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Our undergraduate majors have the option to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies jointly by participating in one of our five-year B.A./M.A. programs. Our graduate students have the option of participating in a joint degree program with St. Mary s University Law School, generally completing the M.A. and J.D. within four years. Students may also pursue minors in each of the three undergraduate programs.
Our nearly 200 majors within the Department select from a variety of courses in American, British, and International literature, language and criticism, communication theory, and media production, as well as a full range of internships. All courses offered through the Department are writing- and reading-intensive.
Many of our majors write, edit, and design our national award-winning student newspaper, The Rattler. They also write for and edit our literary magazine, The Pecan Grove Review, and participate in the University s annual undergraduate research exhibition.
Administrative Assistant
(210) 436-3107
mrodriguez1@stmarytx.edu Chaminade Tower 402
Kathleen Maloney, Ph.D.
Chair
(210) 431-2005
kmaloney@stmarytx.edu Chaminade Tower 409
Our nearly 200 majors within the Department select from a variety of courses in American, British, and International literature, language and criticism, communication theory, and media production, as well as a full range of internships. All courses offered through the Department are writing- and reading-intensive.
Many of our majors write, edit, and design our national award-winning student newspaper, The Rattler. They also write for and edit our literary magazine, The Pecan Grove Review, and participate in the University s annual undergraduate research exhibition.
Contact Us
Mildred RodriguezAdministrative Assistant
(210) 436-3107
mrodriguez1@stmarytx.edu Chaminade Tower 402
Kathleen Maloney, Ph.D.
Chair
(210) 431-2005
kmaloney@stmarytx.edu Chaminade Tower 409
Designed to meet the growing need for communication professionals skilled in a variety of writing styles, the English-Communication Arts major (EA) is a unique interdisciplinary degree plan which has been the choice for many successful alumni. The program offers students the opportunity to hone their critical thinking and writing abilities, integrating these with media-production skills, in preparation for rewarding careers and enriched lives in a rapidly changing world. Because the degree is rooted in the Humanities, students explore various areas in literature and theory to develop their metaphorical thinking and creative abilities.
The EA degree examines how the power of language and of image is used to promote the common good as students wrestle with how their own communication practices enhance not only their personal and professional pursuits, but also their engagement in the civic realm. Recent research by the National Association of Colleges and Employers and the National Commission on Writing indicates that communication skills, particularly written ones, are the most valued qualities or skills employers are looking for in college graduates. Aware of this demand, EA majors graduate having trained in several writing styles in areas such as the following: journalism, public relations, technical writing, publication writing, and corporate communications. In their junior or senior years, students have the opportunity to apply their growing knowledge base in a professionally based internship. Recent students have interned in settings such as the White House, Bromley Communications, the San Antonio Express-News, the Dallas Cowboys, the San Antonio Spurs, WOAI-TV, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and the San Antonio Youth Organization, as well as many others.
For more information, please see the degree plans and course catalog.
The EA degree examines how the power of language and of image is used to promote the common good as students wrestle with how their own communication practices enhance not only their personal and professional pursuits, but also their engagement in the civic realm. Recent research by the National Association of Colleges and Employers and the National Commission on Writing indicates that communication skills, particularly written ones, are the most valued qualities or skills employers are looking for in college graduates. Aware of this demand, EA majors graduate having trained in several writing styles in areas such as the following: journalism, public relations, technical writing, publication writing, and corporate communications. In their junior or senior years, students have the opportunity to apply their growing knowledge base in a professionally based internship. Recent students have interned in settings such as the White House, Bromley Communications, the San Antonio Express-News, the Dallas Cowboys, the San Antonio Spurs, WOAI-TV, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and the San Antonio Youth Organization, as well as many others.
For more information, please see the degree plans and course catalog.
While pursuing the English major (EN), students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of texts as well as a variety of critical methods by which to analyze those texts. From the epic of Beowulf to the plays of William Shakespeare, from the poems of Walt Whitman to the fiction of Sandra Cisneros, students will experience the rich variety and power of language in action.
Students take courses in international, American, and British literature to learn not only about themselves through the textual experiences of reading and writing, but also to discover the potential of language to describe and transform human society. In an effort to help our students understand the globalized society in which we now live, the Department offers courses with a focus on personal, social and cultural concerns which prepare our students for responsible participation in the civic realm.
The English major provides a well-rounded education in literature, analytical and creative thinking, and written and oral communication. Through the exploration of literature, the faculty aims to broaden the scope of student knowledge in world culture, religion, philosophy, economics, history and ethics.
For more information, please see the degree plans and course catalog.
Students take courses in international, American, and British literature to learn not only about themselves through the textual experiences of reading and writing, but also to discover the potential of language to describe and transform human society. In an effort to help our students understand the globalized society in which we now live, the Department offers courses with a focus on personal, social and cultural concerns which prepare our students for responsible participation in the civic realm.
The English major provides a well-rounded education in literature, analytical and creative thinking, and written and oral communication. Through the exploration of literature, the faculty aims to broaden the scope of student knowledge in world culture, religion, philosophy, economics, history and ethics.
For more information, please see the degree plans and course catalog.
Speech Communication can be the ideal major for the student who is looking to build a successful career on a foundation of oral communication skills. Because this major is much more than 'just giving speeches,' the fields we study include Interpersonal Communication, Group Communication, Organizational Communication, and Intercultural Communication. There are also courses in specific subjects such as Legal Communication, Health Communication, Business Communication, Gender Communication, Mass Communication and Management Communication. Students with an interest in and talent for oral communication who have majored in Speech Communication have launched a variety of extraordinary careers.
Speech Communication offer a practical study of the principles and mechanisms of human interaction: How can the student be most persuasive? How can the student become an effective, respected leader? How can the student understand, avoid, and, when necessary, resolve conflict? More than persuasive leaders and successful peacemakers, we want our graduates to be members of society who are both productive and ethical. As such, the Speech Communication program grounds its challenging course of study in the Marianist traditions of integrity and community service.
For more information, please see the degree plans and course catalog.
Speech Communication offer a practical study of the principles and mechanisms of human interaction: How can the student be most persuasive? How can the student become an effective, respected leader? How can the student understand, avoid, and, when necessary, resolve conflict? More than persuasive leaders and successful peacemakers, we want our graduates to be members of society who are both productive and ethical. As such, the Speech Communication program grounds its challenging course of study in the Marianist traditions of integrity and community service.
For more information, please see the degree plans and course catalog.
Faculty
Elijah Akhahenda, Ph.D.
Internship CoordinatorOffice: Treadway Hall 379
Phone: (210) 431-2263
Email: eakhahenda@stmarytx.edu Full Bio Details
Ph.D., Journalism/Mass Communication, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
M.A., Communication, Wheaton College
B.A., Biblical Studies, Wheaton College
M.A., Communication, Wheaton College
B.A., Biblical Studies, Wheaton College
Brother Dennis R. Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English and Communication StudiesMac Lab Director
Adviser, The Rattler
Office: Treadaway Hall 364
Phone: (210) 436-3651
Email: dbautista@stmarytx.edu
Full Bio Details
B.A. Communication, Chaminade University of Honolulu
M.A. Mass Communication, Washington State University
Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Intercultural Communication, Washington State University
A professed member of the Society of Mary (Marianists), Brother Dennis has professional experience as a radio disc jockey, graphic designer and multimedia specialist. Academically, his research has focused on media effects, ethnic identity, acculturation and socialization. Prior to teaching at St. Mary's, he was a member of the faculty at Chaminade University of Honolulu, our sister Marianist institution, teaching in the Communication Department and advising the student newspaper. A member of the Casa Maria Marianist Community, Brother Dennis views his work at St. Mary's as a ministry in assisting students discern their professional and personal vocations.
In addition to his teaching duties, Brother Dennis is also the faculty advisor to the student newspaper, The Rattler.
M.A. Mass Communication, Washington State University
Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Intercultural Communication, Washington State University
A professed member of the Society of Mary (Marianists), Brother Dennis has professional experience as a radio disc jockey, graphic designer and multimedia specialist. Academically, his research has focused on media effects, ethnic identity, acculturation and socialization. Prior to teaching at St. Mary's, he was a member of the faculty at Chaminade University of Honolulu, our sister Marianist institution, teaching in the Communication Department and advising the student newspaper. A member of the Casa Maria Marianist Community, Brother Dennis views his work at St. Mary's as a ministry in assisting students discern their professional and personal vocations.
In addition to his teaching duties, Brother Dennis is also the faculty advisor to the student newspaper, The Rattler.
