From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge. Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile.
From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and outlining various literary genres, authors, and recent reads and can serve as an introduction for those unfamiliar with these works, as a refresher for long-time aficionados, and maybe as an inspiration for readers to share their own suggested topics. Do you have a topic that you would like covered in this column? Feel free to contact me for an interview and a feature in an upcoming column.
Who
This week, we continue on with a mini-series focusing on Canadian authors, with a look at the works of famed writer Farley Mowat.
Author and environmental activist Farley Mowat was born on May 12, 1921 in Belleville, Ontario. He died on May 6, 2014 in Port Hope, Ontario. Mowat’s novels has sold over 17 million copies and have been translated into over 52 languages.
What
Well-known examples of Mowat’s novels include Never Cry Wolf, Sea of Slaughter, and Owls in the Family.
Where
Mowat’s works take place in a variety of settings throughout Canada, including Ontario, the north, and the east coast.
When
These novels take place in the 20th century.
Why
These novels could be of interest to AU learners who enjoy reading about environmentalism, nature, the animal kingdom, as well as Canada’s diverse geographical landscape.
How
AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth. Courses related to the works of Farley Mowat are available in a variety of disciplines, including one’s that may fit into your Degree Works. (Always check with an AU counsellor to see if these particular courses fulfill your personal graduation requirements!)
AU students interested in learning more about this topic may enroll in ENGL 302: Introduction to Canadian Literature, a senior-level, six-credit course, which “presents an overview of Canadian literature from its beginnings to the present. Authors studied include “Pauline Johnson, Emily Carr, Gabrielle Roy, M.G. Vassanji, Michael Ondaatje, Marilyn Dumont, Shyam Selvadurai, Madeleine Thien, Don McKay, and others.” (Please note that this course requires ENGL 211: Prose Forms and ENGL 212: Poetry and Plays as prerequisites).
Students may also consider ENVS 200: Introduction to Environmental Studies, a junior-level, three-credit course, which “introduces students to the field of environmental studies and provides them with basic information about a variety of environmental issues, concepts, debates, events, and actors or thinkers.” (No prerequisites are required for this course). Happy reading!
