Dr. Annette Wren Q&A

Teaching in the MLA since:				2020
Specialty/Area of Research:				Sherlock Holmes
MLA Courses Taught:				Ameican Crime Fiction Female Investigators Crime Fiction as World Literature

 

 

 

 

 

 

How many years have you been teaching in the MLA program and what class or classes have you taught?

I’ve been teaching in the MLA program since Spring 2020. So far, I’ve taught three crime-related courses: American Crime Fiction, Female Investigators, and Crime Fiction as World Literature

 

Tell us a little bit about your specialty or area of research?

I began my career in higher education as a Victorianist interested in law and depictions of the legal system in mid-nineteenth century British literature. My research soon evolved to a specific interest in one of Western literature’s most popular and influential detective figures: Sherlock Holmes. As I explored the impact of detective fiction on society and culture, I narrowed my research further to adaptations of Sherlock Holmes.

How does your background inform your teaching and scholarship?

I’ve always been an avid reader. But, there is a certain amount of stigma in academia and society “popular” genres of literature, like crime fiction. My enthusiasm for this genre of literature drives my teaching focus and enthusiasm for my courses.

 

How do you try to make the material in your class engaging considering most student complete their MLA degree 100% online?

I try to choose course textbooks that are diverse in content and have a high “thrill” factor. Of course, those two variables can be highly subjective. To help with the subjectivity of my selections, I always gage student interest in our books each semester. The more interesting a type of detective story, the more likely I am to choose it again or something in a similar vein.

 

What is an interesting fct about yourself that you like to share with your students? 

I’m a foster for my local animal shelter! So, occasionally, in my course lectures you might catch a glimpse of a new puppy or hear a little bark in the video’s background.