Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University and the Department of English

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brigham Young University’s remarkable history can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives. The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of Brigham Young University’s Department of English.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976.
  • Butterworth, Edwin Jr. Brigham Young University: 1,000 Views of 100 Years. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with the Brigham Young University Department of English: A sample of the materials that contain information about BYU’s Department of English. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • UA 20 Records, 1934-1935 Collection includes typewritten essays, stories and poems written by members of an English class taught by Alice Louise Reynolds.
  • UA 1050 Department files of English Composition, 1975-1983 English Composition is a branch of Brigham Young University’s English Department. This collection contains English Composition’s history from 1975-1983. The collection includes scrapbooks, papers, publications, poetry, etc.
  • MSS 1876 Test booklets, 1986 Test booklets on various topics from the English Department.
• The following items are restricted.  Please contact the University Archivist for more information regarding access to these collections.
  • UA 573 Department chair records, 1951-1972 Includes correspondence, minutes, financial reports, grades, curriculum, etc. Restricted access; permission required from the University Archivist.
  • UA 1338 English Composition records, 1976-2003 English Composition is a branch of Brigham Young University’s English Department. This collection contains information pertaining to the English Composition Department. The collection is divided into five series. I. English Research Files (1998-2003). II. Syllabi (2001-2003). III. General Files (1991-1999). IV. Grade Rolls (1992-2002). V. Student Essays (1976-1978). The Research series contains research proposals and materials from both the faculty and students. Syllabi series contains syllabi from English 115 and Advanced Writing classes during the given years. General Files series contains evaluations and other information pertaining to the department. Grade roles series contains grades from English 115 and Advanced Writing during the given years. Student essays series contains essays from English 115 and Advanced Writing during the given years. Restricted for 25 years after the creation of the records and thereafter open to the public after consultation with the University Archivist and in accordance with the General Restriction Statement of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections. Series four and five are restricted 75 years due to privacy issues.
  • UA 1343 Brigham Young University English Dept. records, 1978-2006 This collection contains information and materials concerning three faculty members of the Brigham Young University English Department, namely Leslie Norris, Louise Plummer, and Sally Taylor. Some of their writing samples, memos, newspaper clippings, and paperwork are included in this collection. Restricted for 25 years after the creation of the records and thereafter open to the public after consultation with the University Archivist and in accordance with the General Restriction Statement of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections.
  • UA 1208 Records, 1987-1990 This collection consists mainly of syllabi from various English classes from 1987-1990. There is also a folder of correspondence dated from the same time period. Restricted for 25 years after the creation of the records and thereafter open to the public after consultation with the University Archivist and in accordance with the General Restriction Statement of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the history of the Brigham Young University Department of English. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other materials.