Diane Gonzales Bertrand
Writer-In-ResidencePecan Grove Review
Office: Chaminade Tower 412
Phone: (210) 431-2003
Email: dbertrand@stmarytx.edu Full Bio Details
M.A., English Communication Arts, Our Lady of the Lake University
B.A., English/History, University of Texas at San Antonio
Professor Bertrand is Writer-in-Residence for the St. Mary's University English & Communication Studies Department. She is a published author in poetry, non-fiction, and fiction for children and teens. Recent awards include 2008 Skipping Stones Award and finalist for 2008 Tejas Star Award for the bilingual novel "The Ruiz Street Kids/Los Muchachos de la calle Ruiz", (Arte Publico Press 2007); the American Library Association 2005 Schneider Family Book Award for her bilingual picture book, "My Pal Victor" (Raven Tree Press, 2004); the San Antonio Public Library 2005 Arts and Letters Award; and Honorable Mention 2005 Paterson Prize for Young Adult Literature for her collection of short fiction, "Upside Down and Backwards" (Arte Publico Press, 2004). She teaches composition, creative writing, and an English education course for the department as well as directs an independent study course on novel writing for selected students. She is also faculty moderator for the university literary magazine, "The Pecan Grove Review," which publishes prose and poetry written by St. Mary's students, faculty and staff.
B.A., English/History, University of Texas at San Antonio
Professor Bertrand is Writer-in-Residence for the St. Mary's University English & Communication Studies Department. She is a published author in poetry, non-fiction, and fiction for children and teens. Recent awards include 2008 Skipping Stones Award and finalist for 2008 Tejas Star Award for the bilingual novel "The Ruiz Street Kids/Los Muchachos de la calle Ruiz", (Arte Publico Press 2007); the American Library Association 2005 Schneider Family Book Award for her bilingual picture book, "My Pal Victor" (Raven Tree Press, 2004); the San Antonio Public Library 2005 Arts and Letters Award; and Honorable Mention 2005 Paterson Prize for Young Adult Literature for her collection of short fiction, "Upside Down and Backwards" (Arte Publico Press, 2004). She teaches composition, creative writing, and an English education course for the department as well as directs an independent study course on novel writing for selected students. She is also faculty moderator for the university literary magazine, "The Pecan Grove Review," which publishes prose and poetry written by St. Mary's students, faculty and staff.
Alan Cirlin, Ph.D.
Speech Communications DirectorOffice: Treadaway Hall 373
Phone: (210) 431-2008
Email: acirlin@stmarytx.edu Full Bio Details
Ph.D., Human Communication Theory, University of Iowa, 1981
M.A., Speech Communication, California State University, Northridge, 1978
Dr. Cirlin is the undergraduate coordinator for the Speech Communication major. His research is focused on practical interpersonal communication skills and rhetorical communication. He teaches courses in business and professional communication, persuasion, interviewing, group dynamics, public speaking, and communication theory.
M.A., Speech Communication, California State University, Northridge, 1978
Dr. Cirlin is the undergraduate coordinator for the Speech Communication major. His research is focused on practical interpersonal communication skills and rhetorical communication. He teaches courses in business and professional communication, persuasion, interviewing, group dynamics, public speaking, and communication theory.
Francesca Mallory Coley, Ph.D.
Office: Treadway Hall 362Phone: (210) 431-6777
Email: fcoley@stmarytx.edu Full Bio Details
Ph.D., Oklahoma State, 1994
M.A., University of Incarnate Word, 1986
B.A., English, University of Incarnate Word, 1984
M.A., University of Incarnate Word, 1986
B.A., English, University of Incarnate Word, 1984
Peggy Curet, Ph.D.
English-Communication Arts DirectorOffice: Chaminade Tower 403
Phone: (210) 431-2004
Email: pcuret@stmarytx.edu Full Bio Details
Ph.D., English, University of Southwestern Louisiana
M.A., English, University of Southwestern Louisiana
B.A., English, Notre Dame College of St. Louis
M.A., English, University of Southwestern Louisiana
B.A., English, Notre Dame College of St. Louis
Rose Marie Cutting, Ph.D.
Assistant ChairOffice: Chaminade Tower 413
Phone: (210) 431-2011
Email: rcutting@stmarytx.edu Full Bio Details
Ph.D., The University of Minnesota
M.A., The University of Michigan
B.A. The College of St. Catherine
Dr. Cutting specializes in short fiction, women authors, American literature and creative writing (fiction). Her research is focused on American cultural studies, film, and gender in literature.
M.A., The University of Michigan
B.A. The College of St. Catherine
Dr. Cutting specializes in short fiction, women authors, American literature and creative writing (fiction). Her research is focused on American cultural studies, film, and gender in literature.
Bonita Dattner-Garza, Ph.D.
