“This prize is awarded to the doctoral dissertation on a Canadian topic defended at York University in the course of the calendar year that best advances our knowledge of Canada. Special attention will be given to dissertations that transcend disciplinary boundaries and demonstrate innovation in thought and/or methodology.”

Eligible candidates who have successfully defended their dissertation in a related program at York University during the preceding calendar year will be identified by their Graduate Program Director.  A Robarts Centre committee will adjudicate the prize from the nominated dissertations. There is no formal application process.

We would like to compile the pool of outstanding dissertations defended in the 2015 calendar year. We welcome one nomination by Graduate Program Directors from his or her program by February 28, 2016. It would assist us greatly if you could provide the email of the author. We hope to work with electronic copies of the dissertations.

The Barbara Godard Prize for the Best York University Dissertation in Canadian Studies honours Barbara Godard, a committed feminist, talented critic and dedicated citizen. Professor Godard was a dedicated academic. A professor emerita in York University’s Department of English, the Avie Bennett Historical Chair in Canadian Literature, a member for the graduate programs in Women’s Studies and Social and Political Thought, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (inducted posthumously). Barbara Godard was known worldwide for her important work as a researcher, translator and critic of Canadian literature. A prolific writer and editor who did groundbreaking theoretical research, she shared her passion for literature and the politics of culture by supervising an astounding number of graduate students during her career. Barbara Godard was a dynamic woman and her sudden passing in 2010 left a hole in all of our lives.

Thanks to the generosity of friends and colleagues of Professor Godard, a $500 prize will be given to the author of the chosen dissertation.

The winner of the inaugural Barbara Godard Prize (for 2012) was Dr Jaime Yard
(Y-File 01.12.2013 Two grads earn three awards in Canadian Studies)