Last week, I interviewed Dr. Brendan Stephens about his new class that’s coming next semester: Creative Writing for Poetry and Drama. In this class, students will be doing similar things that are done in the other English classes.
However, instead of just reading the classics writing a paper about what they read, Dr. Stephens will have his class read more contemporary writers, whose work is relevant to the present day, often addressing today’s social and political issues, such as Dorothy Chan and John Patrick Shanley.
Dr. Stephens will also have his students write their own poetry and plays before having them read by their peers so they can give each other advice.
When asked about his favorite poem and play, Dr. Stephens had said: “My favorite poem, the one that truly inspired me when I first started my own writing career, is “The Waste Land” by T.S. Elliot. I found his themes of religion and loss very intriguing. As for my favorite play, I would have to go for “Sweat” by the beguiling and endlessly talented Lynn Nottage. I love how she uses her themes of the working-class and the many issues they face in American society.”
Dr. Stephens has also voiced his excitement for having his students react to these contemporary authors assigned hearing their own thoughts and views on them.
Like most English professors, Dr. Stephens loves to read and write in his free time. On top of that, he enjoys reading comics and watching anime, his favorite being “Akira” by Katsuhiro Otomo. He especially enjoys reading comics by independent authors or companies.