Rita Faulkner has a B.A. in French with a German minor, an M.A. in Applied Linguistics and an M.A. in Comparative Literature as well as a Ph.D. in Comp Lit. She wrote her dissertation, National Allegory: Land and Body in Nawal El Saadawi and Assia Djebar about the works of an Egyptian feminist writer who wrote in Arabic and an Algerian feminist writer who wrote in French. Rita has taught classes ranging from Eurocentrism in Film to Islamic Culture and Civilization in addition to ESL and French. She has traveled extensively and studied language in France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, and Morocco.

What English class do you teach?

I teach sociolinguistics, ENG220 Language and Society.

What attracted you to teaching here at Ball State?

I was attracted to Ball State because I live here in Muncie and it’s the best place to work. It is the best school to go to as well. Before becoming an instructor for ENG220, I already worked here in the Intensive English Institute. I was applying for another teaching job in the English department, and Mary Lou Vercellotti needed an instructor and thought my application might be appropriate for the job.

What’s good advice that you might have for a student to succeed?

Being in class and doing the homework is obvious, so it’s the first thing that comes to mind. But more importantly, ask questions. Don’t be afraid of the professor. Come and see them, communicate, and don’t see the professor as a wall between you and what you’re trying to learn.

An interesting hobby that you have?

I enjoy speaking and studying the French language.