Question 1: We have a number of 200-level courses that both serve our majors and fulfill general education requirements for non-majors. Many of those are courses in American literature, literatures of the Americas, and /or minoritized literatures. Could you walk us through how you might teach such a lower-level class? Question 2: This position would also include a few advanced courses, including a class that would be filled primarily with upper-level undergraduates but would also include some of our MA students. Could you describe a course you might offer for that combined student population? Question 3: Our English major has been growing year after year, contrary to national trends. At the same time, we have had a number of recent faculty retirements. This creates pressure but also presents an important opportunity to rethink the ways we engage—and, ultimately, retain—an increasingly diverse group of students, especially when it comes to the program’s curriculum. You have already touched on this in your application, but we would love to hear more about your favorite strategies for increasing access in your courses? How do you meet a wide range of students where they are at? Question 4: How do you see your research fitting into the changing landscape of American Literature as a field? Question 5: Where would you like your research to go in the next couple years (the term of this VAP), and how would the VAP position at Oregon State enable you to fulfill some of those goals? Question 6: What questions do you have for us regarding the position, the School, or the University?
