Talented, experienced professors bring amazing array of arts courses to Vernon campus

Okanagan College Media Release

Award-winning instructors, published poets, experienced editors and publishers, as well as archeologists, geographers, sociologists and political scientists are among those instructors who are bringing an array of interesting and applied university arts courses to Okanagan College’s Vernon’s campus this year.

“There are tremendous talents who teach here,” explains Jane Lister, the College’s Regional Dean for the North Okanagan. “And they are committed to providing students a great learning experience that can’t be matched in larger schools.”

An example of the talent is author and freelance editor and writer Jeremy Lanaway, whose role with publishing company Pearson Longman’s Canadian, UK, and Asian subsidiaries has led him to author, co-author, and edit more than 70 English language teaching textbooks. Lanaway is teaching ENGL 209: Studies in Professional Editing this fall. 

“It is part of the very strong cadre of courses we offer in Vernon that emphasize applied theoretical and creative practice,” says Lister.

Other examples of that emphasis on English and writing include prize-winning poet Kevin McPherson teaching ENGL 150: Poetry and Drama and Kerry Gilbert (another published poet) offering ENGL 116: Introduction to Creative Writing classes. 

A seven-time national award-winner for book design, Jason Dewinetz, offers a course in Applied Publishing Skills this fall. A core of the Diploma in Writing and Publishing, the course (FINA/ENGL 170) introduces students to the use of state-of-the-art publishing and design software, as well as hands-on experience with quality letter presses. 

“Our strengths in university arts go well beyond English,” notes Lister. Amy Cohen infuses her introductory anthropology courses with the passion and engagement that she brings to her community work in and around the Okanagan. Cohen’s principal research has concentrated on the intersection of the law, citizenship and race. 

Brad Clements – a name familiar to many who have been following the efforts to acquire the CN Rail right-of-way for a park – brings his industry experience to the classroom as he teaches the Principles of Micro-Economics.

Craig McLuckie, Associate Dean of Arts and Foundational Programs, returns to the classroom with ENGL 213: British Literature, an examination of Polish, Irish, English and Scottish writing from three genres; a timely course as the UK/GB sees independence votes in its constituent nations. McLuckie is also the author and editor of several books that examine the intersection of culture, community and politics.

“The list of instructors who bring their research and applied experience to the classroom is long. From psychology, to communications, to political science and geography, sociology, Spanish, history, French, philosophy and environmental and indigenous studies – we have many courses that will interest students, whether they are intent on getting a liberal arts degree or just pursuing knowledge for its own sake,” says Lister.

The best way to learn about what is being offered is to visit the campus or www.okanagan.bc.ca/vernonarts2014, she notes. There is still opportunity to apply to attend Okanagan College this fall. If you only want to take a course for interest’s sake, you can register to audit courses (which means you can experience the joy of learning with no grades!)