:30 p.m. in Wilden 227. D.G. Wynn, founder of Armory Publishing Group in Denver, Colorado, will round out the series on April 21.