Jeanette R. Clausen
Introduction
I’m a newcomer to UALR: My appointment as Chair of International and Second Language Studies began on July 30, 2007. I was attracted to UALR because of its strong commitment to teaching and the Fast Forward strategic plan. The department appealed to me because of the mix of disciplines – foreign languages, ESL, and second language acquisition—and the strengths of the faculty.
I came to Little Rock from Indiana University Purdue University (IPFW) in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a campus similar to UALR in many ways. At IPFW, I wore a number of different hats, including Modern Foreign Languages Department Chair, Women’s Studies Director, and Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (not all at the same time!). I enjoy the challenges of academic administration.
In my free time, I like to bicycle, hike, and see films. During breaks, I visit my daughter Airen in California or my friends in Germany.
Teaching Interests
Over the years I have taught all levels of German language, Introduction to Women’s Studies, Freshman Composition, Freshman Success, and Foreign Language Teaching Methods. One reason why I became a teacher was to share with students texts and subject matters that I liked—so that others could enjoy them as well. Another reason is that teaching provides so many opportunities to be creative.
Research Interests
I’m interested in women writers in the German-speaking countries, minority voices in literature, cartoons and graphic novels, and theories of language learning. At least, that’s what I’m interested in this year. I recently finished a special focus section for Feminist Europa (an online book review journal) on Alice Schwarzer, a well-known feminist activist in Germany and founder of the German feminist magazine Emma. A small project to be completed this spring is a biographical essay about East German author Irmtraud Morgner (1933-1990), for publication in a literary encyclopedia. My most important publication is the translation into English of Irmtraud Morgner’s novel Life and Adventures of Trobadora Beatrice as Chronicled by Her Minstrel Laura. A Novel in 13 Books and 7 Intermezzos (U of Nebraska Press 2000).
Education
PhD in Germanic Linguistics, Indiana University
MA in German Literature, Indiana University
BA University of Wisconsin Milwaukee