Fantasy Matters Conference

English graduate students have organized a November 16-18 conference here about fantasy literature featuring keynote speakers Neil Gaiman, author of the Sandman series of graphic novels, and Jack Zipes, noted UM scholar of fairy tales and folklore. Other featured authors are Patrick Rothfuss, Pamela Dean, Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu, and many local fantasy writers including MFA alumna Haddayr Copley-Woods.

Undergraduate Student Organization

Put Down the Book and Talk to Someone!

FUSE, the Fellowship of Undergraduate Students of English, invites majors to meet each other in a variety of settings. The mission of FUSE, according to its founding members, is “to connect to the literary pulse of the Twin Cities and provide a dynamic student community for English majors at the University of Minnesota.�

Regular Activity:
*weekly English Study Nights, every Tuesday night, 6pm-9pm at Marrakesh Coffee in Dinkytown, to hash out ideas for the next paper, discuss recently-read books, or just hang out!

For more information on events, study nights, and other activities, students can contact: UMN.FUSE@gmail.com, check out the FUSE website, and “Put down the book and talk to someone!�

Professor's Oratorio Nears Sell-Out

The oratorio To Be Certain of the Dawn, by composer Stephen Paulus and Department of English professor Michael Dennis Browne, is nearly sold out for its single performance at Orchestra Hall on Tuesday, February 12, with the Minnesota Orchestra. The orchestra has announced tickets for the dress rehearsal, at 10 am that day. The Minnesota Orchestra debuted the oratorio two years ago at the Basilica of St. Mary and will be recording it for Bis Records after the February performance. Music director and conductor Osmo Vanska talks about the work.

Andrew Scheil Named McKnight Fellow

Congratulations to associate professor Andrew Scheil, who received a McKnight Presidential Fellowship. The Fellowship recognizes promising faculty who recently gained tenure and the rank of associate professor. The awards include three years of research support. Scheil is currently on sabbatical with a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship.