The English program allows you to work toward a bachelor of arts with a major in English and a minor in another subject area. You may also choose to pursue Honours in English. Grenfell's English program includes key courses that give you a strong understanding of the essential aspects of literature written in English. The courses span the history of literature, from the Medieval period to the present, and explore diverse topics that include courses in topics such as Shakespeare and film, modernism, women’s literatures, indigenous literature, science fiction, pride literature, creative writing, the graphic novel, banned books, and critical theory, among many others. Faculty emphasize experiential learning as an integral component of learning about literature.

Why study English at Grenfell?

If you love to read and write, the English program at Grenfell will expand your creativity, imagination, and critical thinking. There is a particular focus on experiential learning, and our instructors expose you to different worldviews through literature, allowing you to better understand the richness and diversity of the past and present. As an English student, you will:

• Explore both classic and modern literature, from medieval epics to contemporary graphic novels.
• Better understand the social and cultural conditions of people throughout history, and the power and politics that have shaped those conditions.
• Grasp the changing views and attitudes related to concepts like beauty, identity, truth, and diversity.
• Understand the joys and sorrows of others, and make sense of the events that shape us.
• Learn ways to engage with the world around you and appreciate the diversity of cultural work done by writers in Canada and around the world.
• Gain solid communication and critical thinking skills.
• Participate in departmental events such as our annual reading series.
• Submit work to, or work for, our undergraduate journal, Paper Mill Press.

Sample first year

Each student is on their own individual learning path. The bachelor of arts with a major in English is comprised of 120 credit hours (40 courses). It is important that students work with an advisor to ensure suitable course selection and determine an appropriate course load as students have the option of doing up to 15 credit hours (5 courses) per semester.

Below is a sample first year chart with the recommended first year courses for bachelor of arts with a major in English:

Career opportunities

English majors are widely sought in a number of fields for their excellent critical thinking, writing, reading, and analytical skills. Many of our graduates have found success in careers such as:

• Lawyer
• Teacher
• Professor
• Creative Writer
• Business owner/entrepreneur
• Editor
• Copywriter
• ESL Educator
• Academic/Professor

Contact information

For additional information, visit the School of Arts and Social Science or contact Dr. Johnathan Pope.