UNC Asheville's MLA Program offers small, stimulating classes

UNC Asheville's Master of Liberal Arts Program is not your typical graduate degree course of study, but it is a unique fit for the intelligent and eclectic residents of the region. The program is an interdisciplinary, part-time course of study for college graduates who are interested in a broad-based learning at the master's degree level.

"All our classes are offered in the evenings, allowing working professionals the opportunity to grow intellectually," said Program Director Bill Spellman. "The MLA may be useful in advancing a career or it may simply allow students to enjoying learning for the sake of learning."

Courses and topics are tailored to current issues, including examinations of the nuclear dilemma, climate and culture, human rights and international politics, feminist theory, southern writers and astronomy.

Graduates say they appreciate the comprehensive approach the program offers.

Kate Gunthorpe completed her undergraduate studies in mass communication at UNC Asheville and went immediately into the MLA Program. "The MLA Program was the best choice for me. I had a great undergraduate degree and felt qualified to join the workforce, but I wanted to learn more," Gunthorpe said. "The program let me broaden my horizons. I took a broad range of classes, from philosophy to contemporary social issues, which have helped me be better able to relate to a wide range of people on a wide range of topics."

She says that skill has helped her land a job working on a local political campaign.

Those skills and the desire to move out of one's intellectual comfort zone is a primary goal of the program, said Spellman.

"Students in the MLA Program, whatever their occupation, share an intense love of learning, an active curiosity, and a desire for continued intellectual growth and challenge."

Students in the program can structure their course work around three primary areas: humanities and creative writing, globalization past and present, and science and human values. Courses are led by a number of highly qualified faculty. Several of the writing courses are taught noted writer Tommy Hays, who is the author of three acclaimed novels and the winner of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award.

"As a creative writing teacher, I find that MLA students bring wonderfully varied life experiences to the classroom and to their writing. Many have been out in the world raising families, making a living, pursuing careers," said Hays. "Now they return to the classroom with a much deeper appreciation for academic and creative engagement. Not only do they see the connection between life and learning, but even more important, they feel it."

The outstanding faculty was one of the things that drew MLA graduate Sharon Jewell to the program.

"I found that the instructors were extremely knowledgeable and open to discussion. In fact, I made friendships with some of the professors that have continued to this day," she said.

Jewell joined the program as an older student who wanted to pursue research in religious practice in America. "I was caught between elder care of my parents and raising my teenage children, so the program was an intellectual outlet for me and something to keep me involved in learning. It was marvelous."

The program, now celebrating its 20th year, has graduated some 100 students. Currently 38 students are enrolled, keeping classes each semester intentionally small. New students are being accepted for the spring semester and informational open houses are planned for those who are interested.

The MLA Program will hold two open house sessions on Saturday, Oct. 25. The first will be held at 10 a.m. in UNC Asheville's Karpen Hall, located on the University's main Quad. The second will be held at 2 p.m. at the Kellogg Center, 11 Broyles Rd., Hendersonville. Both are free and open to the public.

For more information or driving directions, call 828/350-4590 or click on www.unca.edu/mla.