James Luberda
Department of English
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 06269
860-293-2698
Education
PhD English, 2007 (anticipated), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Dissertation: “Social Statics and Evolutionary Discourse, 1844-1859.” Approached as a history of the book, utilizes Spencer’s first major work as a point of intervention into the construction of mid-century evolutionary thinking. Advisor: Thomas Recchio.
Comprehensive exams in 19th-Century British Literature, Composition Theory, and Narratology.
MA English, 1998, Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO
Thesis: “Literary Language and Complex Literature.”
BA English, 1995, North Central College, Naperville, IL
Awards and Fellowships
2006-2007 University of Connecticut Humanities Institute Dissertation Fellowship (two awarded annually)
1997-1998 Best Graduate Essay Award, English Department, Northwest Missouri State University
1996-1997 Best Graduate Essay Award, English Department, Northwest Missouri State University
1991 $35,000 Presidential Academic Scholarship, North Central College
“Spencer's Plots: Habit, Heterogeneity, and Special Creation,” Society for Literature, Science, and the Arts Conference, New York, New York, November 9-12, 2006
“What Sort of Knowledge about Language Do English Teachers Need (to Teach)?” University of Connecticut Freshman English Program Conference on the Teaching of Writing, Storrs, CT, March 31, 2006
“Solving the Narratorial Function,” Narrative: An International Conference, East Lansing, MI, 11-14 April 2002
Organizer and Presenter, NEMLA 2001 Special Session, “The Role of Cognitive Science in Literary Studies,” Hartford, CT, March 30-31, 2001
“Genes: From Hot Medium to Cool,” Society for Literature and Science Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, October 6, 2000
Teaching Experience
Fall 2001-Spring 2006 (UConn)
One section per semester of either English 111, Seminar in Writing Through Literature or English 110, Seminar in Academic Writing. Sections subtitled, as appropriate, “A Cognitive Approach to [Literature and] Composition”
Spring 2001 (UConn)
English 109, Literature and Composition course, section subtitled "A Cognitive Approach to Literature and Composition."
Fall 2000 (UConn)
English 105, Introductory Composition course, section subtitled, "A Cognitive Approach to Composition."
Spring 2000 (UConn)
English 109, Literature and Composition course, section subtitled "A Cognitive Approach to Literature and Composition."
English 104, Composition course for Basic Writers, section subtitled, "A Cognitive Approach to Composition."
Fall 1999 (UConn)
English 111, a pilot 4-credit Literature and Composition course modeled upon English 109, section subtitled "A Cognitive Approach to Literature and Composition." Responsible for all aspects of course design, selection of readings, and implementation without supervision. Met weekly with other pilot course instructors to discuss progress and anticipated outcomes.
Spring 1999 (UConn)
Two sections of English 109, a Literature and Composition course, sections subtitled "Literature in an Information Age." Responsible for all aspects of course design, selection of readings, and implementation without supervision.
Fall 1998 (UConn)
Two sections of English 105, an Introductory Composition course. Utilizing a preselected reader, developed a syllabus, organized readings, and implemented the course without supervision.
Spring 1997-Spring 1998 (Northwest Missouri State University)
Served as Distance Learning Coordinator for English 220, Introduction to Literature. Course was taught by a faculty member at North Central Missouri College. Responsible for coordinating all aspects of the Northwest remote classroom, including managing all technical aspects. Also trained other instructors and assistants on equipment.
Fall 1996 (Northwest Missouri State University)
Taught English 220, Introduction to Literature. Developed a syllabus, selected readings, and taught course utilizing a standardized textbook.
Academic Service
1999 Member of Composition Pilot Course Design Committee, University of Connecticut
1999 Member of Graduate Student Orientation Committee, University of Connecticut
1997-1998 Graduate Student Representative, Northwest Missouri State University
Professional Affiliations
North American Victorian Studies Association
Cognitive Science Society
Modern Language Association
Conference on College Composition and Communication