Department of English
Why study English?
At UCalgary Arts Department of English, we go beyond textbook learning.
Our courses will build your skills in speech and writing. We value curiosity and healthy skepticism and teach you to think critically. You'll learn to read and write thoughtfully and effectively, key skills for life and work.
Dive into new worlds and exciting ways of thinking!
Our classes challenge you with lively discussions and stimulating readings. Join us and start something extraordinary.
Your writing career begins here
You don't have to be an English major to Create Something.
Our creative writing courses are open to applications from any student or community member.
Calgary Distinguished Writers Program
The Calgary Distinguished Writers Program launches the careers of Canadian writers, bridging the university and the wider Calgary community. The program offers free events, manuscript evaluations, and community connection.
News and announcements
Calgary Distinguished Writers Program welcomes Amanda Leduc as writer-in-residence
Acclaimed author brings a vision of vibrancy and accessibility to the UCalgary campus community
New faculty for fall 2026
The Faculty of Arts welcomes 12 new members this semester
2026 Faculty of Arts rank professor promotions
Congratulations to the faculty members who have achieved this next step in their career
Federal funding for research in the Faculty of Arts
SSHRC Insights and Partnership Development grants awarded to faculty researchers
English professor Dr. Clara Joseph, PhD, appointed Calgary Poet Laureate
University of Calgary award-winning poet to serve as Calgary’s eighth Poet Laureate from 2026-2028
Reimagining community, justice and the environment through poetry
Rita Wong, BA’90 and her career in poetry and scholarship
In the media
In the News Rebecca Sullivan, English, The Conversation
How Gloria Steinem shaped — and sometimes over‑shadowed — global feminism
In the News Uchechukwu Umezurike, English, in CBC Books
Meet the 2026 CBC Poetry Prize readers
In the News Clara A.B. Joseph writing in The Conversation Canada
As Calgary’s poet laureate, I’m interested in poetry as a form of civic listening
In the News Dania Idriss, English, the Calgary Herald
Calgary author mixes folklore, horror, coming-of-age and Lebanese history in debut collection
In the News Clara A.B. Joseph in The Catholic Register
Calgary poet laureate's work, life guided by prayer
In the News Susan Bennett in NPR
Would you go to a play by yourself? Theaters are hoping so
Real Patterns in Linguistics and AI
Dr. Ryan Nefdt examines whether linguistic theory and large language models can be reconciled through the concept of real patterns and considers the role of information in bridging the two fields.
Sept. 25 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Social Sciences 1253
Department Facebook
Join the Department of English conversation.
X (formerly Twitter)
Keep up to date with the Department of English.
Creative Writing Facebook
Join the Creative Writing conversation.