Program Overview

Department of English Literature and Creative Writing, Queen's University

The Department of English Literature and Creative Writing at Queen's University offers a range of programs for undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate Programs

• Overview: The department provides students with a comprehensive education in English literature and creative writing.
• Degrees:
  • Major
  • Joint Honours
  • Minor
• Courses: A variety of courses are available, including introductory classes and advanced seminars.
• Student Life: Students have access to resources and support to enhance their academic experience.
• Resources and Regulations:
  • Academic Integrity

Graduate Programs

• Overview: The department offers graduate degrees in English literature and creative writing.
• Degrees:
  • MA
  • MPhil
  • PhD
• Applying: Students can apply for funding offers to support their graduate studies.
• Courses: Graduate courses are available to help students achieve their academic goals.
• Student Life: Graduate students have access to resources and support to enhance their academic experience.
• Graduate Resources: The department provides resources to help graduate students succeed.

Creative Writing

• Overview: The creative writing program offers students the opportunity to develop their writing skills.
• Faculty and Instructors: The program is taught by experienced faculty and instructors.
• Courses: A variety of courses are available, including introductory classes and advanced workshops.
• Writer in Residence: The program hosts a writer in residence to provide students with guidance and support.
• Publications: Students have the opportunity to publish their work in various publications.
• Creative Writing Events: The program hosts events to showcase student work and provide networking opportunities.
• The Joanne Page Gallery: The gallery features exhibits and events related to creative writing.

Research

• Overview: The department is involved in various research initiatives and units.
• Publications: Faculty and students publish their research in various publications.
• Initiatives and Units:
  • Finding Out the Woman's Part
  • Strathy Language Unit

People

• Overview: The department is comprised of faculty, associate faculty, graduate students, staff, and emeritus and retired faculty.
• Faculty and Associate Faculty: The department has a diverse range of faculty and associate faculty members.
• Graduate Students: Graduate students are an integral part of the department.
• Staff: The department is supported by a team of staff members.
• Emeritus and Retired Faculty: The department recognizes the contributions of emeritus and retired faculty members.

WRIT

• Overview: The WRIT program offers courses in writing and communication.
• Courses: A variety of courses are available, including introductory classes and advanced seminars.

Conferences

• Overview: The department hosts conferences and events to showcase research and provide networking opportunities.
• QUCL: The Queen's University Conference on Language is a major event hosted by the department.
• Training the Early Modern Heart Conference & Events: The department hosts events related to early modern studies.

Fundamentals of Effective Writing

Course Description

WRIT 120 focuses on the principles and practical applications of effective writing. Students apply effective writing strategies to address a variety of professional and academic audiences.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• recognize the iterative nature of the writing process and employ proven strategies to effectively revise their own writing
• participate in a writing community that fosters independent, peer, and collaborative writing skills to become a more intentional communicator
• practice writing in different styles and formats to meet the needs and expectations of academic and professional audiences
• use clear writing strategies to resolve common errors by identifying and correcting weaknesses in grammar, mechanics, style, and tone

Readings

• Henderson, Eric. _Writing by Choice, _Third Edition. Oxford University Press Canada, 2015.

Assessment

• 0% - Pre-Assessment Part 1: Quiz & Pre-Assessment Part 2: Discussion 1
• 25% - Assignment 1: Correcting Errors in a Document
• 35% - Assignment 2: Outline, Speech and Reflection
• 15% - Assignment 3: Executive Summary
• 5% - Discussion 2: Share a Speech
• 5% - Discussion 3: Award Acceptance
• 5% - Quiz 1: Understanding Genre
• 10% - Development as a Writer

Course Details

• Units: 3.0
• Term: Winter 2026
• Section: WRIT 120-001
• Delivery mode: Online
• Instructor: Lori Vos