On June 23, 2020, Catherine Becker successfully defended her dissertation entitled "Seriality, Context, and Format: Early American Literature and the Periodical" to earn her PhD from Idaho State University.
Becker is currently an assistant professor at the NNU Writing Center. Her defense was a final step in an educational journey that spanned five years and 80 round-trips from Nampa to Pocatello where she took classes.
“The NNU community has been incredibly supportive and helpful throughout the process,” Becker said. “There is no way it would have been possible without the NNU support network. It is amazing and humbling to be part of a community like this.”
Becker’s dissertation analyzes the works found in early American periodicals from 1776-1820.
In her abstract, Becker states “By examining periodical works through the lens of periodical studies, structuralism, and formalism, this dissertation uncovers in the periodical a rich forum for literary experimentation in which writers explored nascent literary forms, seriality, and prevailing social mores.”
Because of the pandemic, Becker was unable to defend her dissertation in person. Instead, Becker joined doctorate students from around the world in completing her defense virtually.
“I believe the Lord called me to this, equipped me for the journey, and made the entire process possible,” Becker said.
NNU commends Dr. Becker for her achievement.