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Student Literary Journal Collection

 Collection
Identifier: 34.160-English-Journal

Scope and Contents

The English Department’s annual student literary journal began in 1928 as a compilation of student creative writing. Produced by students under the guidance of faculty advisors, the publication documents a long tradition of encouraging student expression through poetry and prose.

This collection is divided into three series, each representing a distinct publication title. The first series, Early publications, contains the first three titles that consists of one issue each: "Sheaf," May 1928, "Summer Rithms," Summer 1928, and "The Scrip," Summer 1929. Series II: "The Script," has four issues dating 1960-1963. Series III: "Persona" begins with the 1964 issue. Publications are arranged chronologically.

Dates

  • 1928-1929, 1960-2015

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Open to researchers without restriction.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright restrictions may apply. University Archives owns the physical items in our collections, but copyright normally belongs to the creator of the materials or their heirs. The researcher has full responsibility for determining copyright status, obtaining permission to publish from copyright holders, and abiding by current copyright laws when publishing or displaying copies.

Historical note

Since at least 1928, students have contributed content to a creative literary publication sponsored by the English department. Although the name of the publication changed several times, the introductory statements that accompany each title reflect the desire to foster student self-expression.

The earliest documented creative writing publication, "Sheaf: Winnowings from the Scribblers' Club," is dated May 1928. Issue number 1 was introduced by Gates Thomas, Professor of English, as an official publication of the college. "Summer Rithms" followed in August 1928, consisting of literary work created by students enrolled in the summer session. Each of these two issues were published as an official Teachers College Bulletin.

A year after the publication of "Sheaf," Professor Thomas's introduction stated that the title changed to "The Scrip" beginning with the Summer 1929 issue. While Thomas noted that President Evans arranged for the cover and printing, this issue lacks the Teachers College Bulletin imprint.

Published once each year, the student literary magazine, "The Script," was described in 1960 as a joint publication of Ye Olde Cheshyre Cheese Club and the English Department. With the guidance of faculty advisors, the magazine provided students an opportunity to express themselves in prose and poetry.

In 1964 the publication changed its name and format and became "Persona," the English Department's literary arts journal. Run entirely by students, with the guidance of a faculty advisor, the annual journal features previously unpublished art and literature submitted by Texas State students.

Sources: Sheaf, 1928; Summer Rithms, 1928; The Scrip, 1929; The Script, 1962; Persona, 1964, 2006.

Extent

2 Linear Feet (5 document cases)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Collection containing copies of Texas State University English Department’s annual student literary journal.

Physical Location

Materials may be stored off-site. Advance notice may be required for use.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Provenance information is unknown at this time.

Related Materials

Online copies for the 2020 and 2021 issues available here.

See also the Porter House Review, an online literary journal produced in conjunction with Texas State University’s MFA program in Creative Writing. Available online.

Title
Student Literary Journal Collection
Status
Completed
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and Archives Repository

Contact:
Alkek Library Room 580
601 University Drive
San Marcos Texas 78666 USA