The Department of English, Languages and Cultural Studies at Northwestern State University prepares students by teaching them communication skills, data analysis, creative thinking and how to work in different job settings.
Christine Ferrell is an instructor of French and Spanish who grew up speaking French. “The workforce can teach you any skill needed for a particular job. Being proficient in English is not something the job force can teach you, but we can. We give our students a foundation that can open many doors in the professional world,” Ferrell said.
Ereck Jarvis is an associate professor of English and coordinator of the graduate programs in English, as well as an advisor of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honors Society. “Because everything we do in life involves language, the English, Languages and Cultural Studies department applies to all facets of life—the personal, the professional, the historical and the social,” Jarvis said. “We also emphasize critical thinking and the ability to analyze the information other people provide, be it on social media, the news or in a movie.”
The Department of English, Languages, and Cultural Studies is more than just a department that teaches classes. The college helps with several organizations, such as the Spanish Club and the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society.
Students are the top priority in the eyes of the department. “We have sponsored a number of events that are about building community and helping students take care of themselves. We start off every fall semester with a Taco Social, where new students get to meet other majors and minors. We do activities and games to build connections there,” Jarvis said.
The department hosts “Tea and Empathy” every semester where students can get food, hang out, work on a puzzle and chat with other students and faculty members. “This brings all of us together outside the classroom, which makes building connections and comfort easier,” Jarvis said. “Last year, we held a ‘Final Stretch’ event, focusing on how to manage stress and care for the body amid the intensity of final assignments and exams.”
The Department of English, Languages, and Cultural Studies goes above and beyond for students at NSU, making sure that all students feel welcome and well-prepared for the future ahead.
