Why Choose Marywood’s English and Modern Language Department ?
Marywood University’s English and Modern Languages programs provide students with an education rooted in the liberal arts and focused on real-world application. Our students benefit from:
Engaging courses that foster creativity, analysis, and communication
Small class sizes with personalized guidance from dedicated faculty
A mission that blends academic excellence with global awareness
A campus culture that encourages collaboration, exploration, and impact
Our graduates are prepared for careers in teaching, writing, publishing, communications, and international fields, as well as for advanced study in graduate and professional programs.
Our Mission:
English Program
The English Program at Marywood University is a dynamic learning community dedicated to exploring the beauty and power of language and literature. We offer a broad spectrum of courses for literary study and teacher training.
Foreign Language Program
The world is full of languages. It's your first step toward a wide world of career options. Exposure to different cultures and diverse people helps prepare you for study and travel abroad and local and international internships. Every student at Marywood is required to study a modern language as part of the University's core liberal arts curriculum. There are numerous opportunities for students to study abroad in countries throughout Europe and Latin America.
Our Values: Language as a Bridge to Understanding
From literature and creative writing to linguistics and world languages, we view English and Modern Languages as disciplines that connect people across cultures, histories, and perspectives. Our programs encourage critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness, helping students use language as both an art form and a tool for meaningful communication. We believe that studying language and literature empowers our students and graduates to make a positive impact in the world. The diversity within and among our programs creates opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and growth.
Facilities & Technology
Liberal Arts Center
The Liberal Arts Center (LAC) contains classrooms utilized by several programs, as well as the Office of Admissions, a variety of other administrative offices, and the NativityMiguel School of Scranton. Bulit in 1923, it is one of Marywood's oldest buildings and was the first facility totally dedicated to the use of college classes. While it retains many of its classic features and architecture, the building has undergone recent physical renovations and enhancements of its learning spaces, including technological upgrades, climate control abilities, and new furniture in each classroom.
The LAC provides classroom space to students in the Social Sciences, English, and Philosophy programs. The iconic Rotunda is at the heart of the Liberal Arts Center. The Admissions Office is located on the first floor. A variety of administrative offices are located on the terrace level and second floor, including the Cashier's Office, Financial Aid, Human Resources, Registrar's Office, Provost's Office, Housing and Residence Life, the Center for Global Engagement, and more.
Liberal Arts Center Classrooms
The Liberal Arts Center provides classroom space for coursework in the Social Sciences, English, Philosophy, and Religious Studies programs. Bulit in 1923, it is one of Marywood's oldest buildings and was the first facility totally dedicated to the use of college classes. While it retains many of its classic features and architecture, including the iconic Rotunda, the building has undergone recent physical renovations and enhancements of its learning spaces, including technological upgrades, climate control abilities, and new furniture in each classroom.
Meet the Faculty & Staff
Our expert faculty bring real-world experience into every classroom and discussion. From published authors and literary scholars to linguists and cultural experts, our instructors are dedicated to mentoring students through every step of their English and Modern Languages studies.
Meet our faculty and staff to learn more about their backgrounds, teaching philosophy, and areas of specialization.
Dr. Helen M Bittel
Coordinator for the Eng/Lang Program | Associate Professor
Mavie C Alario
Lecturer | Lecturer
Gabrielle N Bartolini
Lecturer
Roxana A Blancas Curiel
Lecturer | Lecturer
Shannon Renee Brown
Lecturer
Celine R Carlier
Lecturer
Erika Cassel
Lecturer
Tanya P Davis
Lecturer
Dr. Erica J Dymond
Lecturer
Dr. Lauren R Esposito
Lecturer
Mari Flynn
Lecturer
Ellen A Foster
Lecturer
Lena N Gemmer
Lecturer
Natalie Hernandez
Lecturer
Kelly Ann Hopkins
Lecturer
Julie R Johnson
Lecturer
Kirsten J Kaschock
Lecturer
Patrick B Kelley
Lecturer
Chesla Ann Lenkaitis
Lecturer
Christina R Lumbis
Lecturer
Kelly A Lynott
Lecturer | Lecturer
Emily C McElroy
Administrative Assistant
Sr. Christine A Mihelich
Lecturer
Dr. Sara J Monahan
Assistant Professor of Practice
Lucia M Montas
Lecturer
Dr. Carlie I Nicastro
Lecturer | Lecturer
Brian J Reese
Lecturer
Kenneth Roggenkamp
Lecturer
Tasha Saint-Louis
Lecturer
Ashley Elizabeth Schwartz
Lecturer
Allison G Tevald
Lecturer
Jordan E Traut-Jellad
Lecturer
David Russell Zauhar
Lecturer
Dawn D'Aries Zera
Lecturer
Clubs
English and Modern Languages is more than a field of study — it’s a community. At Marywood, students can join both discipline-specific and broader student organizations that foster leadership, creativity, and professional growth. Clubs and honor societies support students across all English and Modern Languages programs, including:
Joining a club is a great way to connect with peers, gain real-world experience, and enhance your resume as you pursue your English and Modern Languages degree.
Student Resources
External Libraries
Lackawanna County Library System Library of Congress
Other Resources
F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts - presents the best of the performing arts and entertainment in northeast Pennsylvania.
H-Net is an international interdisciplinary organization of scholars and teachers dedicated to developing the enormous educational potential of the Internet.
Literary Resources on the Net - This site is a collection of links to sites on the Internet dealing especially with English and American literature, excluding most single electronic texts.
The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established; bringing the arts to all Americans; and providing leadership in arts education.
The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities.
Ninth Art Ninth Art takes a literary view of comic books and includes essays on comics and comic book reviews.
Online Books Page - A list of over 35,000 free books on the web.
Penn Call for Papers website is provided by the Department of English at the University of Pennsylvania as a courtesy to the academic community.
The Pennsylvania Humanities Council inspires a life of learning with speakers, book discussion groups, and grants that enlarge our vision of the world.
Poets & Writers has grown to be the largest nonprofit organization in the country for writers of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
Voice of the Shuttle is the premier online destination for the humanities and social sciences, for casual surfers and die-hard researchers alike. It offers deep research links in more than 25 categories.
Modern Languages
Tips on Studying a Foreign Language
Learning another language is not easy, but most people can learn a second language IF they are willing to put in the necessary time. Here are some practical suggestions for studying effectively, overcoming anxiety, and learning the grammar and skills necessary for success in foreign language classes.
Afraid of That Foreign Language Class? Find out what to expect
Many students erroneously believe that if they are placed in a level beyond 101, it is a death sentence. Some insist that they cannot do the work because they " have forgotten everything" or simply had "a bad teacher in high school". Here at Marywood, you will be placed with other students with similar backgrounds and learning experience. You will be expected to learn what you are taught. If you can speak and understand everything the first day, you will be advanced to the next level. Learning a foreign language is a practical, but exciting journey that will yield many opportunities over your lifetime. The professors are here to guide you each step of the way and to challenge you to excel.
Contact the English and Modern Language Department
Location: Liberal Arts Center
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 570-348-6288
