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What is Soundings?
Soundings is a literary and visual arts journal that serves as a creative outlet for the students, faculty, and alumni of Oklahoma Christian University. We publish annually in the spring through the Department of Language and Literature and the Rho Mu chapter of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. Additionally, Soundings hosts community events throughout the year aimed at raising awareness of the journal and providing a further platform for artistic expression.
Our vision:
Soundings is “an exhibition of artistic minds” that brings together the exceptional talents of the OC community, giving undiscovered writers and artists the opportunity to showcase their work in a professionally printed publication. We strive to unite a coalition of creative, administrative, and technical minds, establish a tradition for exceptional work, and honor the achievements of past journals, while setting high expectations for future endeavors.
What we publish:
Each year, Soundings accepts a wide variety of artistic submissions from OC students, alumni, and faculty. Once submissions are complete, the Soundings staff selects the best poetry, prose and critical essays under 2,000 words, paintings, photos, sketches, cartoons, digital artwork, and other creative endeavors to publish in the journal. The top pieces in each category receive cash prizes awarded by judges selected for each area.
Why Soundings?
Soundings got its name from English Professor Joe McCormack in 1972-1973 using the story of how Sam “Mark Twain” Clemens chose his pseudonym. Clemens was struck by the use of “soundings” from mariners in the Mississippi river to determine the depth of the water. This name presents a literary duality: not only does this name provide a clever connection to a great American author but it also promotes a search for depth in the reading and creation of literary works.
Soundings is sponsored in part by the National English Honors Society, Sigma Tau Delta, and has won national awards at their annual conventions.
- 2010 edition received an Honorable Mention for the Best Literary Journal category
- 2008 edition received first runner-up for Best Literary Journal
- 2007 edition received Best Literary Journal
Soundings 