Discover Writing and Literature at GCCC
Why Writing?
Whether we tap out a text, a tweet, an essay, an application, a poem, or an email, we all write. Our goal is to convey a message—to be heard and understood. We’ve all had the terrible experience when our message is misunderstood. However, if we construct our message with our audience and purpose in mind, our words will communicate.
Knowing how to tailor and focus our message—choose our subjects, forms, and even words—grants us great power: the power to communicate effectively. Whether we want to motivate others to take action, inspire them with a beautiful poem, or simply make sure our family members attend certain events, we must often rely on our ability to communicate.
Why Literature?
Ever floated down the Mississippi River on a raft? Ever taken a late-night walk through the woods with the Devil himself? Reading literature allows us to become immersed in worlds beyond our own. As C.S. Lewis said, “In great literature, I become a thousand different men but still remain myself.” As we explore the societies, values, and adventures of our literary counterparts, we find shared human experiences.
F. Scott Fitzgerald explained, “That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.” This belonging has a ripple-effect in that reading literature isn’t an isolating experience; we can now discuss those texts with others. Whether we weep over the injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird or cheer for Pip, we will connect with another reader willing to share in our literary experiences.
English Department Mission Statement
The English Department offers diverse, quality instruction in the writing process and the study of literature. Students gain essential skills in critical thinking, composing and reading from the developmental through advanced levels of college English. Core composition courses teach students to write with precision and purpose, to read attentively, and to communicate to different audiences. Literature courses teach about the human condition through the reading and discussing of various genres of written works.
Accuplacer Reading and Writing Placement Guidelines
The composition courses give practice and proficiency in the use of the English language, improve awareness of clear written communication, and aid in logical reasoning. The ability to write with clarity and precision furnishes students with a life-long tool for success. Students need adequate and consistent access to portable technological equipment (laptop or tablet), Internet, GCCC email, and Canvas. Students need to save and print documents using MLA format and in a file type compatible with Microsoft Word. All students must take the Accuplacer test to determine placement in Basic English, Intermediate English, or English 101. Students scoring below the accepted levels in reading will not be allowed to enroll in English 101 until they have successfully completed the required reading courses.
Meet Samantha Sanger, M.A.
English Instructor
Mrs. Sanger studied English and Literature at Fort Hays State University, receiving both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. She also obtained several courses toward a Ph.D. while at the University of Oklahoma. Her background includes Ethnic Women’s Literature, Native American Literature, and Gender Studies. These areas of interest are reflected in her Master’s thesis which redefined bildungsroman to accurately reflect a uniquely female experience. Her teaching experience includes teaching developmental writing, composition, multiculturalism, and literature courses at community colleges and four-year institutions.
Contact Information:
Office Phone: (620) 276-9543
E-mail: samantha.sanger@gcccks.edu
Meet Sheena Hernandez, M.A.
English Instructor
Mrs. Hernandez studied English and Literature at Fort Hays State University, receiving both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Her background includes English Language History and Linguistics, Traditional and Modern Grammar, and various literary genres. Her teaching experience includes teaching developmental writing, composition, and literature courses at community colleges and four-year institutions. Since coming to GCCC, Hernandez has introduced Ethnic Minority Literature into the course catalog and is interested in developing more literature courses.
Contact Information:
Office Phone: (620) 276-0421
E-mail: sheena.hernandez@gcccks.edu
Meet Seth Kristalyn, M.A.
English Instructor
Seth Kristalyn earned his B.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from Pittsburg State University in 2013 before earning his M.A. in Literature and Creative Writing from Kansas State University in 2016. He has taught previously as an English Instructor at Kansas State University. His teaching experience includes developmental writing, composition, and literature. His academic interests include fiction writing, creative writing pedagogy, American literature, and Modernist literature.
Contact Information:
Office Phone: (620) 276-0420
E-mail: seth.kristalyn@gcccks.edu
Meet Robert Howell, M.A.
English Instructor
Robert Howell comes to Garden City Community College after having taught at Colorado Early Colleges in Fort Collins Colorado, as well as two years at Wichita State University. He received an Associate’s Degree in Arts from Hesston College (Emphasis in Music, English, and Biblical Studies), his Bachelor’s Degrees in English and Biblical and Religious Studies at Tabor College, as well as his Master’s Degree in English from Wichita State University. He teaches all levels of Composition, as well as various courses in Literature. His interests and areas of focus include Rhetoric and Composition, British and American Modernism, British Gothic and Romantic Literature, Science Fiction, Creative Writing, and any other form of learning that inspires critical thinking.
Contact Information:
Office Phone: (620) 276-9235
E-mail: robert.howell@gcccks.edu
Meet Chris Turpin, M.A.
English Instructor
Chris Turpin joined the English Department at GCCC in August 2015. Before that, he taught as an English Instructor at Kansas State University for eight years. He earned two degrees from K-State: a B.A. in Literature/Creative Writing in 2005 and an M.A. in 2007. His academic interests include persuasive writing, Enlightenment literature, and creative nonfiction. His graduate project, completed in 2007, was an experimental piece, pairing unfiltered observations of children at play with short nonfiction essays that explored his own childlike behaviors and tendencies. (The unavoidable conclusion of the piece was that, despite getting older, Chris never really grew up.)
Contact Information:
Office Phone: (620) 276-0421
E-mail: christopher.turpin@gcccks.edu