Dr. Julie Rak

Biography

Julie Rak is the HM Tory Chair Professor in the Department of English and Film Studies at the University of Alberta. She holds a BA and PhD in English from McMaster University and an MA in Canadian Studies from Carleton University. With over 25 years of experience in research and teaching, her primary research interests focus on personal nonfiction, particularly biography, autobiography, and diaries. Rak's work explores the intersections of American and Canadian literature and popular culture, aiming to highlight the narratives often overlooked in traditional scholarly discourse. She has made more than 90 media appearances and has published extensively in her field. Among her notable contributions are her editorial roles in various academic journals and a series of publications that include monographs and articles on themes of gender, narrative theory, and everyday life. In 2023, Rak was awarded the J. Gordin Kaplan Award for Research Excellence at the University of Alberta and was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2022. Her teaching encompasses topics such as gender and sexuality in contemporary Canadian literature, and she continues to guide research projects for undergraduate students.

Research Interests

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Courses