THIEL PROFESSOR PRESENTS PAPER AT NATIONAL CONVENTION

April 1 , 2009

GREENVILLE, PA—Dr. Mary Theresa Hall, chair and professor of English, presented a paper at the College English Association (CEA) Conference on March 26-28 in Pittsburgh. 

The paper, titled “‘The Scarlet Letter’: A Kaleidoscopic View of New World Literature,” marks a departure in topic for Hall who specializes in British, not American, literature. It resulted from work Hall pursued during her sabbatical in spring 2008. She visit many local high schools and colleges and universities and found that the most popular and most frequently taught literary selection was Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Scarlet Letter.  Her paper highlights the multi-faceted way that Hawthorne portrays Salem, Mass., in his book, presenting both a traditional and evolving perspective on the New England town and its inhabitants.

Along with papers focused on the conference theme of “design” and other topics, participants also were treated to a special celebration in honor of the CEA’s 70th anniversary as a professional organization.

Hall, who joined the Thiel faculty in 1999, lives in Hermitage with her husband, the Rev. V. Donald Hall.

About Thiel College

Founded in 1866, Thiel College is a liberal arts, sciences and professional studies institution located in Greenville, Pa., that provides a great balance of academic challenge, personal and social involvement, and exceptional value to its 1,100 students. For more information about Thiel College, which is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, visit www.thiel.edu or call 800-24-THIEL.

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