Western Arts & Humanities

I consider myself an arts groupie. I take only arts classes, I work for the Arts Faculty and I’m the incoming Arts Council President. I live and breathe A&H and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My Professors are supportive, helpful and are always there for any help I may need. A&H is one of those faculties where they go above and beyond to meet any of your needs and would do anything for you to help you achieve any dream you may have.

A&H may be a small faculty,but that does not mean we aren’t just as loud and strong as the big faculties. For three years in a row A&H has brought such speakers as Margaret Atwood, Maya Angelou and Frank Warren, all huge success. This year we are working towards bringing even bigger guests to campus.

My favourite thing about being an arts student, however, is the fact that my opinion always matters. It’s not about always having the right answer, it’s about coming to your own conclusions about something. It’s all about what you think and applying it to what you study. As an arts student, you don’t just learn about critical thinking and theory, you learn about the world and all aspects of it, but not only that, you also learn a lot about yourself as well.

Nicole

I like arts because it is a small and inclusive faculty.  You do not get lost in it, and there are familiar faces.  We have a small faculty so the interests of the frosh, as well as the rest of the faculty students, are well represented.
I came into my first year at Western so nervous, but I was able to fit in well to the Arts and Humanities faculty through the help of my faculty soph. I was also a first year representative for my residence, Delaware Hall, on the Arts and Humanities Student Council! Get involved in our community! It is the best way to make ensure you are getting the best experience, and the one that the Faculty of Arts and Humanities definitely offers!

- Aruna Vithiananthan, Political Science & Ethics, 3rd Year

I was not always an arts and humanities student, but changing to this faculty was probably one of the best decisions of my university career. Not only did I meet a group of people I could relate to, but I also had the opportunity to work on my creative writing. It started with the creative writing course I took in my third year, where I was finally able to be creative in my program – something I didn’t realize I was missing from my university education. Now, I am enrolled in a creative writing thesis course – something I would have missed out if I was not enrolled in the arts and humanities faculty. Essentially, what I like about arts is the openness to and acceptance of creativity.

            -Marta, 4^th year English & Political Science student

When I was seven years old a girl named Jessica punched me in the face.

 

She had told me that because I was interested in reading and writing, I was a loser – and then she unleashed a mean right hook that gave me quite the black eye. But instead of being mad at her, I was proud of myself for sticking with my interests – and that was the moment I knew I wanted to be in Arts and Humanities.

 

Being in Arts and Humanities is a source of pride, and don’t forget it! Western’s Arts and Humanities community is unparalleled and you will remember it for the rest of your life. Meeting people with the same interests as you is a great feeling and offers up so many new opportunities.

 

Also, Jessica got detention for three weeks. Everything works out!

 

Liz Nash

Year 2

English and French 

 I came to western with thoughts of Science and high hopes of med school, only to realize that I wasn’t passionate about it at all. While doing prelabs and studying biology, I would always be daydreaming about stories I used to know and books I’d read, especially Shakespeare. Although there was drama in my life, I knew I needed more, and so I made the switch to Arts, and have never been happier. The rush of adrenaline from a suspenseful play, and the roller coaster of emotions possible from being immersed in a story is something that I’ve loved from the day I first learned to read, and pursuing a career in being able to share this love of literature with others is a journey I never want to end.

 

Dena Gouweloos

3rd year English Lit

I decided to join the arts and humanities council because of a first year experience working alongside film professor, Juan Bello. What started as a research project for scholar’s electives, with my mentor Bello, developed into a passion project in which I made a short film. The film opened many opportunities for me both as a student and as a filmmaker. The arts and humanities council caught my attention after meeting many other filmmakers who were already in the council. I wanted to join the council to continue my passion for filmmaking, as the council’s videographer, and I wanted to meet others who shared a passion for the arts. I see the council as more than a Western and arts experience, but rather a venue for students to exercise their creative muscle for the benefit of the school. 

Gianni Bahadoorsingh
Film Studies 

I am proud to be entering into my fourth and final year of undergraduate studies in Arts and Humanities at Western. This diverse faculty creates individuality yet still maintains a united spirit as a whole. Our University College is the iconic image of Western and is home to the beautiful Conron Hall. Orientation leaders (such as faculty sophs), council members, teachers, fellow students, courses, and the numerous events are a testament to Western providing the best student experience. Among our professors are those with awards in teaching excellence, published authors, field school supervisors, and even world renowned Milton scholars. Their passion and knowledge regarding their research and specializations is amazing; lectures are interesting, engaging, and thought-provoking. Professors lend their experience, expertise, and knowledge while simultaneously encouraging debates, questions, interpretations, and analysis. I have met so many incredible people in Arts who have changed my life and helped make me the person I am today. Becoming involved within Western and in Arts leads to opportunities I never would have had otherwise. Without a doubt, making the choice to become part of the faculty of Arts and Humanities was the right one for me.

Lauren Klapak
4th Year 
Honours Specialization English Language and Literature, Minor Classical Studies