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Carol F Bender, Ph.D.

Carol F Bender, Ph.D.

Professor of English
Joined Alma College Faculty in 1986
Swanson Academic Center 336
(989) 463-7309
Office Hours: M: 1100-noon; TTH: 10:00-noon; W: 1:00-4:00; others by appointment
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My teaching and scholarship strives to emphasize the importance of writing and to expand the possibilities for studies in English at Alma College. Since 1986 I have developed and taught various courses with those goals in mind. Co-founder of the Women's Studies Program I regularly offer a Women's Literature course. After serving as visiting professor at Stillman College (Alma's sister school in Tuscaloosa, Alabama) I developed a course in African American literature. Currently I am teaching an Environmental Writing Course linked with the Environmental Studies Program. Taking students off campus to study literature at such places as Taos, New Mexico, Martha's Vineyard and Key West, Florida offers immersion in the culture and literary history of areas far from Alma.

Education

  • M.A., Central Michigan University (1984)
  • Ph.D., Michigan State University (1989)

Research Interests

Learning Communities and Interdisciplinary connections between English and Science. Active participation in institutes sponsored by AACU (Association of American Colleges and Universities) and SENCER (Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities).

Directed Student Presentations and Achievements

Selected Articles

  • Carol F Bender, Ph.D..  "Sandra Cisneros’s `Woman Hollering Creek."  Masterplots II: Short Story Series, Revised Edition.  Salem Press: Pasadena, California, 2004
  • Carol F Bender, Ph.D..  "Poetic Drama: Breathing Life Into Poems and Poets."  What Really Works: Teaching Ideas for 7-12 English.  Patricia M. Gantt and Lynn Langer Meek editors. Christopher Gordon Publishing, 2004.
  • Carol F Bender, Ph.D..  "Gertrude Stein’s Three Lives."  Cyclopedia of Literary Places.  Salem Press, Pasadena, California, 2003.

Recent Presentations

  • Bender, Carol.  "Taking it Literally: Tennessee Williams' One Acts in Key West."  Conference of the American Alliance for Theatre Education.  Vancouver, BC..  July 2007.
  • Bender, Carol.  "Historical Gratiot County: A Collection of Stories."  11th Annual Institute for Service Learning and Civic Engagement." Schoolcraft College.  Schoolcraft College, Oakland, Michigan.  Feb. 8-9, 2007.
  • Carol Bender.  "Key West Culture: A Midwesterner Reads the Region."  37th Annual College Engish Association Conference.  San Antonio, Texas.  April 6-8, 2006.
  • Carol Bender.  "ENG 101."  Alma College.

Awards, Honors, Recognitions

  • Omicron Delta Kappa, Award for Faculty Excellence

Professional Memberships

  • Modern Language Association
  • Phi Kappa Phu National Honorary
  • Conference on College Composition and Communication
  • Michigan Council of Teachers of English
  • National Council of Teachers of English

Service to the College

  • Co-Chair English Department
  • Gamma Phi Beta social sorority
  • English Department Search Committee

 

Alma College is one of the best colleges fostering social responsibility and public service, according to The Princeton Review and Campus Compact. It is one of 81 institutions in 33 states — and the only private college in Michigan — that The Princeton Review commends and features in its book, Colleges With a Conscience: 81 Great Schools with Outstanding Community Involvement.

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Student Profile

Corinna Kizer

Corinna Kizer
Graduation: 2008
Major: Biology
From: Webster, New York
Interests: Singing, Percussion

Alma’s students work closely with faculty. The resulting partnership leads to co-authored publications, intellectual development and amazing opportunities. While faculty are fueled by the students’ curiosity, energy and ambition, the students are engaged by the faculty’s passion, attention and knowledge.

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