Three female English undergraduate students from different ethnic backgrounds look at a laptop together in a classroom.

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.

Francine Cunningham and Leah Horlick smile at the camera.

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.

Start something literary today

News and announcements

University names 15 new research excellence chairs across seven disciplines

UCalgary Research Excellence Chairs program builds capacity and provides leadership for strategic and transdisciplinary research initiatives

Postdoctoral scholars solving complex social issues

The Faculty of Arts spotlights three scholars for Postdoc Appreciation Week

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

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 Clara A.B. Joseph in The Catholic Register

Calgary poet laureate's work, life guided by prayer

geography school

Geography Field School in Barbados

Learn about the 2027 Geography Field School in Barbados and explore climate change, environmental degradation and decolonization through cross-cultural learning with the University of the West Indies.

Oct. 14 | 4 – 5 p.m. | Earth Sciences 342

Learn more

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