EWL Honors in the Major Seniors Present Final Research

Margaret Fiocco '19 and Julie Huntington, Ph.D.

English and World Literatures major Peggy Fiocco discussed her thesis, “‘Pacify My Mind’: Slave Women’s Escapism of Trauma through the Musicality of Spiritualism and Storytelling” at Tuesday’s program. Fiocco completed her coursework under the mentorship of Dr. Julie Huntington, who attended the presentations with the other advisors and EWL chair Dr. Jennifer Brown. “These terrific presentations exemplified the kind of interdisciplinary, cumulative work that honors students do in their senior years,” explained Brown. “Each student’s work drew on multiple classes that they had taken over their four years and drew on the skills that we start building on day one in EWL. We can’t wait to see what they do next!”

Emily Karandy '19 and Michael Colvin, Ph.D.Emily Karandy presented her research and new theoretical approaches used in her thesis, “Sex Drives: Discussing Sexual Violence and the Thwarting of the Male Orgasm in Muriel Spark’s The Driver’s Seat and Judith Rosner’s Looking for Mr. Goodbar.“ 

Thesis advisor Michael Colvin, Ph.D., who also oversaw Emily during her teaching apprenticeship in the fall, was thrilled to continue his work with the graduating senior. “The conversations were so compelling that my office mate said she hoped I didn’t mind that she eavesdropped,” recounts Colvin. “I ended up learning so much about one of my favorite novels and one of my favorite movies.”

Lauren L’Heureux discussed her senior thesis, a reworking of an original research piece, “The Colonist Prescriptions of Identity: Regaining Autonomy Through the Use of the Magical and Fantastical in the Work of Salman Rushdie.” 

Dr. Martha Sledge, who oversaw L’Heureux’s project, had the privilege to see its evolution throughout the semester. “It’s always exciting to work with students on semester-long projects,” Sledge said. “Through in-depth conversations, I can see projects shift and emerge, and I can watch students grow as writers.” 

Congratulations to these three exceptional scholars! 

Published: May 08, 2019