Chris Cain

Professor Chris Cain on teaching students how to be informed, independent, critical thinkers deeply engaged in the world.

Professor Cain reviews a manuscript at the Walters Art Museum
Professor Cain examines the Rochester New Testament (ca. 1125 CE, Rochester, England) at the Walters Art Museum.

Ask English professor Chris Cain why anyone would want to study Old English, a language that has gone unspoken for almost 1,000 years, and he has the perfect answer. Of course, it depends on the person you are, he grins, but how about because its fun! It can simply be for the enjoyment of broadening your intellectual horizons the joy of learning.

Its just that kind of infectious enthusiasm that informs Cains conversation about Old English literature in particular and Towsons English department in general. While noting that Towson is the only university in the area where an Old English class is offered, he also gives high marks to his departments other offerings to students.

Were a young department, which brings a lot of fresh energy and excitement to what we do, he says. Our faculty are not only excellent teachers, but also are really savvy in the digital humanities. Together, I think we cover all of the possible bases that a student whos interested in English studies could possibly want.

If youre taking a humanities degree, youre gaining a set of important skills that dont have an expiration date.

Christopher Cain

But why English over a career-track major? Cain again has a ready answer. With some professions, theres no telling that a profession youre training for today is going to be in demand tomorrow. But if youre taking a humanities degree, youre gaining a set of important skills that dont have an expiration date. Youll always be in possession of some assets that will be valuable throughout your working life. 

The most important thing that we teach students in our department is how to read, how to write, and how to put those two skills together, he notes, so they can become more informed and independent thinkers about the world around them.