English

Because literature is an amazing and beautiful world of ideas. And in the process of studying it, you’ll learn to read critically, write persuasively, ask powerful questions, and even develop your own craft as a creative writer. We study classic authors like William Shakespeare and Emily Brontë but also Indigenous literatures, literature in English from all over the world, experimental poetry, and even popular media such as video games and comics. We specialize in ideas that have changed the world and are continuing to change it.

In English, you will study the history of literatures in English, but also literatures from local communities, a wide range of international literatures in English, and writing by all sorts of brilliant, daring people, including Black and Indigenous authors and other writers of colour. And you can develop your own skills as a creative writer, too.

Career opportunities

Data consistently show that English graduates go on to a wide and impressive range of careers—not only as teachers and writers, but also in business, government, arts, technology, and non-profit sectors. The skills that employers seek most are communication, writing, analysis, and problem-solving—skills that an English major particularly learns. Also, our students frequently go on to graduate and professional schools, not only in literary studies or creative writing, but also in law, business, library sciences, medicine, veterinary medicine, and education.

Program highlights

• Honours Degree - In-depth study of a specific topic completed under the supervision of a faculty member.
• Co-operative work placement - Gain valuable full-time paid work experience that alternates with your academic studies.
• Study abroad opportunities - Cultural and academic experiences at destinations around the world.

Courses in this program

Introduction to Contemporary Theoretical Practices, Literature in English from the Middle Ages to the Present, Shakespeare, Women's Literary Tradition, ​Literary Analysis

Detailed course information

• First year Degree Guide - Arts
• Program description and courses (Course Calendar)