Introduction
Teaching Interests
Research Interests
Educational Background
Schedule

Steven Swann Jones
Professor

Office: 404 E&T
Phone: 343-4100
Email: sjones@calstatela.edu

INTRODUCTION

I am currently Chair of the Department of Liberal Studies.  I have been a Professor of English at Cal State L.A. since 1983 and served as Chair of the Department of English from 2000-2005.  My areas of interest include folklore and mythology, children's literature, American literature, and creative writing.

TEACHING INTERESTS

Courses I teach include ENGL 482, The Bible as Literature, ENGL 425, Epic and Legend, ENGL 200A, The Classical and Medieval Tradition, ENGL 430, Children's Literature, and ENGL 258, Mythology in Literature. I occasionally offer undergraduate and graduate seminars in folklore and literature, such as Folktale and American Literature, Myth Criticism, and Legend and American Literature.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My main research involves comparative literature, in particular analyzing the underlying structure and thematic continuities in folk narratives, such as myths, legends, and fairy tales, as well as examining the incorporation of folklore in literature.  I have published three books and over a dozen articles on these subjects. My most recent publication is an article in Western Folklore, entitled "Turning the Screw: Folklore in James's Fiction."  I also have written screenplays, do coverage for a production company, and have several screen credits.

Representative Professional Activities

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Ph.D. English and Folklore 1979
University of California, Davis