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 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
Growing up at UCalgary
Pivotal moments and life milestones intersect with the university’s for an alumni family
From award-winning actor to writer-in-residence, Tracy Dawson finds next evolution at UCalgary
The Canadian Writer-in-Residence will host a Literary Café on Nov. 4
Tracy Dawson joins UCalgary as its 2025-26 Writer-in-Residence
Tracy Dawson joins UCalgary as the new Writer-in-Residence with the Faculty of Arts’ Distinguished Writers Program.
Faculty of Arts Research Funding Success
Faculty researchers receive federal support through SSHRC, NSERC, Banting, Vanier and New Frontiers grants
In the media
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
In the News Jamie Michaels, English, in University Affairs
Holy eureka, Batman!
In the News Kit Dobson, English, in CBC Radio
Setting standard for school library books
In the News Jim Ellis, English, Calgary Institute for the Humanities, in Global TV
New UCalgary book explores humanity’s fascination with the vast unknown of space
In the News Jim Ellis, English, Calgary Institute for the Humanities, in Calgary Herald
To boldly go: New U of C collection looks at the beauty, mystery and controversy in our obsession with the cosmos
The Canadian Rangers in Canada’s Arctic: A Living History
Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer, PhD, will present a public lecture on the history and contemporary role of the Canadian Rangers in Canada’s Arctic and other remote regions. The talk examines their contributions to national defence, sovereignty and security, and considers the implications of growing interest in the North.
Date: Jan. 22, 2026 | 6 p.m.
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