Office: Chaminade Tower 401Phone: (210) 436-3652
Email: bdattnergarza@stmarytx.edu Full Bio Details
Ph.D., English, University of Nebraska at Lincoln
M.A., English, University of Nebraska-Omaha
B.A., English, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Dattner-Garza teaches Qualitative Research Methods for Communication and Communication Studies for the Graduate Communication Program. She also teaches British Literature and International Literature courses and Composition courses for the English Program. She serves on the admissions and review board for the Graduate Communication Program's M.A. candidates. She is also on the Advisory Board for the McGraw Hill Annual Editions Publication of Mass Media and reviews textbooks for publishers. Dr. Dattner-Garza enjoys reading and examining cultural and postcolonial theories, exploring both the interpersonal and intrapsychic social relations that take place within various kinds of cultures. Her ongoing research, both in and outside the classroom, examines how various conceptual systems limit and engender the dynamics that take place.
M.A., English, University of Nebraska-Omaha
B.A., English, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Dattner-Garza teaches Qualitative Research Methods for Communication and Communication Studies for the Graduate Communication Program. She also teaches British Literature and International Literature courses and Composition courses for the English Program. She serves on the admissions and review board for the Graduate Communication Program's M.A. candidates. She is also on the Advisory Board for the McGraw Hill Annual Editions Publication of Mass Media and reviews textbooks for publishers. Dr. Dattner-Garza enjoys reading and examining cultural and postcolonial theories, exploring both the interpersonal and intrapsychic social relations that take place within various kinds of cultures. Her ongoing research, both in and outside the classroom, examines how various conceptual systems limit and engender the dynamics that take place.
Gwen Diaz, Ph.D.
English Literature & Language Graduate DirectorOffice: Chaminade Tower 406
Phone: (210) 431-2007
Email: gdiaz@stmarytx.edu Full Bio Details
Ph.D., Spanish and Comparative Literature, University of Texas at Austin, 1981
M.A., University of Texas at Austin, 1976
B.A., Baylor, 1971
Dr. Diaz, originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, teaches World Literature and Literary Theory and serves as director of the Graduate English Literature and Language program. She is fluent in Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese, and publishes in both Spanish and English. She has published six books on various topics of Argentine literature; her latest are Women and Power in Argentine Literature (Univ. Texas Press, 2009) and Mujer y poder en la literatura argentina (Emece, 2009), and Texto, Contexto y Postexto en la obra de Luisa Valenzuela, to appear in 2010. Dr. Diaz also has published articles on Latin American literature, literary theory, U.S. Latino literature, and works by Sandra Cisneros, Cristina Garcia, and others. She co-founded and directed the Latina Letters Conference, now titled Las Americas Letters Series in the Arts, an annual conference held at St. Mary's University.
Her awards include a Fulbright Award, a Carnegie Mellon Fellowship, the St. Mary's University Distinguished Professor Award for both undergraduate and graduate teaching, and an Honorary Professorship at the Universidad Catolica de Salta in Argentina. She is frequently invited to speak abroad on the topics of her research. Her interactive teaching style includes discussion, student participation, lecture, and peer work. Her favorite teaching moment happens when she catches the sparkle of understanding in a student's eye.
Dr. Diaz's academic website
M.A., University of Texas at Austin, 1976
B.A., Baylor, 1971
Dr. Diaz, originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, teaches World Literature and Literary Theory and serves as director of the Graduate English Literature and Language program. She is fluent in Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese, and publishes in both Spanish and English. She has published six books on various topics of Argentine literature; her latest are Women and Power in Argentine Literature (Univ. Texas Press, 2009) and Mujer y poder en la literatura argentina (Emece, 2009), and Texto, Contexto y Postexto en la obra de Luisa Valenzuela, to appear in 2010. Dr. Diaz also has published articles on Latin American literature, literary theory, U.S. Latino literature, and works by Sandra Cisneros, Cristina Garcia, and others. She co-founded and directed the Latina Letters Conference, now titled Las Americas Letters Series in the Arts, an annual conference held at St. Mary's University.
Her awards include a Fulbright Award, a Carnegie Mellon Fellowship, the St. Mary's University Distinguished Professor Award for both undergraduate and graduate teaching, and an Honorary Professorship at the Universidad Catolica de Salta in Argentina. She is frequently invited to speak abroad on the topics of her research. Her interactive teaching style includes discussion, student participation, lecture, and peer work. Her favorite teaching moment happens when she catches the sparkle of understanding in a student's eye.
Dr. Diaz's academic website
Cyra Dumitru
Visiting LecturerOffice: Chaminade Tower 417
Phone: (210) 431-5027
Email: cdumitru@stmarytx.edu; www.riverlilypress.com Full Bio Details
B.A., Indiana University, Bloomington
M.A., UTSA
Brother Fred Halwe, S.M.
