Languages and Literatures Stories & News

Book in library with tree growing out of pages

UNI faculty demystify the novel writing process

Wondering how to write a novel? Get some insight from four University of Northern Iowa English professors.
Students inside water treatment facility

UNI students tackle water quality in two languages

UNI students Cody Boozell’s advanced Spanish class are taking their learning beyond the classroom with hands-on experience at a local water treatment facility.
Jeremy Schraffenberger

UNI English professor receives prestigious Harvard University Dearborn Fellowship

Jeremy Schraffenberger, professor of English and co-editor of the North American Review, has been awarded the Harvard University Dearborn Fellowship.
UNI Student teaching 3 young children sitting down

Leading The Way In Language

In the state of Iowa, English learners (those whose first language is something other than English) are among the fastest-growing populations in our schools, according to the Iowa Department of Education. With an increase of nearly 60% in the past decade, all Iowa districts need to be prepared to serve English learners, including immigrant children and youth.
Students going over notes in a classroom

A unique approach to teaching academic writing to international students

UNI students whose first language is not English are learning about college writing and research in a course section specifically designed for them.
College students in a classroom

Grant from U.S. Department of Education helps address shortage of English as a Second Language teachers

As part of a grant of almost $1.5 million awarded to the University of Northern Iowa’s Department of Languages & Literatures, a new cohort of 15 graduate students have begun working toward their English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement or master of arts in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL).
Jason Bradford

Late UNI alum challenges his disability through published poetry

One of the North American Review Press' most recent publications is "Stellaphasia," a collection of poems by late UNI alum Jason Bradford.
Jake Volk standing in the library

English graduate student combines his design, teaching, and academic skills in North American Review fellowship

Graduate Student Jake Volk works with the North American Review to help sustain the legacy and forward-looking nature of America's oldest literary magazine. 
McKenna Mitchell in Spain

UNI alum will teach in Spain through Fulbright Program

For McKenna Mitchell, putting her UNI TESOL teaching degree to use in Spain is a dream come true. It's a dream made possible by the Fulbright Program.
Student on laptop

UNI ranks in top 15% for online master’s in education programs

UNI's online master’s in education programs ranked in the top 15% nationally, based on the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs.