University of Alberta
The University of Alberta's literary arts history dates back to the early 1900s. One of the
original four departments at the University, the English Department was established in 1908.
Edmund Kemper Broadus, the first professor in the department, initially set the standard for
those entering the program. The English department is still a strong and vital part of the
University with a variety of options for people wanting to concentrate in the area of
literature and writing.
The
bachelor of arts honours degree in English is a four year program that focuses on various
important time periods and styles in literature, including old and middle English
literature, early renaissance literature, later renaissance literature,
romantic and 19th century literature, 20th century literature, and Canadian
literature. Students may apply
to enter the honours program after their first year, provided they have at least
six course
weights in English and the appropriate grades. While in the program, students must maintain
a high standing in order to be promoted and graduate. Graduate programs in
the literary arts are also offered at the University of Alberta, allowing students to delve
even deeper into their chosen fields and focus on specific areas of interest.
Writing courses, offered at University of Alberta help to teach students the skills and
methods of thinking and analysis required to write for a variety of situations. F.M. Salter,
the third head of the English department and an accomplished author, was the first to
institute a writing course in 1939. Over the years, the University's creative writing
professors have included accomplished writers such as Rudy Wiebe, author of
more than 20 books and winner of the Governor General's Award.
Courses focusing on poetry, fiction and non-fiction writing are the mainstay of the
University writing program and students are instructed through discussions,
readings and
lectures. Many of the courses operate on a workshop basis, whereby students gather together
in groups and critique each other's work. Writers often find the best way to promote creative
thought and expression is by talking to other writers and reviewing their work.
Another way that the University of Alberta fosters an interchange of ideas and perspectives
is through its Writer-in-Residence
Program.
As the longest continuously running program of its kind in Canada, the program strives to
link established authors with other Albertan writers, thereby promoting a stimulating
environment for both parties. Writers-in-residence are a great resource since they can
provide writing critiques and advice on how to go about getting a manuscript published.
In addition, writers-in-residence will often make appearances at a literature or creative
writing classes at the University, offering words of encouragement and advice for aspiring
writers. The writers-in-residence also conduct readings at the University and within the
community.
For more information about programs offered at the University of Alberta
and the Writer-in-Residence Program click on the follow the link.
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