By Alyssa Tremblay
Photos by Ainslie Coghill
You don’t have to be an English major to love reading and writing.
That’s the ethos behind the English Literature Society (ELS), a student-run organization hoping to build an interdisciplinary community of bookworms and wordsmiths at Carleton University.
Housed in the Department of English Language and Literature, the ELS was previously only available to English students interested in reading, writing and discovering Ottawa’s literary arts scene.
However, starting this academic year, the newly-revived society is now open to students enrolled in any program or faculty at Carleton.
The main focus of the group is to forge connections, according to ELS co-presidents Jennifer Jakob and Duncan Macfarlane, who run the organization alongside fellow executive team members Abby Denne (Social Media Officer), Bo Doyle (Communications Officer), Lauren Halkes (Secretary), and Ayla Sully (Secretary).
After two years of online-only coursework, students are eager to explore what going to university means beyond just attending class—as is the case for Macfarlane, who enjoys short fiction and food writing.
"This is a transformative moment for university culture. There’s so much potential at Carleton. Having a place to make connections is so important."Duncan Macfarlane, ELS Co-President
"This is a transformative moment for university culture. There’s so much potential at Carleton. Having a place to make connections is so important."
For their part, Jakob feels personally invested in giving Carleton’s robust literary community a space where it can grow.
A fourth-year student on the cusp of graduation, she found herself reflecting on the struggles she faced as a first-year, trying to put down roots in a new city.
"I moved to Ottawa for my studies right at the start of the pandemic, and it was hard finding a home," explained Jakob, who writes poetry, dabbles in fiction and is part of the editing team for flo., a local literary magazine.
"There’s a robust community here, we just need to set up spaces on campus to help bring it to life." Jennifer Jakob, ELS Co-President
"There’s a robust community here, we just need to set up spaces on campus to help bring it to life."
ELS plans to host at least two events per month throughout the winter and fall terms, ranging from general meetings for socializing and information sharing, to activities like workshops, guest speakers, group outings to literary events in the city, and collaborations with other kindred spirit campus clubs like the Poetics Society.
As a faculty mentor for the ELS, Professor Jodie Medd is glad to play a role in helping regrow a rich community among the literary-curious at Carleton.
"English has always been proud of our department’s welcoming and vibrant student community, and the wonderful creative initiatives and achievements of our students and alumni," said Medd. "The initial meetings and gatherings around ELS this fall indicate this collective craving for connection and community is still strong—and students are keen to organize themselves and make their own events."
"There are also so many developing venues for literary expression both on and off campus—from readings to open mics to writing circles. It’s an exciting time at Carleton and in Ottawa." Prof. Jodie Medd, ELS Faculty Mentor
"There are also so many developing venues for literary expression both on and off campus—from readings to open mics to writing circles. It’s an exciting time at Carleton and in Ottawa."
To learn more about the English Literature Society and get involved: Fill out their new member form, visit their website, follow them on Instagram (@carleton_englitsociety) and Facebook, or join their Discord server.