09/12/2014
Check out Prof. Christina Kubasta's profile!
Name: Christina Kubasta
What is your educational background?
MFA (poetry), University of Notre Dame; BA (English, Writing Concentration, Minor in Studio Art) Wells College, Aurora NY.
Why did you choose this field?
I was sure quite early that I wanted to major in English and write. But I credit my specific interests (in poetry and modern and contemporary American literature) to the combination of a wonderful professor and a registrar error.
During my first semester of college, I was accidentally allowed to enroll in a 300-level class, “Modern and Contemporary American Poetry.” The professor, Prof. Bruce Bennett, called me to a meeting to discuss whether I could handle the class; he allowed me to remain enrolled and I loved it. We developed an incredibly meaningful student-professor relationship. He became my advisor, and continuing today is a great mentor for me. My recent book was published by a press he recommended. He has introduced me to so many talented writers and editors, recommended me for prizes and fellowships, and remains an engaged and insightful reader of my work.
Hobbies/Favorite Pastimes/Unique talent
When not reading for class & teaching, I read for pleasure. I also enjoy walking my St. Bernard/Mastiff mix Ursula and gardening. In general, I enjoy things that are quiet, contemplative and solitary.
Title/Position:
Assistant Professor of English; Chair of the Culture, Media and Gender Studies Department; Co-Director of the Honors Program
Department:
English & CMG
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy: To convey my enthusiasm for ideas, reading and writing through my classes and interactions with students; to be open to new ideas, new ways of reading, new interpretations. I try to do this by experimenting with texts (for most literature classes, I pick a few new texts that I haven’t taught before), and new methods of delivering content. In general, I want to be transparent with students –if I don’t know the answer, or am conflicted about an idea or a character, or am persuaded by a student’s suggestion or criticism, I try to be honest about that. I would argue recognizing the “not-knowing” is what’s important.
Are you involved in overseeing any on-campus clubs or organizations?
Faculty advisor for SPECTRUM, the LGBTQA student group.
Co-facilitate the Spring Play (with Prof. Fairchild)
What is the most inspiring aspect of Marian?
My students and my colleagues inspire me every day. Because we are a small school, with small classes, we are able to interact in meaningful ways.
Why should a student choose to come to Marian? To choose this program of study?
What you do with your education matters –how it helps to provide skills, leads to a meaningful career, and all that. But a college education, and a major in English, should do much more than this too. Reading literature and thinking about how those expressions of our human experience can comfort, guide and instruct us is part of the continuing value of my education. It’s why we turn to poetry in the darkest moments of our lives, as well as our happiest; it’s why we mark formal occasions with quotations and words.
The language we use –whether we’re describing a situation, or arguing for a particular solution –matters. The difference of a single word can have great ramifications. As a writer and a student of language, I am continually astonished with the power of this tool. As a former English major, and now teacher, I hope to equip students with this ultimate tool. Language shapes our realities; we can use it to remake the world. The politicians understand this power; we as citizens should too.
What advice would you give to students about the importance of earning a college degree? What advice would you give to students of Marian University (current or prospective) about the value of receiving a Marian University education?
Look for a place and people who will nurture you as a whole person. Small classes, small student-faculty ratios, interdisciplinary classes, and strong liberal arts core means you are not just a number in a lecture hall, or an advisee who needs to tick off classes toward a degree. You are more than your future career; you are more than a composite GPA on a transcript. Find a place that recognizes that and will encourage you to be more than that.
