Dr. Laurie Mcneill

Professor

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Biography

Laurie McNeill serves as Professor and Associate Dean for Students in the Department of English Language and Literatures at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She completed her PhD at UBC's Department of English in 2012 and has since focused her research on contemporary instances of 'folk genres', particularly autobiography, diary, and obituary. Her work engages rhetorical genre theories to explore questions of access, agency, and self-representation in the context of auto/biography. She is currently examining digital life narratives, including blogs and social networking sites, and has co-edited a special issue of Biography: Interdisciplinary Quarterly titled 'Online Lives 2.0' in 2015. McNeill has also led projects related to curriculum design and the first-year experience, with funding from UBC's Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund (TLEF). Besides her administrative roles, she teaches courses on autobiography studies, archival studies, and academic writing, integrating themes of trauma, memory, and disability studies into her curriculum. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes the role of literary and archival practices in understanding society.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.