Division of Humanities
Division Chair – Dr. Kayla McKinney Wiggins
Office: Martin Hall, 1st floor
Telephone: (931) 363-9859 or E-mail: kwiggins@martinmethodist.edu
Full-Time Faculty
Professors: G. Cheatham, J. Cheatham, Harwell, Wiggins
Associate Professor: Nigrelli
Assistant Professors: Adam, Badolato, Fisher, Garvin, Jacklin, Scherr
Instructor: Rich
Adjunct Faculty: Holland, Keeton, Miller, Pride, Reynolds, Schafer, Standish, Stalions, Waybright, Wright
The mission of the Division of Humanities at Martin Methodist College is to enhance the liberal arts education of Martin Methodist College students by offering a variety of courses in art, music, language, composition, literature, drama, religion, and philosophy. While some students will investigate these disciplines as part of an academic major, all students will be introduced to these subject areas in the general education core. Through these course offerings the Division of Humanities hopes to:
promote personal growth in students through exposure to the liberal arts;
foster an awareness in students of the cultural, spiritual, aesthetic, ethical, and intellectual diversity found within the human experience;
develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills in students that will prepare them for lives of continued learning.
The Division of Humanities offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Music; either the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in the Church’s Educational Ministry, Church Vocations, Dramatic Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, or Religion and Philosophy; and certificates in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Professional Writing.
The major in the Church’s Educational Ministry is designed for those students who wish to enter the field of Christian education, particularly stressing Youth Ministry or Children’s Ministry, or to pursue graduate work in Christian Education or other theological disciplines. Graduates will be qualified for certification by the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry if desired. The major in Church Vocations is designed to provide a basic understanding of the Christian faith, while also preparing students to pursue graduate training in theological education and/or pursue a variety of career choices in the church. The major in Religion and Philosophy is designed for students interested in an academic study of religion and philosophy in Western culture, but who do not intend to pursue careers as religious leaders. Each student will be allowed to focus his/her program of study more on religion or on philosophy, as personal interest dictates.
English majors take a variety of courses in writing, literature, and language that prepare them for a diversity of career fields or for graduate study. English serves as an excellent major in such fields as teaching, business, journalism, law, medicine, and publishing. The TESOL certificate program provides a theoretical and practical foundation in the study of second language acquisition (SLA) and is designed for students who wish to teach English as a Second Language in the United States or abroad. The coursework comprises linguistics, SLA, methodology, assessment, advanced grammar, and a practicum. A minimum grade of “C-” is required in all TESOL courses in order to receive certification. The Professional Writing Certificate indicates training in a variety of writing courses that prepares students to work in careers like journalism, public relations, and advertising.
The music major is designed to give students a broad background in music theory and music history as well as multiple opportunities to develop and demonstrate their performance abilities. Graduates from this program will be qualified for a variety of careers in the music industry as well as further graduate studies.
The Dramatic Arts major is designed to provide students with the training and skills to work in the professional theatre in a variety of venues from technical theatre to performance, or to pursue graduate study.
Through a broad range of courses, the Interdisciplinary Studies major is designed to provide depth of learning and to appeal to students with eclectic interests. The program encourages the development and application of reading, writing, and critical thinking skills necessary to prepare students to function effectively in an ever- changing social environment and job market.
Students interested in a major within the Division of Humanities should consult the appropriate Division Chair or the Program Coordinator as listed below:
English – Kayla McKinney Wiggins
Interdisciplinary Studies – Kayla McKinney Wiggins
Music – Jennifer Adam
Religion – Domenic Nigrelli and Eli Fisher