Jason Brandt Schaefer has expertise in creative writing (specifically in writing fiction, personal essay, and poetry) and music (specifically songwriting, live performance, vocal performance, and instrumental performance on saxophone and electric guitar). Schaefer is currently invested in the study of environmental literature and the history of the American West from the perspective of pre-Columbian indigenous peoples, their lifestyles and cultures, and their interactions with settlers during the era of westward expansion. As a musician, Schaefer is learning best practices in the development and leadership of a performing rock band, and contemporary conventions in the development, creation, sale, and distribution of music and merchandise in the recording industry. Schaefer is also currently studying the styles and lyrics of contemporary cross-genre singer/songwriters working in the funk, folk, rock, jazz, and blues genres.
keywords
Fiction, Novel, Creative Non-Fiction, Literary Journalism, Personal Essay, Memoir, Environmental Writing, Live Music, Guitar Performance, Saxophone Performance, Singing Performance, Songwriting, Interdisciplinary Art, Text-Based Visual Art, Concrete Poetry, American History, Texas History, American West, Environmental Literature, American Western Migration, Westward Expansion
Teaching
courses taught
ENGL 1001 - Writing, Reading, Culture
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
This course provides training and practice in writing and critical thinking with a focus on literary and cultural studies. We will emphasize reading, the writing process, the fundamentals of composition, and the structure of arguments. There will be varied writing assignments with opportunities for revision.
ENGL 1191 - Introduction to Creative Writing
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024
Introduces techniques of fiction and poetry. Student work is scrutinized by the instructor and may be discussed in a workshop atmosphere with other students. May not be taken concurrently with ENGL 2021 or ENGL 2051. May not be repeated.
ENGL 1230 - Environmental Literature
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
This course explores the conjunctions of literature and environments: natural, built, and/or virtual. Students consider literary confrontations with issues such as ecological crises, climate change, human impact on the planet, technics and indigeneity, non-human animals and inhuman agencies, future natures, and environmental justice. Readings may include novels, non-fiction, short fiction, poems, graphic novels, and more.
ENGL 1420 - Poetry
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Introduces students to how to read a poem by examining the great variety of poems written and composed in English from the very beginning of the English language until recently.
WRTG 1150 - First-Year Writing and Rhetoric
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Rhetorically informed introduction to college writing. Focuses on rhetorical analysis, argument, inquiry and information literacy. Taught as a writing workshop, the course emphasizes practicing writing strategies for all phases of the writing process. For placement criteria, see the arts and sciences advising office. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
