James Kirkland

James Kirkland is a Professor in the English Department at East Carolina University. He holds a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. His research focuses on 19th-century American literature, rhetoric and composition, and folklore. Kirkland has authored/co-authored seven books including seminal works on composition pedagogy and traditional healing practices. His publications span journals such as English Language Notes and Western Folklore. He teaches courses ranging from American literary history to advanced composition and folklore studies.

Education:

• B.A., University of Florida
• M.A., University of Florida
• Ph.D., University of Tennessee

Research Interests: Explores intersections between American literary traditions and cultural practices, emphasizing magico-religious healing systems and pedagogical innovations in writing instruction. His work bridges literary analysis with ethnographic approaches to folklore.

Publications: Co-authored major textbooks in rhetoric and edited volumes on traditional medicine, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to scholarship.