Literatures of Modernity

Laura Gergley, Class of 2011
In addition to the great professors and courses, I really enjoyed the practicum option, which provided me with the opportunity to be connected with Toronto's publishing community.  As a direct result, after completing my six-week practicum with 'Authors at Harbourfront Centre,' I was hired on as the Assistant Communications Coordinator. To the staff in the English Department, thank you for a wonderful year. 

Alec Follett, Class of 2011                                              
The Literatures of Modernity program welcomes its students with friendly faculty, important career development opportunities, and a stimulating intellectual environment.  In addition to pursuing my interests in a Major Research Paper, I especially appreciated the exciting opportunity to work as a Research Assistant with a faculty member, gaining valuable experience for my future studies.
           

                                                    
Derek Fisher, Class of 2010
The Department of English’s Literatures of Modernity MA program offers a dynamic blend of literary period studies and critical theory. With interests in several fields of English studies, I was delighted to take courses in 18th century literature, rhetoric studies, and post-colonial representation. Despite the apparent miscellany in the courses offered, with the critical analysis that the program helps to develop in its students, I felt that these courses really spoke to each other. My specialization eventually felt natural with the challenging encouragement of the faculty. The program also gives students opportunities like organizing and participating in a professional academic conference. I was thrilled to share ideas with some of the leading English scholars in Canada, which was just one of many experiences at Ryerson that have motivated me to continue in further graduate studies.

Alex Gurnham, Class of 2010
My MA practicum experience with Broken Pencil gave me a full sense of the work that goes into producing an independent culture magazine. I was not only able to get hands-on learning with practiced professionals in my field of choice, but also had the chance to develop a network of contacts that will be nothing but helpful moving forward in my career. The experience was perfect in showcasing the kind of opportunities that are available to students like myself outside of the world of academia.

Jillian Harkness, Class of 2010
I chose Ryerson for my Masters degree because I was looking for a program that was more dynamic than the traditional English Literature M.A. While at Ryerson, I was able to enrich my relationship with literature through interdisciplinary and practical projects. Organizing the Inaugural Literatures of Modernity Symposium in our practical skills course prepared me for the more fast-paced, public side of scholarly work. My practicum at the Toronto small press, BookThug, was also an invaluable experience working in the arts community. Through my position as research assistant in the 1890s Digital Studio, I gained new skills by engaging in collaborative work in digital humanities. Working on The 1890s Online helped me to hone my editorial eye for both text and visual pieces and encouraged me to extend my understanding of the relationship between image and word.

These experiences enabled me to achieve my current position in graphic communications. As a proofreader in a design studio, my focus is not only on grammar and text, but also includes typography, colour, and layout -- the combination of visual elements on a page. My education at Ryerson also helps me to think more critically in my work, taking into consideration elements such as audience interpretation and authorial intention. Overall, my time at Ryerson has not only enriched my critical abilities but has also opened my eyes to the diverse opportunities for work in the arts.