Waynesburg University professor of English Dr. Jamie Dessart will be co-presenting a joint paper titled, “We’ve got the Shire: The Idyllic Countryside in Tolkien’s Books, Adaptations, and Cozy Video Games,” during the Sci Fi and Fantasy division of the Popular Culture Association (PCA) National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, this April.
Framed around the Shire in “The Lord of Rings,” the paper explores the ways in which rural life is often romanticized in pop culture adaptations, television and video games.
“The main argument is that pop culture paints an idyllic view of rural life while the actual texts like Tolkien show a much more complex and layered view,” explained Dr. Dessart.
The PCA is where I get ideas on how to reach our WU students where they live—pop culture—and how to bring them along into the academic discussion of literary and composition studies."
Held annually, the PCA National Conference provides a forum for scholars and educators from around the globe to network, present and participate in discussions surrounding the diverse world of popular culture.
“During the PCA, I make lots of connections with other scholars, attend panels, learn about new texts and teaching methods, and always come back with new ideas to bring to my students and classroom,” shared Dr. Dessart, who is also a member of the steering committee for the Sci Fi and Fantasy division of the PCA.
While dedicated to bringing back new ideas to share with students in the classroom, she also makes a point to get students involved in the conference, guiding them in presenting their own work and providing opportunities for them to learn and network. Over the past 10 years, Dr. Dessart has been able to take over 30 students to the PCA, further enriching their learning experiences beyond the classroom.
“The PCA is where I get ideas on how to reach our WU students where they live—pop culture—and how to bring them along into the academic discussion of literary and composition studies,” she added. “It's been invaluable to me as a means of keeping up with the field and developing professionally; it gives me the base from which to keep changing with the ever-evolving needs of our students.”
On campus, Dr. Dessart brings literature to life in her unique special topics courses. Among her favorites have included, “Another Day, Another Doug: The Marvel Cinematic Universe and Social Issues,” “The Time We’ve Been Given: J. R. R. Tolkien and Fantasy,” “Science Fiction or Science Fact?,” “Make ‘em Laugh: Comedy in Literature and Film” and “Monsters and Loathly Ladies and Billy Shakes: Early British Literature and Popular Culture.”
These courses provide an exciting outlet for students of various disciplines to learn about and engage in discussions of literature in topics that interest them. Over the years, the models for and projects assigned in the courses have changed along with the students who have taken them, adapting to the current trends in a way they can more easily relate.
The dedication of faculty members like Dr. Dessart to continuous learning and keeping classroom curricula current and adaptable is a key part of what makes Waynesburg University a dynamic learning environment for students of all backgrounds.
Department of English and Foreign Languages
Learn more about the programs offered available in the Department of English and Foreign Languages at Waynesburg University at the link below.
