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The History of Halloween 

As store aisles fill with skeletons, ghouls, and endless bags of candy, children begin the great debate over whether to be witches or firefighters for Halloween. Meanwhile, adults across the country start adding gargantuan bags of candy to their normal grocery lists in preparation for trick-or-treaters.  This raises the question: Has trick-or-treating always been a…

British English vs. American English: Why We Say Things Differently 

You know summer is over when you hear “autumn is coming” and “it’s brass monkey weather.” Or at least, you do if you’re British. An American might say “fall’s on its way” or “I’m freezing my tail off.” Either way, both speakers may scratch their heads over the other’s way of speaking.  The differences between…

The Impact of a Humanities Education on Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving 

Why pursue an education in humanities?  Contrary to common perceptions that a humanities degree is less practical than a STEM degree, the skills you’ll develop through a humanities education are crucial for navigating the complexities of today’s world. According to the US. Department of Labor, the most desired soft skills include oral and written communication,…

3 Major Historical Events That Happened in Summer 

Summer isn’t just about vacations and sunshine (though we appreciate those irreplaceable aspects, too). It’s also when some of the most important historical events and global milestones took place. From the birth of a nation to a cultural revolution and even a journey to the moon, these three historical events happened during the summer months…

Juneteenth Explained: The Other Independence Day

Most Americans celebrate July 4th as the day the U.S. won its independence from Britain. But millions also recognize a second Independence Day, Juneteenth, which marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Americans in Texas finally learned they were free.  In this article, we explore the powerful history behind Juneteenth and how it…

How Art and Literature Intersect in UTPB’s English Programs 

The English language has been the foundation of countless works of art and literature throughout the ages and across the world. Often a work of literature will inspire the creation of a work in another art form, be it sculpture, painting, theater, music, film, architecture, dance, or photography—just one of the fascinating ways art and…

From the Elite to the Everyman: An Evolution of Art 

When you think of adding artwork to your walls of your home, you might envision the iconic graphics of pop art or the nature-inspired strokes of impressionist pieces. No matter the style of art you’re after, you’re sure to find something to express yourself in the deep catalog of works available to the modern masses. …

Women’s Voices in Literature: Celebrating Female Authors 

March is Women’s History Month, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t take the opportunity to shine the spotlight on some influential female authors, their written work, and their other distinctions. Here we’ll celebrate 21 names from an ever-growing field of eminent female writers, followed by an introduction to two illuminating online degree programs dedicated…

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