Yale has maintained close ties with Canada for nearly three centuries. Having established a tradition of scholarly and academic excellence in a range of Canadian topics early on, the University played a significant role in the development of Canadian Studies in the U.S.
Yale first accepted Canadian students in the early 18th century and has now graduated the second highest number of Canadians among American universities.
In 1976 the Canadian government made a gift to Yale of the Bicentennial Professorship of Canadian Studies, an endowed, visiting professorship that brings a distinguished visitor from a Canadian university to Yale for one semester or one academic year. The Bicentennial chair moves between departments and professional schools on a competitive basis. The Visiting Bicentennial Professor of Canadian Studies for 2001-2002 is Brigitte Shim, principal of the Toronto-based architectural firm of Shim Sutcliffe Architects. Ms. Shim will join the School of Architecture for the fall of 2001 to teach an advanced studio in architectural design.
The Canadian Collection in the Yale Library is one of the two best in the U.S. Through the William Inglis Morse Fund, Yale has been able to buy rare Canadian publications for many years, and the Library's holdings now include standard publications and local histories; "underground" and ethnic publications; French- Canadian literature; collections of Canadian music; and historical sound recordings. The Library is one of a limited number in the U.S. to hold partial depository status for Canadian Government publications. It also possesses the most complete U.S. collection of the provinces' documents and receives all significant Canadian serials and newspapers.
Chair: Harvey Goldblatt
Yale University
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