The University of St. Thomas

College of Arts & Sciences | Department of English

Heather Bouwman

Heather Bouwman

Heather Bouwman

Associate Professor of English

hmbouwman@stthomas.edu
Phone: (651) 962-5603

Office Location: JRC 341

Faculty Website

Courses taught in Spring 2012
ENGL 214-01
20954
American Authors I 0800-0940 T R SCB 329

4 Credit Hours

The study of significant American authors from the beginnings of American literature to the turn of the twentieth century. This survey course will consider the diverse literary, cultural, and historical contexts from which the American literary tradition has arisen. Possible authors studied include Hawthorne, Douglass, Jacobs, Fuller, Dickinson, Clemens, Jewett, Cooper, Wheatley, Whitman, and Native American voices. Prerequisites: ENGL 111 and 112 or 190

ENGL 326-01
20956
Writing for Children/Yng Adult 0955-1135 T R SCB 327

4 Credit Hours

"You have to write whichever book it is that wants to be written. And then, if it's going to be too difficult for grownups, you write it for children."--Madeline L'Engle. In ENGL 326, we'll write literature for children and young adults--which means we'll also read this literature and study it. This class will focus on fiction writing: we'll draft picture books (no, you are not expected to draw!), middle grade fiction, and young adult fiction--and all students will be expected to try their hand at all three genres. Because most published middle grade and young adult fiction is long, students will be encouraged to begin (opening chapters and outlines) novel-length projects over the semester. Before the semester begins, students may want to read the first HARRY POTTER and HUNGER GAMES books (if you haven't already read them...). This course counts towards the writing distribution requirement for English majors. Prerequisite: ENGL 252, 253, 255, or permission of the instructor.

PHED 101-04
21637
Martial Arts 1700-1830 R ARC 112

2 Credit Hours

Study the traditional Korean martial art of Kuk Sool Won. Kuk Sool Won offers excellent physical conditioning grounded in a tradition of respect and harmonious living You will learn challenging and complex forms, kicks and punches, pressure-point & throwing techniques falling and acrobics; mediation and breathing techniques.

Courses taught in Fall 2012
ENGL 121-26
41753
Critical Thinking: Lit/Writing 0800-0940 T R TBD

4 Credit Hours

Students will read and write about literary texts critically and closely. The course emphasizes recursive reading and writing processes that encourage students to discover, explain, question and clarify ideas. To this end, students will study a variety of genres as well as terms and concepts helpful to close analysis of those genres. They will practice various forms of writing for specific audiences and purposes. Students will reflect on and develop critical awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses as readers and writers.

ENGL 121-31
41758
Critical Thinking: Lit/Writing 0955-1135 T R TBD

4 Credit Hours

Students will read and write about literary texts critically and closely. The course emphasizes recursive reading and writing processes that encourage students to discover, explain, question and clarify ideas. To this end, students will study a variety of genres as well as terms and concepts helpful to close analysis of those genres. They will practice various forms of writing for specific audiences and purposes. Students will reflect on and develop critical awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses as readers and writers.

ENGL 255-01
41834
Intro to Imaginative Writing 1335-1510 M W TBD

4 Credit Hours

This course introduces students to skills necessary for imaginative writing. It includes close readings of literary texts that model basic techniques, weekly writing exercises that encourage exploration and development of craft, and workshop discussions to develop students' critical skills. This course will include instruction in setting, character, voice, point of view, literal and figurative imagery, rhythm and sound patterns, and literary structures. Prerequisites: ENGL 111 and 112 or 190

Academic History

M.A., Ph.D., University of Illinois (Urbana)
B.A., Calvin College (Grand Rapids)
At St. Thomas since 2001

Expertise/Specialties

Colonial and Early American Literature
Children's Literature

Selected Publications 

The Remarkable & Very True Story of Lucy & Snowcap. Tarrytown, NY:  Marshall Cavendish Children’s Books.  2008.

"Samson Occom and the Sermonic Tradition." Early Native Literacies in New England:  A Documentary and Critical Anthology.  Ed. Kristina Bross and Hilary Wyss.  University of Massachusetts Press, 2008.

"Sermon on Temperance and Morality," by Samson Occom.  Ed. Bouwman, with assistance from graduate students Margret Aldrich, Nicole Brudos Ferrara, Keri Henkel and Sara Hoffman, in Early Native Literacies in New England:  A Documentary and Critical Anthology.  Ed. Kristina Bross and Hilary Wyss.  University of Massachusetts Press.  2008.

Membership in Professional Organizations

National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
Society of Early Americanists (SEA)
Children's Literature Network (CLN)
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)