Laura Smith Ph.D.
Professor, English
English | School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Education
- Ph.D. University of Texas at Austin with Portfolio in Gender and Sexuality Studies
- M.A. University of Texas at Austin
- B.A. College of William and Mary in Virginia
Professional Experience
- Professor, English, Stevenson University, 2021-present
- Associate Professor, English, Stevenson University, 2016-2021
- Assistant Professor, English, Stevenson University, 2010-2016
Research
Poetry and poetics; contemporary American poetry; African American literature and theory; LGBTQ literature and theory; history of poetic form.
Publications
Book
- The American Sonnet: An Anthology of Poems and Essays. Co-edited with Dora Malech. University of Iowa Press, 2022.
Articles
- “Kiki Petrosino.” Dictionary of Literary Biography DLB 392 African American Pets. (2023) Gale Cengage.
- “Texuality in a Jazz Aesthetic: Textual Rituals for Transformation in Sharon Bridgforth’s love conjure blues.” Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States 46, 2 (Summer 2021).
- “From Rupture to Remembering: Flesh Memory and the Embodied Experimentalism of Akilah Oliver.” Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States 35, 2 (Summer 2010): 103-120. (Republished in The Akilah Oliver Memorial, Belladonna Press, 2011.)
- “Bridging the Gap: Emerging Scholars, Emerging Forms of Scholarship.” Special Issue of Reflections: Writing, Service-Learning, and Literacy, co-edited with Kevin Bott, Sylvia Gayle, Viet Le, Karen Smith. 7, 3 (Summer 2008).
Poetry
- Shape-Shifting Researches 1,” Rogue Agent 66 (Summer 2020).
- “Unstruck,” “Turn,” Ruminate Magazine 41 (2016).
- “Dress,” Bone Bouquet 7.1 (2016).
- “Good Friday,” “Balasana as a Means of Travel,” “Daylight Savings.” PANK: Emerging and Experimental Poetry & Prose 8.11 (2013).
Teaching
- ENG 224. Introduction to Creative Writing.
- ENG 225. Forms of Poetry.
- ENG 230. Critical Approaches to Literary Study I.
- ENG 281. African American Performance on Page, Stage, Screen.
- ENG 281. The Graphic Novel and Visual Literature.
- ENG 281. LGBTQAI+ Literature and Culture
- ENG 287. Literary Genres: Poetry.
- ENG 326. Poetry Workshop.
- ENG 337 Advanced Writing: Grant Writing.
- ENG 338 Writing for Professions: Health Professions.
- ENG 353. Contemporary American Literature.
- ENG 381. Rebels and Revolution: Protest Lit.
- ENG 385. Epic Vision and Revision.
- ENG 385. Sex and Death: The Sonnet Since Shakespeare.
- ENG 401. Major Author: Toni Morrison.
- ENG 401. Major Author: Langston Hughes.
Highlights
- Co-organizer, Sonnets from the American Symposium, October 1-3, 2020
- Fellowship, National Endowment for the Humanities Scholars Institute, 2015
- Artist Residency, Marble House Project, 2014
- Founding Director, Stevenson Summer Writers’ Workshop, 2013-2017
- Texas Institute for Literary and Textual Studies (TILTS) Fellow, 2012
- John Lovas Memorial Weblog Award, Kairos, 2010
- O’Neal Award for Graduate Excellence, 2010
- Cohen New Works Festival Seed Grant, 2008
- PAGE Fellow, Imagining America, 2008
DISCLAIMER: The content of this faculty profile page was created, authored, and published by the identified faculty member. Stevenson University (SU) makes absolutely no guarantee as to the currency, accuracy, or quality of information published. The views and opinions expressed on this page or any links made available are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily state or reflect those of SU. The content of this profile page has not been reviewed or approved by Stevenson University.