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DR JOSEPH WALUNYWA

OffLine
Staff Information
PERSONAL DETAILS
Designation
SENIOR LECTURER
Corporate Email
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Job Category
Teaching
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Directorate / Dept
DEPT. OF LANGUAGES,LIT AND LINGUISTICS
Section
LITERATURE
Address
Department of Literature, Languages, and Linguistics Egerton University P.O. Box 536 Egerton KENYA
SUMMARY

SUMMARY

Joseph Walunywa is a Kenyan scholar with background in Literature and Political Science. He is a Senior Lecturer at Egerton University, Kenya, where he has been teaching courses in Literature since 2002.  He is also the current Chair of Department of Literature, Languages, and Linguistics, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and a Co-Editor of the University’s magazine Graduation Newslink.

Before joining Egerton, in 2002, Dr. Walunywa taught English and Writing courses at the Jefferson Community College, Watertown, New York (1997-2000), as an Instructor, and Writing, English, and African American Literature at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, from 1989 to 1997as a Teaching Assistant (TA) and as a postgraduate student working his way through the Masters and Ph.D. programmes in English at the University.

Dr. Walunywa received his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) from Chavakali High School, Kenya (1978-1982) and his Kenya Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education (KACSE) from Kakamega High School, Kenya (1982-1983), Kenya, where he concentrated on Literature, History, and Geography.  He received his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English (Literature) as well as his BA in Political Science degree from Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York (1984-1988). Finally, he received his Master’s degree in English (Literature) from Syracuse University, New York, U.S.A (1989-1991) and his Ph.D. degree in English (Literature), also from Syracuse University (1991 – 1997).

Dr. Walunywa’s scholarly interests are in Postcolonial Studies, Literary Theory, African Literature, and African American Literature. In recent times, he has also been experimenting with creative writing.   He has completed a number of novel manuscripts for which he is looking for publishers.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

September 1991   to May 1997: Syracuse University, New York, USA:

  • Ph.D. (English/Literature)

September 1989 to May 1991: Syracuse University, New York, USA:

  • Masters (English/Literature)

September 1984 to May 1988: Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York,  USA:              

  • BA (English/Literature and Political Science)
FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION
  • Postcolonial Studies
  • Literary Theory
  • African Literature
  • African American Literature
  • European Literature
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Teaching Responsibilities

Egerton University, Egerton, Kenya (November 2002 – Present)

  • Senior Lecturer (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics: March 2013 to present)

Courses Taught:

  • LITT: 716: Post-Colonial Studies
  • LITT 703: Research and Thesis Writing
  • LITT 711: Theories of Literature and Literary Criticism
  • LITT 705: Forms of Fiction: Novel, Drama, Poetry
  • LITT 427: Research Methods
  • LITT 412: European Literature I: From Classical Greece to the Enlightenment
  • LITT 422: European Literature II: 19th and 20th Centuries
  • LITT 234: Theories of Literature and Literary Criticism
  • LITT 233: Literary Fiction and Non-Fiction
  • LITT 223: Poetry and Drama from East Africa
  • LITT 111: Introduction to Literary Criticism and Language Use
  • COMS 101: 56613212 Communication S kills
  • LITT 0222: Literature f 966-6111rom the Rest of Africa
  • Lecturer (Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics Egerton University, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: 2002-2013)

Courses Taught:

  • LITT 716: Post-Colonial Studies
  • LITT 703: Research and Thesis Writing
  • LITT 711: Theories of Literature and Literary Criticism
  • LITT 705: Forms of Fiction: Novel, Drama, Poetry
  • LITT 427: Research Methods
  • LITT 412: European Literature I: From Classical Greece to the Enlightenment
  • LITT 422: European Literature II: 19th and 20th Centuries
  • LITT 234: Theories of Literature and Literary Criticism
  • LITT 233: Literary Fiction and Non-Fiction
  • LITT 223: Poetry and Drama from East Africa
  • LITT 111: Introduction to Literary Criticism and Language Use
  • COMS 101: Communication Skills
  • LITT 0222: Literature from the Rest of Africa
  • Instructor, English (Department of English, Jefferson Community College, Watertown, New York

Courses Taught:

  • ENG 101: Research and Composition
  • ENG 102: Literature and Composition
  • Teaching Assistant (Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, Department of English, Writing Centre: September 1989 to May 1997)

Courses Taught:

  • WRT 104: Introduction to College-Level Writing
  • WRT 114: Writing and Culture
  • WRT 120: Writing Enrichment
  • ETS 121: African-American Literature: The Harlem Renaissance

NON-TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES

Egerton University, Egerton, Kenya A (2003 - Present)

