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
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
Transdisciplinary Connector Grants Awarded
Faculty of Arts plays central leadership and collaboration roles across the UCalgary campus
Dr. Leslie Reid appointed interim dean, Faculty of Arts
A message from Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Sandra Davidson
Calgary Institute for the Humanities marks 50 years of asking ‘why’
Founded a decade apart, UCalgary and the Calgary Institute for the Humanities have grown together as a home for inquiry, dialogue and big questions
Celebrating 2025 Killam Award recipients in the Faculty of Arts
Advancing knowledge and leadership through distinguished scholarship
In the media
In the News Clara A.B. Joseph, English, 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
In the News Maria Zytaruk and Bob Brennan, on Radio Canada
Imprimer comme en 1450
In the News CBC/Radio-Canada
Printing Like It's 1450 - UofC Book Arts Lab
In the News Vincent Nwosu, School of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures and Cultures, in the Nigerian Tribune
Nearly 300 Nigerian languages endangered, some may disappear within a generation
In the News Kit Dobson, English, in CTV News Calgary
Alberta’s school book removals spark backlash from educators, authors, students
OUTRO: Celebrating Tracy Dawson
Join the CDWP Writer-in-Residence for an evening of readings and conversation with Alberta authors marking the close of the 2025–26 residency.
May 20, 2026 | 7 – 9 p.m.
Festival Hall, 1215 10th Ave. S.E.
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