51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's Department of English will present a series of internationally-acclaimed writers throughout April as part of the International MFA program's annual Spring Reading Series. Unless otherwise noted, all readings will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Marjorie Barrick Museum Auditorium at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.
<strong>April 7- Richard Stern</strong>
Richard Stern, professor emeritus at the University of Chicago, will read from his celebrated new work of fiction, "From Almonds to Zhoof: Collected Stories." Stern is the author of 21 books and winner of numerous literary awards, including the prestigious Medal of Merit for the Novel awarded by the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters. The reading is co-sponsored by the University Forum Series.
<strong>April 14- Yuri Rytkheu
Fireside Lounge (second floor of Moyer Student Union at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ)</strong>
Novelist Yuri Rytkheu, the debut writer in the International Institute of Modern Letters Rainmaker Translation Series, will read from his newly published "A Dream in Polar Fog." Rytkheu's novels and short stories about the Chukotka of Siberia introduced generations of readers to the history and mythology of the region and have been best-sellers throughout Europe. He will be joined by his translator, Ilona Chavasse.
<strong>April 15- Marilyn Chin</strong>
Acclaimed Chinese-American poet and San Diego State University professor Marilyn Chin will read selections from her work, which include "Rhapsody in Plain Yellow" and "The Terrace Empty." Chin has been honored with four Pushcart Prizes, the PEN Josephine Miles Award, and numerous National Endowments for the Arts fellowships. This reading is co-sponsored by the Red Rock Review.
<strong>April 27- Virginia Spencer Carr</strong>
Noted biographer Virginia Spencer Carr will read selections from her work that include "Dos Passos: A Life," "Paul Bowles: A Life," and "The Lonely Hunter: A Biography of Carson McCullers." Carr holds the John B. and Elena D?az-Vers?n Amos Distinguished Chair in English at Georgia State University and is currently at work on a biography of Eudora Welty.
The Department of English at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ offers a three-year course of study in creative writing that leads to the Master of Fine Arts, considered the terminal academic degree in the field. The unique international focus of the program provides the opportunity to study the creative process across traditional borders of language and culture, giving students a more global and contemporary perspective on their craft.
