Heather Mitchell-Buck

About Me

Heather Mitchell-Buck is an Associate Professor of English and the Digital Learning Coordinator at Hood College in Frederick, MD, where she teaches courses in early period British literature. This semester (Spring 2018), she is teaching an introductory course in literary theory, as well as a course on King Arthur and one on how real people are transformed into captivating characters in historical fiction. She received her PhD in English from … Read More

tech in the classroom

One of the reasons I have a website is because of my commitment to using technology in ways that are pedagogically useful. In my classes, we blog and tweet to keep the conversation going outside of classroom hours. We also create interactive books and visual … Read More

iPad app recommendations

I believe that the iPad is a powerful tool that can make education more accountable, more engaged, and more equitable. If you'd like to know more, you can check out the talk I gave to faculty at Jacksonville University in April 2016. (Don't be dismayed by the length of the … Read More

a 21st-century education

What do college students need to succeed in the 21st century? A liberal arts education. And a humanities major. First: let's define those terms. What is a liberal arts education? A liberal arts education means studying broadly—taking classes in many different subjects—and building skills that are geared toward more than just one profession. By studying the liberal arts, students develop strong critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. Liberal arts students learn to approach questions flexibly and to think across multiple disciplines. These are skills employers say they … Read More

general medieval info

Studying medieval literature and culture is incredibly rewarding! But it is also challenging. Whether you're perplexed by the language or culture of medieval England, fear not! There is help out there. Here are some sites that I find helpful. For more specific help with Old English … Read More

medieval language & literature

Studying Middle English or Old English literature? There is lots of help out there! middle english resources The Middle English Compendium: lots of useful stuff, but top of the list is the full Middle English Dictionary. This is absolutely the most useful thing ever … Read More

medieval feasting

My Hood College students have hosted two medieval feasts: English 253 in November 2011 and English 318/518 in November 2013. Here is some info about these events and medieval feasting in general. medieval manners It's a widely-held misconception that medieval folks … Read More

writing & literary lingo

Writing and researching at the college level? These sites will definitely help! UNC Writing Center: great resource on thesis development, organization, grammar, and lots more. Harvard Writing Center: another great resource. Check out their sections on outlining as well … Read More

drama resources

This section of the site is very much a work-in-progress. Have a link you'd like me to add? Just let me know. early english drama resources A fantastic podcast about early drama (and specifically the Towneley Second Shepherds' Play) produced by the Folger Shakespeare … Read More