  • COD (Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: 03 August 2021 to present)
  • Member (Advisory Board to the Institute of Women Gender and Development Studies, Office of the Vice-Chancellor: 29 March to present)
  • Editor (Egerton Univeristy Graduation Newslink, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs: December 2010 to present)
  • Core Trainer and Liaison Officer (Egerton University Zain Africa Challenge Scholars Team, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Egerton University: 2007-2012)
  • Member (Vice-Chancellor’s Committee on Ethnicity,Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Extension: October 2009-April 2011)
  • Team Member (Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) Committee: Enhancing Original Publications and Proposals and Research Consultancy, Division of Research and Extension, May 2007 to March 2008)
  • Coordinator (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Annual Seminar, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: 2007 to 2010)
  • Acting COD (Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics, Egerton University, 2 July 2018 to 18 July 2018)
  • Acting COD (Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics, 11 June2007 to 20 July 2007)
  • Acting COD, Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: 22 January 2007 to 28 January 2007)
  • Acting COD (Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: 25 September 2006 to 3 October 2006)
  • Faculty Representative to Post-Graduate School and Chairman of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Postgraduate Committee (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: 30 March 2007 to 30 March 2009)
  • Acting COD (Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: 11 June 2007 to 24 June 2007)
  • Advisor to First Year Students (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics: 2005 to present)
  • Member (Departmental Corruption Prevention Committee, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics: 3 January 2005 to present)
  • Acting COD (Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics, Egerton University Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: 1 August to 29 August 2004)
  • Acting COD (Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: 24 May 2004 to 11 June 2004)
  • Chairman (Master of Literature Degree Programme Drafting Committee, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics: October 2003 to April 2004)
  • Member (Editorial Board, Egerton Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education Series, Division of Research and Extension: 2 October 2003 to 2013)
  • Coordinator (Seminars and Workshops, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics: 16 January 2003 to December 2011)
  • Chairman (Laikipia Campus College Interdisciplinary Conference (ICCIC), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics: 31 October 2002 to 2 November 2002)

Nakuru Players Society , Nakuru Town, Kenya

  • Trustee (Nakuru Players Theatre: 2009 – 2020)
  • Chairman (Nakuru Players Theatre: 2006 to 2009)

Tears Group Tears Group and Peace Empowerment Kenya (Nakuru Town, Kenya)

  • Board Member (2009 – Present) Jefferson Community College, Watertown, New York, U.S.A. (September 1997 to September 2000)
  • Member (Interviewing and Recruiting Committee, September 1997 to September 2000)
  • Member (Liberal Arts Outline Committee, September 1997 to September 2000)
  • Member (English Department Strategic Goals Formation Committee , September 1997 to September 2000)
  • Member (Italian Arts Scholarship Committee, September 1997 to September 2000) Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, U.S.A (1989 – 1997)
  • Chief Editor, Vukani (Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, U.S.A., Pan-African Community of Central New York: September 1989 to May 1997)
  • Research Assistant (Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, U.S.A., Department of African American Studies: September 1993 to May 1994)
  • Assistant Acquisitions Librarian (Vassar College Main Library, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S.A: May 1988 to August 1989)
  • Personnel Assistant (Office of Personnel, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S.A.: May 1987 to August 1988)

 Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York (1984 – 1988)

  • Assistant Acquisition Librarian (Main Library: May 1988 – September 1989)
  • Shelving Assistant (Main Library: September 1984 – May 1987)
  • Personnel Assistant (Office of Personnel: May 1987 – May 1988)
WORK EXPERIENCE

POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS ADVISED/EXAMINED 

  • Cheruiyot, K. Sammy, “Engendering Equality of Gender Representation in Drama: A Critical analysis of Women Characters in Selected Plays of Francis Imbuga” (MA Thesis)
  • Rotich, Robert. “Representation of Social Formation in Post-Apartheid South African Literature.” MA Thesis. Egerton University, 2015.
  • Muhia, Johnson Mugo, “Towards Indigenous Poetics: Orality and Stylistic Narration in Ngugi wa Thiong’os Gikuyu Fiction.” Ph.D. Thesis (Egerton University, Egerton, Kenya)

EXTERNAL EXAMINATION

  • Chepkwony, Mark Kipkoech. “Re-Examining Notions of Transnationalism, Cosmopolitanism and Xenophobia in Postcolonial Africa: A Textual Analysis of Four African Novels.” Ph.D. Thesis. (Laikipa University, Nyahururu, Kenya, 22 July2022) 
  • Onkoba, Stephen Ongari. “Interface between Classical Greek and African Drama: An Examination of Notions of Spirituality and Justice in Selected Plays (Laikipia University, Nyahururu, Kenya, 11 February 2022)
  • Murage, Joseph Nderitu. “The Paretian Subversion of Power Legitimacy in Selected Prose Fiction Works by African Moterists and Gynandarists.” Ph.D. Thesis (Laikipia University, Nyahururu, Kenya, 15 December2020)

 

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

  

  • Mugo, Muhia, Fugich Wako, and Joseph Walunywa. “Re-Configuration of Oral Genres in Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s Caaitani Mutharaba-ini” (Devil on the Cross) in Ruwaza Africa: Journal of Contemporary Research in Humanities & Social Sciences. Vol. 2, No. 1 (October, 2013). 83-104.
  • Mutunga, Felix, Emila V. Ilieva, and Joseph Walunywa. “Diasporic Subjectivities and the Reconstruction of Self in African Diasporic Fiction.” Egerton Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education. Vol. XI,  2014.  171-93.
  • Rotich, Robert, Emilia V. Ilieva, and Joseph Walunywa. “’Broken Temporalities of the New South Africa.’” Variagated Rainbow Nation in K. Sello Duiker’s The Quiet Violence of Dreams and Phaswane Mpe’s Welcome to Our Hillbrow.” Egerton Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education. Vol. 12, No 1. 1-23.
  • Rotich, Robert, Emilia V. Ilieva, and Joseph Walunywa. “The Social Formation of Post-Apartheid South Africa.” The Journal of Pan-African Studies.  Vol. 8, No. 9. (December 2014)
  • Walunywa, Joseph. “Beyond the Death of the Author: Toward Progressive Literary Theory and Criticism.” Egerton Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education.  Vol. 5, No. 2 (July 2004). 71-81.
  • Walunywa, Joseph. “’The Non-Native Native’ in V.S. Naipaul’s A Bend in the River.” Post-Colonial Text. Vol. 4, No. 2 (2008).
  • Walunywa, Joseph. “Patriarchy and Masculinity in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.” Egerton Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education.  Vol. 6, 2006.
  • Walunywa, Joseph. “Post-Colonial African Theory and Practice: Wole Soyinka’s Anarchism.” Dissertation. Syracuse University.  1997.

CREATIVE WORKS UNDER DECELOPMENT

  • “The Golden Era” (a novel manuscript)

 PAPERS/BOOKS REVIEWED

  • “A Catwalk in the Cemetery” (a play) (Egerton University, Division of Research and Extensition, Office of the Director) 
  • “Scholarly Life: Writing, Folklore, Oral Literature Field Work and the Legacy of Henry Owuor Anyumba” (Egerton University, Division of Research and extension, 8 June 2011) 
  • “Multipurpose Community Resource Centre’s Applicatio of community Theatre in the Awareness and Management of Hepatitis B-HIV/AIDS.”  Research Proposal Reviewed for funding (Egerton University, Division of Research andExtension, 13 August 2009) 
  • Embracing Passenger Participation to Help Avert Corruption in Public Service Vehicles in Nakuru Municpality, Kenya.” (Peer-reviewed for the Egerton Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, Egerton University, Division of Research and Extension, 13 August 2009)
  • “Kenyan Women’s Literature in the Last Decades.” (Peer-reviewed for the Egerton Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, Egerton University, Division of Research and Extension, 2007). 
  • “African Languages as Key to African Identity.” (Peer-reviewed for the Egerton Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, Egerton University, Division of Research and Extension, 2 August 2007) 
  • “Language and Gender: Changing Perspectives , Diversification of Research Contexts, Unanswered Questions.” (Peer-reviewed for the Egerton Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, Egerton University, Division of Research and Extension, 2 August 2007) 
  • “Recurring Shadow of Masculinity in the Discursive Conceptualization of Sex in Kenya.” (Peer-reviewed for the Egerton Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, Egerton University, Division of Research and Extension, 1 August 2007)

CONFERENCES ATTENDED

  • The Micere Githae Mugo’s Public Lecture and Book Launch: From the Heart of My Mind: The Story of Our Journey (Multi-Purpose Hall, University of Nairobi, 17 April 2012)
  • Egerton University 6th Annual Research and International Conference: Researh and Expo. (Division of Research and Extension, Egerton Univeristy, 21-23 September 2011) Participant.
  • Egerton University 5th Annual Research Week and International Conference: Research and Expo (Division of Research and Extension, 22-24 September 2010) Participant.
  • Zain Africa Challenge International Championship Festival (Imperial Hotel, Kampala, Uganda, 12-24 February 2009)
  • FASS Seminar: Kenya at the Cross-Roads: Nationalist Consciousness and Identity (Faulty of Arts and Social Sciences, Egerton University, 12-13 November 2008). Coordinator, participant and presenter: Paper presented: “Toward a Post-Modern Ethnicity in Kenya: Beyond Pathological Stereotyping”
  • Egerton University 3rd Annual Research Week and International Conference (Division of Research and Extension, Egerton University, 16-18 September 2008). Participant.
  • Egerton University 2nd Annual Research Week and International Conference(Division of Research and Extension, Egerton University, 16 July 2007). Participant and Presenter: Paper Presented: “The Non-Native Native in V.S. Naipaul’s A Bend in the River”
  • Writers Association of Kenya: Writers Workshop for Peace (Lenana Hotel, Nairobi, 15-16 June 2007). Participant.
  • FASS Seminar: Interrogating the West: Issues in Scholarship (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Egerton University, 21 March 2007). Organizar, Participant and Presenter: Paper Presented: “Gender and Colonialism in Karen Blixen’s Out of Africa”
  • Egerton University 1rst Annual Research Week and International Conference (Division of Research and Extension, Egerton University, 17-21 July 2006). Participant and Presenter: Paper Presented “Chinua Achebe’s Critique of Patriarchy in Things Fall Apart.”
  • The Philosophy and Religious Circle Interdisciplinary Seminar: Philosophy and Development in Africa (Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Egerton University, 5 November 2004).
  • International Gender Conference (Centre for Women Studies and Gender Analysis, ARC Hotel, Egerton University, 5-8 April 2004)
  • Laikipia Campus College Interdisciplinary Conference(LCCIC).(Laikipia Campus College, Thompsons Falls Lodge, 31 October-2 November 2002) Participant.
  • Literature Seminar: Black History Month: Impediments to Dialogue between Africans and African-Americans (Egerton University, Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics., 14 March 2001): Coordinator and Chairman.

WORKSHOPS ATTENDED 

  • Training of CODs on Management of Departments (Office of the DVC, Egerton University, 30 September 2022)
  • ISO Training Workshop (Office of the Chairman, ISO Implementation Committee, Egerton University, 10 September 2009)
  • Research Proposal Training Workshop (Office of Director, Division of Research and Extension, Egerton University, 26-28 May 2009)
  • Workshop for Rapid Results Initiative (RRI): Enhancing Original
  • Publications and Proposals (Egerton University, Office of the Vice Chancellor, 1 November 2007)
  • University Pedagogy Workshop for Egerton University Leturers (FASS Theatre, Egerton University, 21-23 May 2007)
  • Literature in English Teachers Workshop on English Set Books (Kericho Day Secondary School, 22-24 June 2005). Facilitator.
  • New Syllabus Symposium and Workshop for Secondary School Teachers (ARC Hotel, Egerton University, 25-26 February 2005). Facilitator.
  • Literature in English Teachers Workshop on William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice: Arts Ablaze, Nakuru Players Theatre, 11 February 2005. Facilitator
  • Literature Seminar: African Literature through the Ages ( Department of Literature, Egerton University, 3 November 2004. Participant and Presenter: Paper Presented: “Beyond the Death of the Author: Toward Progressive Literary Theory and Criticism”
  • Planning and Instruction for Quality Assurance: Workshop for Lecturers (College of Distance Education, Kenyatta Campus, Egerton University, ARC Hotel, 21 July 2004)
  • Induction Workshop for Lecturers Teaching Courses to SSP School-Based Students (College of Distance Education Teacher Education Programmes, Egerton University, 24 March 2004)
  • Laikipia College Campus Staff Workshop: Achieving Quality Academic Communication in Lectures (Department of Literature, Languages and Linguistics, Thompson Falls Lodge, Nyahururu. 7-8 March 2003:). Participant and Presenter: Paper Presented: “Preparing a Lecture: The Purpose of Academic Staff”

MEMBERSHI IN ORGANIZATIONS/ASSOCIATIONS      

  • International Reading Association (IRA) Local Council: Member (25 September 1002 – Present) 

SCHOLARSHIPS, HONOURS, AND AWARDS RECEIVED

  • Certificate of Recognition (Egerton University, Zain Africa Challege (Egerton University Founders Day, 30th January 2011, Egerton University, Njoro Main Campus, Kenya)
  • Certificate of Achievement (The Zain Mobile Company, 24 February 2009)
  • Certificate of Recognition (Egerton University Alumni Associaion, Zain Africa Challenge, Egertron University Founders Day, 30 January 2009)
  • Certificate of appreciation and KSh10.000 Award (Egerton University, Celtel Africa Challenge, Egerton University Founders Day, 30 January 2008)
  • Certificate of Achievement (Annual Seminar, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Egerton University, 21 March, 2007)
  • Teaching Assistantship Scholarship (Syracuse Univesity, September 1991 to May 1997)
  • Teaching Assistantship Scholarship (Syracuse University, September 1989 to May 1991)
  • Vassar College Scholarship (Vassar College, September 1984 to May 1988)
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