LITERATURE. LANGUAGE. RHETORIC.
Welcome to the Department of English
We offer students the opportunity to study the properties and powers of language—the fundamental means by which we communicate our values, our ideals and vision.
English is not just about the rhetorical and creative aspects of literature. It’s about examining history, culture, psychology, sociology, philosophy and the human condition to determine what a text means in the context of when and where it was written, and how it relates to us today. Courses in the fundamentals of the three main literary genres, poetry, prose and drama, prepare students for the close study of major works and periods of literature from the British, American, Canadian and Post-Colonial traditions. In addition, the Department offers a variety of special courses in Rhetoric, the history of language, literary theory, gender, children’s literature and creative writing. At the senior level, there are more intensive courses concentrating on specific topics such as particular authors. These are conducted in small seminar classes which stimulate open and intensive discussion between students and instructor.
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Department Highlights
PUBlic Professor Series | Dr. David Hobbs
What Do We Do
Thursday, April 13, 2023 - 7-9 p.m. (MST)
In this talk, Dr. Hobbs will discuss the goals of literary study, how they have changed over the past century and how they will continue to change in the coming years. Emphasizing the (often surprising) relationship between aesthetic appreciation and ethical imperatives, this talk will argue for the importance of our own, individual sense of "taste" and for the value of continuing to develop that sense throughout our lives. BE WARNED: this talk will include poetry.
Angelica Peters Contributes to National Publication of Gender Diversity Data Tracking Report
"One of our philosophies is ‘if you see me, you can be me.’ So, if women can see themselves in a role, they believe they too can fill it. The actions people take on International Women’s Day can help empower that philosophy. It’s a day to create powerful and prosperous change across the world by showcasing these things."
Fifth-year student Angelica Peters is a role model. She began her co-op with The Prosperity Project in August of 2020. This not-for-profit formed to address the pandemic's disproportionate effects on Canadian women, applying an intersectional identity and inclusivity lens to all its work.
The Bridge Prize National Short Story Award
Beginning in 2020, and in alternating years for the next decade, the Bridge Prize intends to inspire and motivate the next generation of Canadian literary artists as they transition to careers as professional writers. The Bridge Prize is presented by the School of Liberal Education at the University of Lethbridge.
The next prize will be awarded in 2024.
Prizes:
Top prize: $7,500
Three additional finalists: $1000
Each winning author will also receive a $200 gift card courtesy of Munro’s Books.
Shining Student Aleah Bastien (BA ‘21)
Aleah Bastien (BA '21) discovered her passion for research and activism as an undergrad at ULethbridge. With the encouragement of her professors, she is working towards finishing her master's thesis for her …
Shining Student Ryley Gelinas (BA '20)
The academic journey for Ryley Gelinas (BA '20) may continue in the same space she completed her undergraduate degree, but it has changed to reflect where she is going. While Ryley began …
Q&A with Fall 2022 graduate Nicole Phillips
Nicole Phillips (BA '22) graduates this fall with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in a general major in the humanities with streams in English, history and fine arts. At ULethbridge, Nicole took the road …
Career Bridge: Centre for Work-Integrated Learning and Career Development
Put Your Knowledge to Work
Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects on campus or by testing your knowledge in a real-life work setting, we can help! The University of Lethbridge is proud to offer you an exceptional opportunity to explore professional development through academic programs and services designed to give you a competitive edge in a fast-changing world.
You have a bright future — experience it via Career Bridge at uLethbridge!