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 with our focus on prominent Canadian authors, with a feature on the works of Stephen Leacock, who was born on December 30, 1869 in Swanmore, Hampshire, England and died on March 28, 1944, in Toronto, Ontario.
He is known for his novels and essays, which were often humourous.
What
Some examples of Leacock’s works include Literary Lapses, Nonsense Novels, and Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town.
Where
These works primarily take place in various Canadian locations, including southern Ontario.
When
Leacock’s works are primarily set in the 21st century.
Why
These works could be of interest to AU learners who enjoy literary humour, irony, satire, and parody.
How
AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth. Courses related to the works of Stephen Leacock 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 351: Comparative Canadian Literature I, a senior-level, three-credit course, which serves as “an introduction to the study of ethnic minority writing in Canada in the context of the country’s two majority traditions—the English and the French.” (This course requires ENGL 211: Prose Forms and ENGL 212 as prerequisites.)
Student may also be interested in ENGL 353: Intermediate Composition, another senior-level, three-credit course, which “takes a practical approach to the art of essay writing by having students apply the major principles of composition in five essay assignments.” (This course requires ENGl 255: Introductory Composition and ENGL 211: Prose Forms as prerequisites.) Happy reading!
