Department: English
Peter Donahue
Associate Professor of English
Office:
Berte Humanities Building 102
Contact Information:
Box 549028
Birmingham-Southern College
900 Arkadelphia Rd
Birmingham, AL 35254
Office Phone: (205) 226-4842
Office Fax: 226-3089
E-mail: pdonahue@bsc.edu
Brief Career Background:
While at BSC, I have worked to enhance the creative writing and journalism programs, including implementing minors in both areas. I teach a variety of courses in both areas and advise students who choose to minor in either creative writing or journalism. I also serve as faculty sponsor for The Hilltop News, the student newspaper, and Quad, the literary arts journal. My duties include serving on the planning committees for the BACHE Visiting Writers Series and the WRITING TODAY annual conference.
Educational Background:
PhD, English/Creative Writing, Oklahoma State University, 1997.
MA, English, Virginia Tech, 1990.
BA, English/Creative Writing, University of Washington, 1987.
Areas of Academic Interest:
- Fiction Writing
- Creative Nonfiction Writing
- Journalism
- Editing
- Publishing
- Historical Fiction
- Contemporary Fiction
- Narrative Theory
- Cultural Studies
Courses Taught:
EH 102 Introduction to Writing (1)
Techniques of expository prose. Prerequisite: placement by English faculty. Fall, Spring.EH 204 Writing for the Print Media (1)
A survey of writing styles and techniques appropriate for news writing, public affairs reporting, and feature articles for the print media. Prerequisite: EH 102 or 208.EH 205 Introduction to Creative Writing (1)
Beginning work in creative writing in several genres, including fiction, poetry and either drama or creative nonfiction, at the discretion of the instructor. Using a combination of in-class exercises, readings, and workshops, the course introduces students to the fundamentals of creating, reading, and evaluating short pieces of creative writing. Prerequisite: EH 102 or 208.EH 206 Hilltop News or Quad Editorial Staff (½ )
A practicum course that offers instructional support through training, supervision, readings, and short assignments for the editorial staff of the Hilltop News and Quad. The course instructs student-editors on the background and methods of sound newspaper and literary magazine editing. It aims also to ensure quality and timeliness in the editing and production of the two publications. The staff of each publication meets separately once a week with the instructor. Editorial staff must take the course in the fall and spring for a total of 1 unit. The course is required for Hilltop News and Quad editorial staff. Prerequisite: open only to Hilltop News and Quad editorial staff. Fall, Spring.EH 301 Fiction Workshop (1)
The writing of original short prose fiction taught by the workshop method. The course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: EH 205 or consent.EH 304 Creative Nonfiction Workshop (1)
A study and practice of creative nonfiction that includes the writing of original nonfiction prose within a workshop format. Writings may draw on memoir, journalism, cultural studies, history, literary criticism, nature writing, travel writing, sports writing, spiritual writing, or any kind of writing based on real-life events and experiences. The course will also entail the study of classic and contemporary writers within the genre. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: EH 204 or 205 or consent.EH 305 Journalism Workshop (1)
Reading and practice in forms of journalism, including literary journalism, arts reviews, feature writing, editorials, and interviewing. Prerequisite: EH 204.EH 306 Media Internship (1)
A practicum course for Journalism minors who want to gain firsthand experience in various media practices.Students will work under the direct supervision of qualified practitioners in print, broadcasting, communications, and public relations in media outlets and media-related offices throughout the greater Birmingham area. Students must work for a minimum of ten hours each week during the course of the internship. Prerequisite: EH 204.EH 470, 471, 472 Senior Seminar (1)
Advanced study of selected topics within a specific area of language or literature. Students may enroll for a second seminar on a separate topic as one of their electives. Prerequisite: senior standing or consent.EH 493 Independent Study (1)
Directed work for advanced students. Prerequisite: consent.EH 498 Teaching Experience in English (1)
Experience in the teaching of English fundamentals under the supervision of a member of the English faculty. Prerequisite: consent.