Office: Chaminade Tower 415Phone: (210) 431-6858
Email: fhalwe@stmarytx.edu
Full Bio Details
M.A., English, St. Louis University
B.A., English, St. Mary's University
Brother Fred's long experience in secondary education, including 13 years as an assistant principal, has led him to specialize in Rhetoric and Composition, in which first-year students make their transition to college. He also teaches a variety of second-year literature courses, Advanced Composition, and Linguistics. Brother Fred lives at the Woodlawn Marianist Community and is a big fan of Rattler athletics.
B.A., English, St. Mary's University
Brother Fred's long experience in secondary education, including 13 years as an assistant principal, has led him to specialize in Rhetoric and Composition, in which first-year students make their transition to college. He also teaches a variety of second-year literature courses, Advanced Composition, and Linguistics. Brother Fred lives at the Woodlawn Marianist Community and is a big fan of Rattler athletics.
Katherine Hampsten, Ph.D.
Office: Treadaway Hall 376Phone: (210) 436-3311
Mail: khampsten@stmarytx.edu
Bill Israel, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Journalism and Political CommunicationDirector, Graduate Communication Studies
Office: Treadway Hall 378
Phone: (210) 436-3650
Email: bisrael@stmarytx.edu
Full Bio Details
B.A., The University of Iowa
M.A., The University of Texas at Austin
Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin
M.A., The University of Texas at Austin
Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin
Alice Kersnowski, Ph.D.
English/Composition DirectorOffice: Chaminade Tower 404
Phone: (210) 431-2010
Email: akersnowski@stmarytx.edu
Full Bio Details
B.A., Northwestern
M.A., University College (Ireland)
Ph.D., University College (Ireland)
M.A., University College (Ireland)
Ph.D., University College (Ireland)
Camille Langston, Ph.D.
Office: Chaminade Tower 410Phone: (210) 431-8082
Email: clangston@stmarytx.edu
Full Bio Details
B.A., Baylor University
M.A., St. Mary's University
Ph.D., Texas Woman's University
Dr. Langston specializes in Rhetoric and 19th-Century American Women Authors. She is currently editing a collection of Sarah J. Hale's works on rhetoric and writing an article on silence and rhetoric. She teaches her classes in seminar style and uses active learning and student-centered pedagogies. Along with teaching rhetoric and composition and American literature, she serves as the Department's Internship Coordinator and the University's London Semester Abroad Director.
M.A., St. Mary's University
Ph.D., Texas Woman's University
Dr. Langston specializes in Rhetoric and 19th-Century American Women Authors. She is currently editing a collection of Sarah J. Hale's works on rhetoric and writing an article on silence and rhetoric. She teaches her classes in seminar style and uses active learning and student-centered pedagogies. Along with teaching rhetoric and composition and American literature, she serves as the Department's Internship Coordinator and the University's London Semester Abroad Director.
Kathleen Maloney, Ph.D.
Department Chair of English and Communication StudiesOffice: Chaminade Tower 409
Phone: (210) 431-2005
Email: kmaloney@stmarytx.edu
Full Bio Details
Ph.D., Purdue University
M.A., California State University
B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara
M.A., California State University
B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara
Richard Pressman, Ph.D.
Professor of English and Communication StudiesOffice: Chaminade Tower 407
Phone: (210) 431-6787
Email: rpressman@stmarytx.edu
Full Bio Details
B.S., Carnegie-Mellon University
Ph.D., Temple University
Dr. Pressman specializes in the U.S. Novel, which he teaches the history of on the graduate level. His scholarship runs the historical gamut from the 1780s to 1960s. Of special interest to him are the novels of women and minorities. Dr. Pressman suggests that his classroom style is demanding but student-oriented.
Ph.D., Temple University
Dr. Pressman specializes in the U.S. Novel, which he teaches the history of on the graduate level. His scholarship runs the historical gamut from the 1780s to 1960s. Of special interest to him are the novels of women and minorities. Dr. Pressman suggests that his classroom style is demanding but student-oriented.
Melissa Scully
Office: Chaminade Tower 414Phone: (210) 431-2092
Email: mscully@stmarytx.edu
Full Bio Details
B.A., Mt. Holoke
M.A., St. Mary's University
M.A., St. Mary's University
Kevin Welch
Assistant Professor of English and Communication StudiesOffice: Treadaway Hall 377
Phone: (210) 436-3655
Email: kwelch@stmarytx.edu
Full Bio Details
M.F.A., Northwestern University
B.S., Abilene Christian University
B.S., Abilene Christian University
